Osher Lifelong Learning Institute announces courses for fall 2024

Experience the Joy of Learning with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt is offering a wide variety of courses this fall that spark curiosity and help the 50+ community rediscover the joy of learning. From exploring American folk music to delving into the art of memoir writing, there’s something for everyone eager to learn and connect with an inclusive community of learners. OLLI at Vanderbilt is open to all who are 50 and older.

Registration and Course Details

Registration for fall 2024 classes is open from August 26 to September 27. Classes for the fall term begin on October 6. Visit the OLLI at Vanderbilt website to register.

Course Offerings

• OLLI Steel Drum Band – Beginner

  Learn how to play the steel drums in this hands-on experience taught by Mat Britain, adjunct instructor in music at Blair School of Music. Previous musical experience is helpful but not required. Classes meet for seven Sundays beginning October 6, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Blair School of Music.

• OLLI Steel Drum Band – Advanced

  For those who have completed the beginner and intermediate classes, this group explores more difficult music with advanced playing techniques. Classes meet for seven Sundays beginning October 6, from 1 to 2:15 p.m., at the Blair School of Music.

• OLLI Steel Drum Band – Intermediate

  Refine your techniques on the steel pans in this course taught by Mat Britain. Completion of the beginner course is a prerequisite. Classes meet for seven Sundays beginning October 6, from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., at the Blair School of Music.

• Meditative Birding

  Explore the practice of meditative birding and cultivate a connection with nature in this course taught by Stacy Elliott, Cumberland-Harpeth Audubon Society board member. Classes meet for five Mondays beginning October 7, from 9 to 10:15 a.m., at the Warner Park Nature Center.

• Meditating with Wendell Berry: A Contemplative Vision

  Discover Wendell Berry’s “contemplative vision” through guided meditations on themes such as love, loss, beauty, and the value of good work. Taught by Gordon Peerman, Episcopal priest and psychotherapist, this course is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators. Classes meet for six Mondays beginning October 7, from 10 to 11:15 a.m., online using Zoom.

• How to Write a Memoir

  Learn the art of memoir writing in this course taught by Carole Webb Moore-Slater, an educator and community speaker. Classes provide practical information and writing tips to help participants write their personal or family memoirs. Classes meet for eight Tuesdays beginning October 8, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., online using Zoom.

• Writing Seminar: The Writing Life

  Experience the challenges and pleasures of the “writing life” in this workshop taught by Victor Judge, assistant dean for academic affairs at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Limited to 12 participants, the seminar includes reading and discussing each other’s work. Classes meet twice monthly on Wednesdays beginning October 9, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., online using Zoom.

• Adolf Hitler and Nazism: Exploring the Enigmas

  Delve into the enigmatic rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in this course taught by David Hinton, historian and former lecturer at Vanderbilt. Explore Hitler’s use of media manipulation and propaganda, as well as the Nazi Party’s political philosophy and appeal. Classes meet for six Wednesdays beginning October 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., online using Zoom.

• America’s Folk Revivals

  Examine the history and influence of American folk music on popular recorded music in this course taught by Robert Fry, principal senior lecturer in musicology and ethnomusicology at Blair School of Music. Explore various styles, artists, and cultural issues related to folk music. Classes meet for six Wednesdays beginning October 9, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., online using Zoom.

• Reading Shakespeare with Film – Part 3

  Continue the exploration of William Shakespeare’s plays through text and film in this course taught by Russ Heldman, educator and community speaker. Classes use film to aid in understanding the text and enhancing the artistic experience. Classes meet for six Wednesdays beginning October 9, from 2 to 3:15 p.m., online using Zoom.

• Cuba and the United States

  Discover the intertwined histories of Cuba and the United States in this course taught by Frank Robinson, assistant professor of history at Vanderbilt. Explore their complex relationship and Cuba’s recurring presence in U.S. affairs. Classes meet for six Thursdays beginning October 10, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at The Commons Center.

• The Trends and Business of Major Diseases in the United States

  Explore the major diseases driving U.S. healthcare costs in this course taught by Steve Lindstrom, health care industry executive. Examine current trends in treatment and diagnosis, and compare the U.S. healthcare system to those of other modern democracies. Classes meet for six Thursdays beginning October 10, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at The Commons Center.

• Beginner Ukulele

  Learn the basics of playing the ukulele and group singing in this course taught by Theresa Romack, teaching artist. Ukuleles are provided. Classes meet for six Tuesdays beginning October 15, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at The Temple, 5015 Harding Pike.

• Choral Singing

  Learn blending tones, vocal techniques, singing in harmony, and musicianship in this course taught by Mary Combs, choral director and educator. Prepare to perform a few songs for an audience. Classes meet for six Tuesdays beginning October 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at The Temple, 5015 Harding Pike.

All class meetings will be on Central time. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is part of Vanderbilt’s Division of Government and Community Relations. For more information, visit the OLLI at Vanderbilt website or call 615-343-0700.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• SDG 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
• SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of participants in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute courses.
• Number of courses offered that promote mental health and well-being.
• Number of courses offered that promote equal access to education for all.
• Number of courses offered that promote social inclusion and diversity.
• Number of courses offered that focus on cultural and natural heritage.
• Level of participation and engagement in decision-making processes within the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute community.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.vanderbilt.edu