WINTER 2021 Course Brochure
NEW FOR WINTER: Three Distinguished New Faculty First Class for New Members $55 Premium Members Get Unlimited Classes Through Spring 2021
Table of Contents Course Calendar 2 Winter Session Courses, and Discussion Groups 4 Winter 2021 Registration: FAQ 8 Registration Information 9 Contact Us: Phone: 415-458-3763 Email: olli@dominican.edu Website: dominican.edu/olli
OLLI Staff Katherine Henderson Director
O
Calum MacKechnie Associate Director
Michelle van Kriedt Assistant Director
sher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dominican University of California is an academic program founded in 2004 and supported by a generous endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation, the resources of the University, and member donations and tuition.
There are three categories of membership in OLLI: Basic Members who take between one and five courses spread throughout the year, Session Members who take up to four courses in any one session and Premium Members who take UNLIMITED courses in the fall, winter, and spring sessions. Scholarships are available for members who qualify.
Letter from the Director Dear OLLI Members, Faculty and Colleagues, Thank you for your warm and consistent support since the beginning of the pandemic. OLLI could not have continued to operate—much less thrive—without the support of: The Dominican University leadership and Academic Affairs office, and especially Associate Vice President Mojgan Behmand, who inspires and helps us find solutions to both mundane and daunting problems; The amazing OLLI faculty, who learned overnight to teach on Zoom and without complaint, even in the spring while the virus was cutting through Marin county; Calum MacKechnie, Associate Director, and Michelle van Kriedt, Assistant Director, whose intelligence, energy, and commitment to the program are essential to its growth and well-being; The Advisory Council led by Bob Shores and its its various committees, whose work strengthens OLLI in innumerable ways; Discussion Group leaders Mitch Grunat, Michael Bremer, and Robert Garb, whose efforts bring pleasure to so many people; Dominican’s IT department, who worked tirelessly to bring everyone up to speed on Zoom in order for our program to continue;
We are very grateful to all of you, and with your continued support, we will thrive on Zoom and ultimately see you back on campus. Yours gratefully, Kathie Henderson, Director
Football Day How Coaches Produce Winners
December 5: 10 a.m. Oak Dowling and Mike Lyons $35 for everyone 1
For more information, call 415-458-3763 or email olli@dominican.edu |
Finally, and especially, OLLI members, whose love of learning has overcome their reluctance to go online, and without whom there is no program at all.
Winter Session 2021
OLLI Winter Session | Jan 11 - Mar 15 MONDAYS
Course
Instructor
Morning Session 10 – 11:40 a.m. (eight weeks) Jan 11 – Mar 15 (No class Jan. 18, Feb. 15)
Viva Verdi! Opera and the Birth of Italy
Kip Cranna, PhD
Afternoon Session 2 – 3:40 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 11 – Mar 15 (No class Jan. 18, Feb. 15)
The Transformation of America: Economic Chris O’Sullivan, and Social History of PhD the United States
Discussion Group 4 – 5:30 p.m. Jan 11, 25, Feb 8, 22 (Every other Monday)
Short Novel Discussion Group
| www.dominican.edu/olli
TUESDAYS
Course
Katherine Henderson, PhD
Instructor
Morning Session 10 – 11:40 a.m. (eight weeks) Jan 12 – Mar 2
Asia in Focus: Politics, Culture, and Society
Darren Zook, PhD
Afternoon Session 2 – 3:40 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 12 – Mar 2
Aliens in Outer Space: the Science and the Fiction
Andrew Fraknoi, MA
Discussion Group 4 – 5:30 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 12 – Mar 2
The Economist Discussion Group
Michael Bremer, Robert Garb
WEDNESDAYS
Course
Instructor
Morning Session 10 – 11:40 a.m. (six weeks) Jan 13 – Feb 17
Contemporary Economic Policy
Jon Haveman, PhD
Afternoon Session 2 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 13 – Mar 3
The Beatles: The Rock Group That Changed the World
Richie Unterberger
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Winter Session 2021
THURSDAYS
Course
Instructor
Exploring Art by Women
Avril Angevine, MA
Afternoon Session 2 – 3:40 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 14 – Mar 4
East Meets West on the Musical Stage
Jonathan Bailey, PhD
Discussion Group 4 – 5:30 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 14 – Mar 4
The Socratic Circus Discussion Group
Mitch Grunat
FRIDAYS
Course
Morning Session 10 – 11:40 a.m. (six weeks) Jan 15 – Mar 5
Child Psychology: Dominican University A Buffet of Research Department of Psychology and Ideas
Afternoon Session 2 – 3:40 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 14 – Mar 5
Statesmen and Rogues: The Founding Fathers, from Washington to Aaron Burr
Instructor
Mick Chantler, MA
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For more information, call 415-458-3763 or email olli@dominican.edu |
Morning Session 10 – 11:40 a.m. (four weeks) Feb 11 – Mar 4
Winter Session 2021
MONDAYS Viva Verdi! Opera and the Birth of Modern Italy, Kip Cranna, PhD 10 – 11:40 a.m. (eight weeks) Jan 11 – Mar 15 (No class Jan. 18; Feb. 15) The leading artist of Italy’s Reunification (“Risorgimento”) in the mid 1800’s was the great composer Giuseppe Verdi. His tunefully dramatic operas expressed the movement’s ideals and provided a common bond for divided peoples. His moral integrity and patriotic yearnings became symbolic of an emerging nation’s vital spirit. We will explore Verdi’s life and art in their historical context, using video (with subtitles) to examine in detail his magnificent music dramas that continue to thrill audiences everywhere.
