All times listed are Central Daylight Time.

EACH COURSE is identified by one of the following terms:

  • ONLINE ONLY: Both the instructor and students will meet online for the class, live via Zoom, in the designated weekly time slot. Sessions will be recorded for review, if desired.
  • HYBRID: The instructor teaches live from the Moss Building. Some students are in the classroom (limited availability), while others Zoom in. When registering, you may select either the IN PERSON or ONLINE version of the class – both options allow students to interact with the instructor. Sessions will be recorded.
  • IN PERSON ONLY: The class will take place at the Moss Building. These sessions will not offer online viewing and will not be recorded.

Important Semester Information:

Course listings by day of the week

Select a day of the week below to filter courses. Use Ctrl (⌘) + F on your keyboard or your browser's search function to search the entire page.

Monday Courses

  • Learn How to Play Mah Jongg
  • “Voices of Arrow Rock”: A Stage for Underrepresented Voices
  • LGBTQIA+ Identities and Experiences in Missouri
  • Empowered Caregiver, Part 2: Navigating the Journey
  • From Currency to Wrapping Paper: The History of Decorated Papers

Osher classes will not meet on Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Learn How to Play Mah Jongg

Mondays: Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 3, 10 (4 sessions)
10:00 – Noon
IN PERSON ONLY
Course Fee: $40 plus $10 materials fee ($50 total)
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Limit of 16 students. There is a $10 materials fee per student. Each session runs for two hours.

Mah Jongg is a Chinese gambling game played with three to four players. Skill and intelligence are required, but luck also plays a part. Some say Mah Jongg originated around the time of Confucius, about 500 B.C.E., and that it was originally exclusive to the royal class. Commoners who dared play faced decapitation. Eventually, the penalty was lifted, and the game became popular among all classes. The game was introduced to the U.S. in 1920, with English translations provided on the tiles. Enthusiasts today invite you to learn to play and keep this ancient cognitive challenge alive and thriving.

Instructor: Dee Dee Strnad is a retired Columbia Public Schools teacher with a master’s degree in special education. She taught at West Junior High School for 19 years and has been playing Mah Jongg for more than 30 years. She plays weekly with three different groups and has taught the game to many retired teachers.

“Voices of Arrow Rock”: A Stage for Underrepresented Voices

Mondays: Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 3, 10 (4 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Storytelling is a valid and valuable way to convey knowledge. In this workshop, participants will explore how personal narrative can acknowledge racial injustice, strive to eliminate it and create empathetic understanding by working through a “moral map” and “growth continuum.” Each week, after exploring the map and continuum, participants will view and discuss an episode of "Voices of Arrow Rock." "Her Name" challenges the “happy slave” narrative. "The Heartbeat of Women" focuses on the preservation of self, hope, family and legacy. "County Election" illuminates the realization of injustice and oppression. "Ignore the Shadow" explores mixed-race identity.

"Voices of Arrow Rock" is a reader’s theater series that brings to life underrepresented voices of this national historic district’s past. The organization is supported by the Mid-America Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciling Justice Ministries, the Missouri Arts Council, the Village of Arrow Rock, Missouri 2021 Bicentennial Commission and individual donors.

Instructor: Dr. Michael Kateman enjoyed a 38-year career in communications, constituent relations and fundraising. Beyond his professional experience, his academic inquiry includes racial identity, leadership reflexivity and communication and fundraising, while his artistic endeavors intersect oratory, theater, faith and history. His acting career includes professional theater, television and film work. As a playwright and producer, his work has been performed in Missouri and New York City. Currently, he produces the reader’s theater series, “Voices of Arrow Rock.”

LGBTQIA+ Identities and Experiences in Missouri

Mondays: Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 3, 10 (4 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Jan. 13: LGBTQIA+ Basics and a History of the Gay Rights Movement. This session will cover the fundamentals of LGBTQIA+ identities and terminology. We will cover key concepts, including sexual orientation, gender identity and the spectrum of experiences. We will provide an overview of key moments in gay rights activism, including local events.

