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Special Programs and Continuing Education


Welcome to SPCE at the University of Dayton

Osher Online   

Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC).

To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
  • Brain and Behavior in the Era of Digital Technology  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/26/2026 - 3/2/2026
    Times: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Days: M
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Elena Labkovsky
    Seats Available: 4

    Explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence affect the brain, behavior, and mental health. This course examines the impact of modern devices on attention, memory, emotions, and decision-making, while addressing ethical concerns like privacy and tech-based addictions. We will learn how neuroscience and psychology offer tools to support well-being in a rapidly evolving digital world.

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Dealing in Futures: The Shape of Science Fiction  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/20/2026 - 2/24/2026
    Times: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    Days: Tu
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Gary Wolfe
    Seats Available: 10

    From pulp origins to mainstream dominance, science fiction has evolved into a powerful storytelling form that explores new worlds, ideas, and ways of thinking. This course traces the genre’s growth over two centuries, distinguishing it from fantasy and myth, and highlighting key authors who shaped its direction. We will discover how science fiction reflects cultural change and reimagines the future.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1085774520

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Einstein without Tears: His Theories Explained without Math and in Everyday Language  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/27/2026 - 3/3/2026
    Times: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
    Days: Tu
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Andrew Fraknoi
    Seats Available: 5

    Explore the fascinating world of Albert Einstein’s theories—no math or science background required. This course introduces key ideas like time travel, warped space, black holes, and gravitational waves, all in accessible terms. We will discover how modern science continues to confirm Einstein’s predictions and why his work remains a source of wonder for both scientists and science fiction fans.

    View the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1088864630

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Heroes of the Holocaust: Lights in the Darkness  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/14/2026 - 2/18/2026
    Times: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    Days: W
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Howard Kerner
    Seats Available: 8

    When we think of the Holocaust, we recall the horrors perpetrated by evildoers. Even in humanity’s darkest hours, courageous individuals risked everything to save lives. This course sheds light on these little-known rescuers—ordinary people who defied laws, resisted hate, and acted with moral clarity and compassion. Their uplifting stories are powerful reminders of resilience, morality, and hope.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1088515523

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • History of Sicily  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/26/2026 - 3/2/2026
    Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Days: M
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Douglas Kenning
    Seats Available: 7

    Sicily has been a mythic crossroads of heroes, conquerors, and culture for over 3,000 years. From Odysseus and the Arabo-Norman Golden Age to the Mafia and modern mythmakers like Garibaldi and Coppola, Sicily’s story is rich, complex, and central to Western history. This course explores its pivotal role in shaping civilization—and why Goethe famously said, “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1081876337

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • How the US Immigration System (Usually) Works  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/16/2026 - 2/20/2026
    Times: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Days: F
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Michele Waslin
    Seats Available: 11

    Immigration has always been a complex and emotional issue in US history. This course explores how the immigration system has evolved and how it works today. We will examine key questions about identity, belonging, and national responsibility while engaging in thoughtful, constructive conversations about the future of immigration policy in the United States.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1081832289

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Invisible Intelligence: The Unseen Algorithms Reshaping Your Daily Life  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/15/2026 - 2/19/2026
    Times: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Eliot Bethke
    Seats Available: 5

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) shapes our daily lives in subtle yet powerful ways. In this non-technical course, we will explore six case studies that reveal how AI systems work, the ethics behind machine decision-making, and the impact of these technologies on our world. We will gain a deeper understanding of AI’s current influence—and the possibilities ahead.

    View the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1084287983

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Japanese History through the Lens of Shogun  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/20/2026 - 2/24/2026
    Times: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    Days: Tu
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Megan McClory
    Seats Available: 12

    Inspired by the 2024 FX mini-series Shōgun, this course explores Japan’s transition from civil war to peace between the 15th and 18th centuries. We will examine the rise of key unifiers, the roles of diverse social groups (like merchants, peasants, women, and outcasts), and the era’s political, cultural, and artistic shifts. For fans of the series or those new to Japanese history, this course offers a rich, accessible introduction.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1078316012

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • John James Audubon and the Birds of America  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/22/2026 - 2/26/2026
    Times: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Eric Simon
    Seats Available: 9

    In the 1820s, John James Audubon set out to document every bird species in the US, resulting in The Birds of America, a landmark collection of 435 hand-painted prints. This course explores Audubon’s life, artistic methods, and legacy, highlighting how his work bridges art and science. We will examine selected prints and consider his lasting impact on American natural history.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1088042220

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: A Comparative Exploration  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/29/2026 - 3/5/2026
    Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Jeremy Fackenthal
    Seats Available: 5

    Explore the rituals, beliefs, and writings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam through a comparative lens. This course examines where these Abrahamic religions overlap and diverge, offering insights into their shared monotheistic roots and unique traditions. We will read key texts from each faith and gain a deeper understanding of how these religions shape meaning, practice, and identity.

    View the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1096588292

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Landscape & Adventure Photography: An Introduction  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/26/2026 - 3/2/2026
    Times: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    Days: M
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Jonathan Duncan
    Seats Available: 8

    This workshop will introduce participants to the skills and techniques used to create professional quality images of their adventures in the natural world. Topics will include controlling exposure, using depth of field, motion effects, the principles of visual communication, and the qualities of natural light. The course will incorporate slide-illustrated lectures, group discussions, and ample time for student feedback.

