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Mondays | July 7 - July 28 (4 weeks) |10 – 11:40 a.m. | Zoom, Recorded* 

Well-known San Francisco talk show host and authority on the U.S. political landscape, John Rothmann, discusses the fascinating and shocking — depending on your point of view — events in today’s U.S. political world. John’s comments in every session are absolutely insightful and up-to-date. He always allows ample time for questions from participants.

Tuesdays | July 8 - July 15 (2 weeks) |10 – 11:40 a.m. | Zoom, Recorded* 

Musical theater may be stereotyped as light, frothy, romantic, and even silly, but, from its earliest days, the art form has taken on serious issues within the confines of a lighter style, often making challenging subjects more palpable. From looking at racial and religious prejudice to gender roles, sexual orientation, political practices, and more, songs provide a unique approach to dealing with major social issues. Join James Sokol on a journey with audio and video performance clips through songs of protest, social commentary and others with meaningful messages. Come for the songs; stay for the fun!

Tuesdays | July 22 - July 29 (2 weeks) |10 – 11:40 a.m. | Zoom, Recorded* 

This Fall, the Downton Abbey franchise will come to a dramatic end with the September 12 release of the highly anticipated film Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. Join SF Opera’s Laura Stanfield Prichard to explore the music and dance featured in Julian Fellowes’ TV series and the two subsequent films.

• 1st class: Downton’s music from high opera to London’s jazz scene in the 1930s.
• 2nd class: London’s Victorian & jazz age dances & the modern soundtrack to Downton Abbey

Wednesdays | July 9 - July 30 (4 weeks) |10 – 11:40 a.m. | Zoom, Recorded* 

It's summer, so let's explore the nearest star to the Earth and the center of our solar system! In this course you'll learn about the nuclear furnace inside our Sun's core responsible for producing all the Sun's light and energy. We'll explore how the Sun was born and how it will eventually die. We will compare our Sun to other stars in our Galaxy, and much more. No prior astronomy knowledge is needed: just bring your curiosity.

Wednesdays | July 9 - July 30 (4 weeks) | 2 – 3:40 p.m. | In-person, On-campus

No, not meditation!!!! Maybe you’ve heard about mindful eating to manage weight or transform health, mindful living to enhance happiness, mindful friendships, mindful parenting, mindful relationships, mindfulness at work to boost collaboration and productivity… I even got a newsletter from Fidelity Investments the other day about practicing mindful investing! Scientists and therapists have been finding out that mindfulness can transform us in surprising ways, Join me for an experiential 4-week class learning mindful approaches to activities of daily living, trying out various techniques, discussing experiences in small groups, and optionally using them at home during the week and doing a little journalling. A fun, supportive, interactive class where we’ll explore many aspects of mindfulness together. In-person only.

Thursdays | July 10 - July 31 (4 weeks) | 10 – 11:40 a.m. | Zoom, Recorded*

In this four-part course, University of Maryland historian Richard Bell explores the tumultuous thirteen years between 1763 and 1776. These weekly sessions will examine four of the extraordinary events that turned thirteen loyal British colonies into a united confederation willing to go to war to achieve independence.

Friday | July 11 | 10 – 11:40 a.m. | In-person, On-campus

From the moment of NAFTA onward, the hope had always been that Mexico, Canada, and the United States could act as a unit, in-step with one another on economic, social, and political issues. Not only has that not turned out to be the case, but in the moment, things seem to have devolved to their lowest, most estranged moment yet. This talk will explore anything and everything, including border tensions, culture clashes, and economic strains, to explain how things got to where they are and where they might go from here.

Friday | July 18 | 10 – 11:40 a.m. | In-person, On-campus

Join us for a timely lecture/discussion with an update on the latest, ever-changing events in the Middle East, and with a special focus on the evolving regional dynamics, conflicts, peace efforts, and realignments that continue to reshape the landscape. We will also explore President Donald Trump’s approach to the region, including key policies such as the Abraham Accords, the Iran Nuclear negotiations, his approach towards Israel and the suggested solution for the Palestinians.

Friday | July 25 | 10 – 11:40 a.m. | In-person, On-campus

Three years ago, Russia violated international law and disrupted 75 years of peace in Central Europe by invading Ukraine. Most everyone predicted “The Ukrainian army will collapse, President Zelensky will flee, and Kyiv will fall in a week.” Yet Ukraine has, with great leadership, bravery, ingenuity and tenacity, held off the world’s 2nd largest army for 3+ years. The U.S. has supported Ukraine, but now the new U.S. administration might end the support. How can we help support Ukraine, find an end to this death and destruction, and get the Russians to withdraw? 