Jan. 27: Transgender Identities and Experiences. This session will dive deeper into trans identities and experiences. Participants will learn the distinction between sex, gender and gender expression; gain a deeper understanding of what it means to transition; and learn practical ways to practice allyship with trans family and friends.

Feb. 3: Political Landscape in Missouri. This session will delve into the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in Missouri, focusing on how the current sociopolitical climate impacts their lives. Key issues include access to gender-affirming health care, sports participation, education and legal rights and protections.

Feb. 10: LGBTQIA+ Culture and Joy. This session will celebrate the vital role LGBTQIA+ individuals play in shaping culture and community as well as contributing to a more inclusive and vibrant world. Participants will be introduced to local LGBTQIA+ organizations and ways to get involved.

Instructors: Cameron Lee (he/him) is a volunteer with The Center Project. He has been doing LGBTQIA+ education and outreach work professionally and as a volunteer in the Columbia community for many years. He is currently a stay-at-home parent in Columbia and spends his free time reading, baking, running and getting outside.

Kerri Schafer (she/her) is the coordinator of The Center Project’s (TCP’s) BRITE (Building Respect & Inclusion through Training & Education) program and maintains the trans-affirming health care list on TCP’s website. She is a licensed psychologist at the MU Counseling Center, where she specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ students. Kerri enjoys reading, growing flowers and houseplants and being in downtown Columbia with her friends.

Empowered Caregiver, Part 2: Navigating the Journey

Mondays: Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 3, 10 (4 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Continuation of the Summer 2024 class. New students are welcome.

As Alzheimer’s and dementia progress, your role as a caregiver changes. Learn what to expect and how to prepare. This four-week series will help aid the care partner with real-life tips and suggestions that may be encountered across the early-, mid- and late-stage dementia journey.

Jan. 13: Stages, Behaviors and Accepting the Diagnosis. Accepting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia requires time to absorb information about the disease before being ready to learn more. It is not unusual for care partners to be the first people to seek information about the disease soon after diagnosis. Knowing what to expect and having access to the resources and support available can be empowering and lead to an increased commitment to your loved one and determination to get through this together.

Jan. 27: Taking Care of You: Handling Caregiver Guilt and Emotions. Providing support to a person living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia is an ongoing and sometimes emotional process. As a care partner, you may be feeling overwhelmed by emotions that range from fear to hope. Emotions may be triggered by thoughts about how this diagnosis will impact your life, including the anticipation of future challenges. Learning to recognize your emotions may help you move forward and help the person with dementia live their best possible life.

Feb. 3: A Day in the Life. Eating habits, medication management, bathing/personal care, sundowning, changes in abilities and driving are just the tip of the to-do-list iceberg for a care partner. While each person is unique, we’ll offer some suggestions and conversation that may be helpful for you and your loved one.

Feb. 10: Emergency Preparedness. The dementia journey is a marathon, not a sprint. In preparing for the marathon, planning for emergencies––medical, household, and natural disasters––is an essential part of caregiving. Planning for emergencies will make the journey smoother.

Instructors: Teresa Brown is a program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association. In her words, “Alzheimer’s disease has touched my family twice that I am aware of. Both instances have left me profoundly changed and wanting to provide a light to others who find themselves on the journey. Through my role with the Alzheimer’s Association, I work to elevate awareness and education of dementia through the range of services offered via the association.”

Amelia Cottle is a dementia diseases educator/advocate/speaker who holds a “degree” in Alzheimer’s disease. Her current path is to honor the memory of her late husband Brian, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 52 and died on June 17, 2017. Since Brian’s death, she has dedicated her time to advocacy and education as well as raising awareness and funds for education, research and support related to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Amelia is also a volunteer patient/caregiver advocate, community educator and support group facilitator.

From Currency to Wrapping Paper: The History of Decorated Papers

Mondays: Feb. 3, 10 (2 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Last two weeks of the semester.