    View the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1101632660

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Milestones in Medicine  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/14/2026 - 2/18/2026
    Times: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Days: W
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Gordon Josephson
    Seats Available: 12

    This course highlights transformative milestones in medicine from the 18th century to today, beginning with Jenner’s smallpox vaccine. We will explore key medical and public health advances, the innovators behind them, and the profound effects these breakthroughs have had on longevity and quality of life. The course offers a compelling look at how science and clinical care have worked together to reshape health outcomes over the past two centuries.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1083568567

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • More than Parks: A History of American Conservation  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/20/2026 - 2/24/2026
    Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Days: Tu
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Fraser Livingston
    Seats Available: 13

    Explore the evolution of American conservation from the 19th century to today. This course goes beyond national parks to examine how urban reformers, scientists, women activists, and Native communities shaped the movement. Through diverse stories and landscapes, we will gain a deeper understanding of how Americans have fought to preserve—and define—the natural world.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1096586174

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Osher Integrative Health: Navigating Chronic Illness in a Complex Healthcare System  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/30/2026 - 3/6/2026
    Times: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    Days: F
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health
    Seats Available: 10

    This course, presented in partnership with the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health, features expert speakers from their upcoming national conference, Navigating Chronic Illness in a Complex Healthcare System. Through engaging presentations and discussions, participants will explore how integrative health approaches can address the challenges of living with chronic conditions and help individuals make informed choices within today’s increasingly complex healthcare environment. Topics will focus on whole-person care, patient empowerment, and practical strategies for managing long-term health concerns.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1103800709

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Pharmaceuticals and Poisons: Chemistry at the Edge  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/22/2026 - 2/26/2026
    Times: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    Days: Th
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Johnnie Hendrickson
    Seats Available: 10

    Some substances heal, others harm—and some do both. This chemistry-rich (but non-technical) course explores the fine line between pharmaceuticals and poisons. We will examine drug development, venom-inspired medicine, and the history of FDA regulation shaped by scandal and reform. From aspirin’s industrial roots to Gila monster hormones, participants will uncover the fascinating, sometimes unsettling chemistry behind what we choose to swallow.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1088760825

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Post Impressionism and the Birth of Abstraction  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/26/2026 - 3/2/2026
    Times: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
    Days: M
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Lauren Weingarden
    Seats Available: 11

    This course explores Post-Impressionism’s bold departure from naturalistic light and color, focusing on the expressive use of form, symbolism, and vivid, often unnatural color. Through the work of Cézanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, Seurat, and Matisse, we will trace the movement’s challenge to artistic norms and social values—laying the foundation for modern art and redefining the artist’s role in society.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1088903189

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • The American Revolution Beyond the British Empire  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/17/2026 - 2/21/2026
    Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Days: Sa
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Rick Bell
    Seats Available: 7

    This course reframes the American Revolution as a global event shaped by imperial rivalries and geopolitical forces. Each session focuses on a different group—Germans, French, Spaniards, South Asians, and others—revealing how their experiences intersected with the collapse of British rule in North America. By viewing the Revolution through a global lens, participants will uncover new perspectives on its causes, course, and consequences.

    View the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1082660213

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • The History of American Television  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/26/2026 - 3/2/2026
    Times: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    Days: M
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Jim McKairnes
    Seats Available: 11

    This engaging, video-rich course tells the story of American television—from its 1920s origins to today’s streaming era. We will explore decades of iconic shows, genres, and cultural moments that shaped the medium and its audiences. From sitcoms and dramas to news and sports, we will rediscover how TV evolved, adapted, and transformed American culture—one broadcast, cable channel, and streaming service at a time.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1090168753

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • The Magic Behind Film Scores: Exploring the Role of Music in Great Movies  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/14/2026 - 2/18/2026
    Times: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
    Days: W
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Mike Agron
    Seats Available: 12

    Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles—jazz, classical, pop—into powerful cinematic impressions. We will discuss how composers shape emotion across genres like drama, romance, comedy, sci-fi, and westerns. From The Jazz Singer to James Bond, we will trace the evolution of film scores, spotlighting legendary composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams. Celebrate the artistry of film music and its lasting emotional impact.

    Watch the commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1093803729

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • The Noir Novel: Three American Classics  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/20/2026 - 2/24/2026
    Times: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Days: Tu
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Peter Kaye
    Seats Available: 12

    Explore the noir novel through Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon, Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep, and Sara Paretsky’s Indemnity Only. From hardboiled detectives navigating gritty cityscapes to Paretsky’s feminist reimagining of the genre, this course traces the evolution of noir fiction. Film clips from classic adaptations will highlight the genre’s impact on both literature and cinema.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1088765973

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • The Virtues  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/14/2026 - 2/18/2026
    Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Days: W
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: David Smith
    Seats Available: 8

    Virtue theory asks not just how to do good, but how to be good. This course explores timeless questions of character through the lens of thinkers like Aristotle, Jesus, the Buddha, and Confucius. We will reflect on key virtues—such as honesty, courage, compassion, and respect—and consider practical ways to cultivate them in daily life. The full series may be taught as two separate courses.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1089182569

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

  • Using Google Workspace Tools with Confidence  (ZOOM)
  • Fee: $50.00
    Dates: 1/21/2026 - 2/25/2026
    Times: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    Days: W
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Online
    Room: 
    Instructor: Chelsea King
    Seats Available: 5

    This beginner-friendly course introduces Google Workspace tools like Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. We will learn core features, basic navigation, and practical applications for personal and professional use. With guided instruction and real-world examples, the course builds confidence and foundational skills to boost productivity and collaboration.

    Watch the Commercial -  https://vimeo.com/1096589491

    Note: Osher Online courses are offered through the Osher National Resource Center (NRC). To register for these courses only, you would not need to pay the Winter 2026 term fee. You only need an active UDOLLI membership ($40).
 

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