Friday | August 1 | 10 – 11:40 a.m. | In-person, On-campus

Our program starts by reviewing the 200-year history of trade between the United States and China. We examine key trade concepts such as comparative advantage, free trade, trade barriers and tariffs and how that relationship grew to a 580 billion exchange of goods and services. We review the scale and scope of the current United States - China trade relationship and some of the recent and upcoming changes made by the United States and Chinese governments to the policies that define that relationship. In the 2nd half of our program, we examine the impact of trade through the eyes of 3 families in the United States and 3 families in China. By examining the experiences of these families both as producers and consumers, our trade discussion examines how trade impacts real people. We then ask ourselves what should be the goal of the United States - China trading relationship and is that relationship contributing to global peace or conflict?

Osher Online is a set of online-only (on Zoom, not recorded) courses provided by the Osher National Recourse Center at Northwestern University. ����ֱ�� OLLI members may select any number of these for a fee of $120 per course. Premium and ����ֱ�� members pay half price.

To participate:

1. Become a ����ֱ�� OLLI member.
2. Review the course/seminar listing below.  

Questions? Contact us at olli@dominican.edu or call at (415) 458-3763.

Course Listing

The Economics of Public Policy Issues

Tuesdays | July 9 - August 12 | 10 a.m | Geoffrey Woglom, PhD

Economics plays a central role in shaping every aspect of society. This course examines a series of prominent policy issues with economics at their core. We will explore the origins of these issues, the underlying data and evidence, and the policy tools available to address them. Each lecture will be standalone, delivered by a subject matter expert with a PhD in economics. Potential topics include climate change, healthcare economics, economic inequality, and more, with final selections based on the most relevant and timely issues at the start of the course.

History of Beer

Tuesdays | July 8 - August 12 | 4 p.m. | Karl Brown, PhD

Historians, beer enthusiasts, and curious minds alike will enjoy this exploration of the history of brewing. We will begin in the distant past with the invention of beer around 4000 BCE. Then we will journey through time to the modern rise of craft brewing. Along the way, we will dive into fascinating topics including medieval brewing, beer in Shakespeare’s era, colonial brewing, Prohibition, indigenous brewing traditions worldwide, and the evolution of beer commercials. This course meets during happy hour, so feel free—nay, encouraged—to raise a glass and toast to history while we learn.

Demystifying Energy Security

Wednesdays | July 9 - August 13 | 10 a.m. | Beth Hill-Skinner

Energy is essential for both national and economic security, underpinning all aspects of life. Yet discussions of energy security often exclude the public, reducing complex issues to simplistic narratives like "Green is Good" or "Oil is Evil," which provide little actionable insight. In this course, you will engage in a comprehensive examination of energy's role in human development. Topics include the unmatched importance of hydrocarbons (oil and more); advancements in electricity, the past, present, and future of nuclear energy; and the potential of renewables. We will explore how these energy sources impact national security, economic stability, industrial production, transportation, and daily life. Join this course for a balanced, realistic assessment of energy security, a critical issue of our time.

Public Health Across the Lifespan

Wednesdays | July 9 - August 13 | 2 p.m. | Michelle Boyd, MPH

This course provides a comprehensive overview of key public health topics across the human lifespan, from prenatal
health to aging care. We will examine major health challenges, interventions, and policies that impact individuals at each life stage. By focusing on health disparities, preventive care, and the role of public health systems, the course equips us with the knowledge and skills to understand health issues in diverse populations. Through readings and case studies, we will gain insight into the life-course approach to public health, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, continuous care, and aging with dignity.

Architectural Oddities: An Off-the Beaten Path Look at Unconventional Architecture

Thursdays | July 10 - August 14 | 10 a.m. | Eleanor Schrader

Architectural history follows a canon of both traditional and eclectic styles from ancient to contemporary times. But what
happens when a mix of whimsy, eccentricity, humor—and sometimes the creator's genius—insert themselves into the mix? Occurring throughout time and in various parts of the world, these unconventional structures exist to serve the cultures they were created for, from ancient religious sites to modern car-culture merriment. This course explores a myriad of structures set against the backdrop of the societies in which they existed, the construction methods used, the patrons for whom these structures were constructed, and the notions of the builders and architects who created them.

100 Years of Magic: The Disney Legacy and Influence

Thursdays | July 10 - August 14 | 4 p.m. | Maria Massad

How did Walt Disney's life and vision shape the creation of an entertainment empire? How did early challenges influence the company’s identity and creative output? And how did Disney grow into a global powerhouse? This course explores these questions and more as we delve into the 100-year history of the Walt Disney Company, tracing its evolution from humble beginnings to a global entertainment giant. Topics include the rise of Disney animation and theme parks, the company’s 1990s revival, and the strategic acquisitions that transformed Disney into a media conglomerate. We will also examine Disney's future and gain insights into what it’s like to work behind the scenes at the company. Throughout the course, we will consider diverse perspectives—from those who revere the Magic Kingdom to those who critique it and everywhere in between. This course offers a comprehensive look at how Walt Disney’s vision became a cultural force shaping today's entertainment industry.