There are many ways to apply patterns to paper, each producing its own distinctive effect. From the simple printing block to the controlled chaos of Ebru paper marbling, paper decoration has a tradition that goes back centuries. The resulting patterns have served countless uses: as book covers, linings for boxes, wrapping paper for food and presents, a counter-measure for forgery, calligraphy stationery, wallpaper or wall hangings, and more.

This course will present a concise overview of paper decoration from around the world. After a brief introduction to the manufacture of handmade paper, we will focus on three major approaches to paper decoration, using (1) printing technology, (2) paint directly on the paper, and (3) ink or paint suspended on liquid. We will close with a discussion of ways that participants can experiment with paper decorations at home.

Instructor: John Henry Adams has been a rare books librarian at the University of Missouri since 2019, after a bookbinding hobby accidentally led him into the history of the book. He specializes in print and manuscript history, though he has recently returned to the book arts with a renewed interest in bookbinding and paper marbling.

 

Tuesday Courses

  • Contemporary World Art: Cultures in Collision and Collusion
  • Astronomical Highlights for 2025
  • Islam and Humanity
  • Planning to Achieve Peace of Mind, Part 2

Contemporary World Art: Cultures in Collision and Collusion

Tuesdays: Jan. 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4 (4 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

We will explore the amazing work of contemporary 21st-century artists working in a variety of mediums. The artists come from Brazil, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Ghana, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland and the U.S. The focus will be on how artists bring elements of their individual cultural traditions into the context of the contemporary international art system.

Instructor: Born and raised in New York City, Dr. James Terry earned a Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology from MU. He taught at Stephens College for 25 years, developing a wide variety of courses in art history and archaeology. He has participated in excavations in Cyprus, Israel, Tunisia and Jordan and has led student study tours in Mexico and France.

Astronomical Highlights for 2025

Tuesdays: Jan. 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4 (4 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Get ready for a sky full of wonderful astronomical sights in 2025. In this course, we'll preview the entire year, which will include a spectacular lunar eclipse, fine meteor showers and beautiful displays of the aurora borealis. The year will start with a close approach of the red planet, Mars, and end with terrific appearances of both Jupiter and Saturn, with a supermoon or two thrown in for good measure. Along the way, we'll discuss how to photograph some of these events, particularly the aurora. The sun will remain near maximum activity for the entire year, which is almost certain to create several episodes of the northern lights. So, be sure to prepare for the coming astronomical year. See you in class!

Instructor: Val Germann bought his first telescope in 1966, and has been hooked on the sky ever since. He is a two-time chair of the Mid-States Region of the Astronomical League and, though retired, serves on the volunteer staff of MU’s Laws Observatory. Val is an MU grad and taught astronomy for 20 years at Columbia College. He is married and has one child, a daughter, now an associate professor at Stephens College.

Islam and Humanity

Tuesdays: Jan. 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4 (4 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

This class is meant for Osher students interested in learning about the religion of Islam. Dr. Nizam will start with the basic tenets of Islam and explain Islam in the light of Quranic teachings and prophetic traditions.

Instructor: Dr. Rashed Nizam is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has practiced in the Midwest for more than 24 years. He is a member of the Religious Program Advisory Committee for the Missouri Department of Corrections, serves as the chair for the Islamic Society of North America Founders Committee and has served as the chair for the Islamic Center of Central Missouri and the Islamic School of Columbia.

Planning to Achieve Peace of Mind, Part 2

Tuesdays:  January 21, 28; February 4 (3 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $30
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Weeks two through four of the semester. Continuation of the Summer 2024 class. New students are welcome.

The elections are over, and the Federal Reserve has cut the fed funds interest rate. What does this mean for you, your assets and your investment portfolio? It’s time to gather, discuss and reassess. These three sessions, hosted by Scott Yost and his team at Simmons Bank Private Wealth, will explore a number of topics relevant to novice and advanced learners alike. Timely and relevant topics will cover: market outlook and tax strategies; risk tolerance, asset classes and suitable investments; and estate planning and trust administration. So, bring your questions and join the discourse—which is sure to make this course both educational and entertaining!

Instructors: Scott Yost has 30 years of financial, legal and fiduciary experience. An alumnus of Saint Louis University, Scott received a Master of Laws from Washington University School of Law and Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law. He is credentialled as a Certified Exit Planner (CExP) and a Registered Corporate Coach (RCC) in addition to holding his Missouri law license, Missouri CPA license, and the designation of Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA).

David Abbott has over 34 years of experience in the financial services industry. He has served as an investment portfolio manager as well as vice president of investments, with $6.6 billion under management. David earned both an MBA, with a concentration in finance, and his Bachelor of Agricultural Economics from MU. David is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute.

Sabrina McDonnell, a lifelong community banker, has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, having served as a director of private wealth markets, chief customer experience officer and bank president. Sabrina holds a B.A. from Drury University, a specialty certificate from the Graduate School of Banking-Wisconsin, an MBA from MU, and the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation.

 

Wednesday Courses

  • What Goes On at the Venice Biennale? Contradictions and Questions
  • The Eclectic Muse II: Scottish Folk Rock
  • Missouri’s Birds of Prey
  • The Experimental Archaeology of Stone Tools: A Hands-on Look
  • Theranostic Agents That See and Treat Cancer

What Goes On at the Venice Biennale? Contradictions and Questions

Wednesdays: Jan. 15 & 22 (2 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

First two weeks of the semester.

The Venice Biennale in Italy disperses contemporary art throughout a setting of Renaissance and Baroque splendor, a juxtaposition that creates a cacophony of class, culture and beauty. This course, taught by a self-described “non-expert,” will be a photo trip through this cultural event, focusing on the 2024 exposition, with the theme “Strangers Everywhere.” We'll see work that explodes with color and expresses outsider experiences as well as art that tells stories and experiments with new technologies. Visually engaging and mentally challenging, the Biennale raises questions about our own histories, about art itself, and, through a glimpse of this city in the sea, about the persistent question of rising water.

Instructor: Julie Youmans always travels with a camera and has a lifelong interest in art and architecture. Her photos unite her interest in natural science and experiences as an artist, ethnographer and Missouri Master Naturalist, allowing us to discover more about the world around us. Julie made her third visit to the Venice Biennale this year.

The Eclectic Muse II: Scottish Folk Rock

Wednesdays: Jan. 29 & Feb. 5 (2 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Last two weeks of the semester. Continuation of the Fall 2024 class. New students are welcome.

Instructor Evan Smith became enamored of British folk rock in 1970 upon hearing the band Pentangle. Using video clips of performances and photos from his personal collection, Evan will focus on Scottish songs and instrumentals, mostly from the 1970s, including Fairport Convention, The Incredible String Band, and 5 Hand Reel.

Instructor: Evan Smith grew up in Kansas, the son of an archaeologist and an artist. He holds a doctorate in linguistics and a double bachelor’s in linguistics and anthropology. Since retiring, Evan continues to be interested in language studies and history but has also developed an interest in other oral traditions, such as music, especially rock, folk and medieval.

Missouri’s Birds of Prey

Wednesdays: Jan. 15, 22, 29; Feb. 5 (4 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Have you gazed into the sky and seen raptors circling above or caught a silent nightly predator flying by out of the corner of your eye? Are you interested in learning more about the birds of prey who call Missouri their home? If so, join this class to delve into the natural history of the many raptors in Missouri. We'll talk about the different species, learn about adaptations that make them successful and discuss their anatomy and physiology. We’ll also discuss how you can help raptors, what to do if you find an injured raptor and the role raptors play in our ecosystem. There will be a brief overview of the work done by the MU Raptor Rehabilitation Project and the history of that organization. Some of the education ambassadors (actual raptors) from our facility will make an appearance to help keep class lively!

Instructor: Lizette Somer is the manager of the MU Raptor Rehabilitation Project. She first became a volunteer with the organization to concentrate on the care and husbandry of the education ambassadors before getting involved with the rehabilitation aspect. She is passionate about raptors and enjoys sharing her enthusiasm with others. Lizette has a decade of experience and is a member of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators.

The Experimental Archaeology of Stone Tools: A Hands-on Look

Wednesdays: Jan. 29 & Feb. 5 (2 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
IN PERSON ONLY
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Last two weeks of the semester.

Stone tools represent the most common artifact found in most archaeological sites around the world, dating back millions of years. This series will first examine the breadth and importance of stone tools in human history and evolution and how experimental archaeology can help us understand them better. The second meeting will demonstrate flaked and ground stone manufacturing techniques using a variety of local and nonlocal materials. There will be an opportunity for interested participants to try various flaking and grinding techniques.

Instructor: Jeff Ferguson is an associate professor of Anthropology and is affiliated with the Archeaometry Lab at MU’s Research Reactor. He has conducted research in many regions, including the American Southwest and Japan. He has published on numerous experimental archaeology research projects and edited a book on the subject in 2010.

Theranostic Agents That See and Treat Cancer

Wednesdays: Jan. 15, 22, 29; Feb. 5 (4 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Theranostics is a branch of nuclear medicine that combines diagnostic and therapeutic agents to diagnose and treat diseases like cancer. This area of cancer therapeutics has grown tremendously over the past few decades, with hundreds of new agents translated to human studies as investigational drugs and a few reaching FDA approval for clinical use. The MU Research Reactor (MURR) has played a central role in the success of theranostics in becoming a pillar of therapies for treating cancer as they are the sole U.S. producer of four radioisotopes that are the active pharmaceutical ingredients for radiopharmaceutical therapies. Four esteemed MU faculty, including a veterinarian and a radiation oncologist, will lead lectures that will take you through the process of developing a radiopharmaceutical-based theranostic from radioisotope production to treating cancer patients.

Instructors: Carolyn Anderson, Ph.D., is the Simón-Ellebracht Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and professor of radiology at MU. She is also the director of the Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center and an associate director for the Theranostics and Molecular Imaging Program at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. Her lab develops radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnostic imaging and therapy of cancer and other diseases.

Silvia Jurisson, Ph.D., has been at MU for 30+ years and is currently a professor emerita of chemistry. She has 40+ years of experience in inorganic and radiochemistry and spent five years at Squibb/Bristol-Myers-Squibb in their Radiopharmaceutical R&D Department before joining MU in 1991. Her research involved radiopharmaceutical chemistry, radioisotope production and separations and radioenvironmental chemistry.

Jeffrey Bryan, DVM, MS, Ph.D., is the director of the Tom and Betty Scott Endowed Program in Veterinary Oncology, the director of MU’s PET Imaging Center, associate department chair for research, and the associate director of comparative oncology for Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. Dr. Bryan studies the comparative examination of cancers in companion animals to improve cancer care for species. He is interested in targeted imaging and therapy, epigenetics and immunotherapy of cancers.

Gregory Biedermann, M.D., is an assistant professor in MU’s Department of Radiation Oncology and a board-certified radiation oncologist. He is the local principal investigator for several clinical trials at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and treats patients with theranostic agents that include Pluvicto® (metastatic prostate cancer) and Lutathera®(neuroendocrine tumors). In addition, he works closely with the research team at the Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center.

 

 

Thursday Courses

  • Restoring Habitats for Insect Pollinators with Native Plants in Missouri
  • Trends and Opportunities in Urban Agriculture
  • Underfoot: A History of Missouri Rugs
  • Poetic Science? Scientific Poetry? Exploring Both Views
  • The First Ladies of the United States

Restoring Habitats for Insect Pollinators with Native Plants in Missouri

Thursdays: Jan. 16 & 23 (2 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

First two weeks of the semester.

The restoration of habitats for insect pollinators and native plants is necessary to support ecosystem health in Missouri. Such restoration requires the planting of native forbs (herbs that are not grasses), shrubs and trees to provide essential year-round habitat for populations of native insect pollinators that are in decline. We will show how by focusing on such plantings for landscape improvement projects, ecological resilience in Missouri can be enhanced. Emphasis will be placed on native plantings to support habitat for insect pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, wasps and flies. The objective should be to protect all stages of the life cycle of insect pollinators—eggs, larvae, pupae and adults—throughout the seasons. We will focus on selecting native plantings that sustain insect pollinators in landscape projects, such as rain gardens, bioswales, wetlands, riparian buffer strips, highway right-of-ways, golf courses and solar farms. We will show that such plantings can be effective in ways that are aesthetically pleasing, provide food and habitat for pollinators, and protect and restore ecosystem diversity. Overall, we will offer recommendations to facilitate habitat restoration projects for insect pollinators and native plants in Missouri.

Instructors: Michael Chippendale and Chris Starbuck are emeritus faculty in the Division of Plant Science and Technology at MU. Their respective disciplines of entomology and horticulture, specifically in insect-plant relations and plant propagation, make them well qualified to present this class.

Trends and Opportunities in Urban Agriculture

Thursdays: Jan. 30 & Feb. 6 (2 sessions)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Last two weeks of the semester.

The team from the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA) will share insights from the last 16 years of serving and growing in the community. The course will also look forward to some large-scale projects on the horizon for CCUA and its partners.

Instructor: Adam Saunders is a co-founder of CCUA. He'll be joined by other CCUA staff to share insights from the wide range of program activities the group has accomplished over the years.

Underfoot: A History of Missouri Rugs

Thursdays: Jan. 16 & 23 (2 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

First two weeks of the semester.

Missouri crafts have a long history, but little has been written about Missouri rugs. Appearing as early as the 1820s, hooked and “pulled” rugs, in particular, have shaped the crafts culture of the “Show-Me” state. In this session, you will learn how Missouri rugs began as pieces of linen and wool, burlap and cotton, with colorful histories. We will explore the history of rugs in Missouri (Who had the largest burlap factory in the world?), industrial sabotage (Poisoned pins, anyone?), Native American trade pieces and what George Caleb Bingham’s painting, “Order No. 11” can tell us about rugs. You will be introduced to the brothers who were famous for manufacturing archery bows and rug needles, hear what Missouri women endured at state fairs in order to show their rugs and discuss the types of rugs found in Missouri homes from the 1820s to the 20th century. Once you know what went into these floor coverings, you will never vacuum in the same way again.

Instructor: Mary Barile is a lifelong rug hooker. She authored the first book about hooked rugs in the Midwest and has lectured frequently on the history of the craft. She was honored to participate in the Missouri Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program as a mentor to students. She earned her graduate degrees from the MU Department of Theatre.

Poetic Science? Scientific Poetry? Exploring Both Views

Thursdays: Jan. 30 & Feb. 6 (2 sessions)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
HYBRID
Course Fee: $20
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Last two weeks of the semester.

“Science, like art, is not a copy of nature, but a re-creation of her. We re-make nature by the act of discovery, in the poem or in the theorem” (Jacob Bronowski). Science and poetry are not opposites; they are siblings, born of a search for truth and a sense of wonder in nature. These mindsets also share a focus on processes, structures and specificity.

Our course will cover poems written by poets who use science to describe what they see or how they feel. We’ll also explore scientists explaining their scientific work through poetry, to educate, entertain or speculate, with special attention to those rare folks, like John Keats, who started out as scientists and became world-class poets. (By the way, many were doctors, and we’ll conjecture why.) From the atomic theory of Democritus to the possible effects of artificial intelligence, join us as we trace the dialog between the disciplines. Watch equations become limericks, but you don’t have to be either a statistician or a poet to enjoy this experiment in cultural exchange.

Instructor: Rebecca DeNeve spent her professional life shuttling between two cultures––the law and literature––as a legal editor, legislative analyst and an instructor of literature and composition at Columbia College’s Jefferson City campus. She maintains a lifelong interest in the juncture of literature and science.

The First Ladies of the United States

Thursdays: Jan. 16, 23, 30; Feb. 6 (4 sessions)
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
ONLINE ONLY
Course Fee: $40
Premium Members: Unlimited classes; no additional fees

Osher will host a "watch party" each week in Moss A for those who prefer not to Zoom from home.

Dr. Jay Ward will continue his course that considers the significant women in the lives of the U.S. presidents. In most cases, the official hostesses in the White House were the wives of the presidents. In some instances, however, that was not the case, and those stories are often fascinating as well. This session will consider Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson and Pat Nixon, time permitting.

Instructor: Dr. Jay Ward was born in Springfield, Mo., and raised in Lexington, Mo. He was an undergraduate at Northwestern University and received a medical degree from the University of Missouri. Upon retiring from medicine after 30 years, he received a master’s degree and doctorate in U.S. history from the University of Missouri.

 

Friday Value-Added Sessions

  • 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. most Fridays of the semester (Jan. 17 – Feb. 7)
  • All Friday sessions this winter will be in HYBRID format, where participants may choose whether they attend via Zoom or in person at the Moss Building.

Each semester, Osher@Mizzou offers a collection of one-time, 90-minute lectures that are open to all current Osher members. Yes, this is another value-added perk!

Not an Osher member yet? It costs only $30 to join and gain access to all of the Value-added semester content. Join today!

Jan. 17: How Humor Works, and What It Means for You

Humor is a uniquely human experience that shapes our social world. But humor is not just telling jokes or producing laughter. It’s a multifaceted human behavior driven by cognitive abilities, social motivations, personality and cultural context. It can lift people up or tear them down. It can be insightful or crude and coarse. In this presentation, Dr. Chris Robert will discuss several theories of humor and will describe the current thinking on the physiological processes associated with humor (i.e., what’s going on in the brain that makes us go “ha!”). He will also discuss different types of humorists and their impact on social environments, such as workplaces or other groups (e.g., religious, volunteer organizations, families, and friend groups). Finally, Dr. Robert will discuss findings from his ongoing review of the relationship between humor and aging.

Instructor: Dr. Chris Robert received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Illinois. His recent research has focused on humor at work, primarily on the nuances of humor across social boundaries. He authored the book The Psychology of Humor at Work (2017) and has published numerous articles on the topic. He serves as the chair of the Department of Management at Mizzou and is the Pinkney C. Walker Professor of Teaching Excellence.

Jan. 24: Critical Race Theory: Past, Present and Future

This class will provide an overview of critical race theory (CRT), with a focus on its origins within academia, key concepts and contemporary relevance as it relates to use of CRT within the curriculum. The course will include discussions of implications for society in the present and future.

Instructor: Olivia Hetzler obtained her Ph.D. and M.A. in sociology from MU and is an associate professor of sociology at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. Her areas of study center broadly on systems of inequality, with more focused attention on gender and family.

Jan. 31: No Friday session. We’ve scheduled two sessions on Friday, Feb. 7.

Feb. 7: Friday Morning Book Talk Series: Author Trudy Lewis

Trudy Lewis, professor of English and Creative Writing at MU, will present on her novel, The Empire Rolls (University of Arkansas Press), and a short story collection, The Bones of Garbo (Ohio State University Press). Her work can be found in many literary magazines. She will be discussing her recent works and the craft of writing.

Feb. 7: BONUS SESSION True/False Film Fest 2025

This session will meet 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., following the Book Talk.

In this session, Chloé Trayner, artistic director of Columbia’s own True/False Film Fest, will give you a look behind the scenes of curating the festival as well as offering a preview of this year’s film lineup. There will also be a chance for participants to ask any logistical questions about accessing True/False.