The Transformation of America: An Economic and Social History of the United States, Christopher O’Sullivan, PhD 2 – 3:40 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 11 – Mar 15 (No class Jan. 18; Feb. 15) As the nation once again faces profound social and economic challenges, Professor O'Sullivan will lead us on a spirited journey through American history to explore how social change has driven economic transformation, and how economic change has influenced social progress. Starting with the early republic and continuing to contemporary times, this course will explore controversies over slavery, economic development, abolitionism, civil rights,and race relations, as well as examining American political leaders, the economic and social paths they pursued, and the consequences of their actions.
Short Novel Discussion Group, Moderator: Katherine Henderson, PhD 4 - 5:30 p.m. (four meetings) Jan 11, 25, Feb 8, 22
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Meeting every two weeks, the group will select four short novels each session from the best classic and contemporary American and British fiction.
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Winter Session 2021
TUESDAYS Asia in Focus: Politics, Culture, and Society, Darren Zook, PhD 10 – 11:40 a.m. (eight weeks) Jan 12 – Mar 2 Asia has always been a politically dynamic and culturally vibrant part of the world, and in recent years, various parts of the continent have once again come to the forefront of global concern and interest. This course will focus on several different countries in Asia that, for various reasons, have risen to prominence within Asia, either because of dramatic shifts in the political and cultural landscape or because of ongoing and persistent issues that seem to defy a lasting solution. This class will push beyond the political landscape and look at social and cultural trends and developments as well.
Aliens in Outer Space: The Science and the Fiction, Andrew Fraknoi, MA 2 – 3:40 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 12 – Mar 2
The Economist Discussion Group, Michael Bremer, Robert Garb 4 – 5:30 p.m. (8 weeks) Jan 12 – Mar 2 The Economist magazine provides unbiased reporting and thought-provoking articles on global political and economic developments. Each week we will review 6-9 articles selected from the current week’s issue. Class participants are expected to volunteer to lead a discussion on at least one article. Participants must subscribe or have access to current editions of The Economist (on-line or paper copies, also available at most libraries) and be familiar with using Zoom. Information on subscriptions, student rates and special rates are available at 1-800-456-6086 or economistsubscriptions.com.
*Note: Limited to 25 participants. A tutorial will be held for new participants on appropriate equipment for Zoom and Zoom etiquette prior to their first session.
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For more information, call 415-458-3763 or email olli@dominican.edu |
Few areas of astronomy provoke our imaginations as much as the search for alien life among the stars. It is a staple of science fiction stories and films, but recently it has also become a legitimate branch of scientific inquiry. In this non-technical class (designed for non-scientists), we’ll take a look at why astronomers are more optimistic than ever that there must be life beyond Earth, what experiments we are undertaking to find or communicate with such life, and what we propose to do if we find “them.” We’ll also look at some of the most imaginative science fiction ideas about what aliens will be like, and what the results of getting in touch with aliens might be.
Winter Session 2021
WEDNESDAYS Contemporary Economic Policy, Jon Haveman, PhD 10 – 11:40 a.m. (six weeks) Jan. 13 – Feb 17 All New Topics. Through the actions of governments at all levels, economics plays a central role in the functioning of every aspect of society. Given the centrality of its role, this course will address a new set of prominent policy issues with economics at the core. We will explore these issues in detail, focusing on what the economics profession understands to be true, while not prescribing a specific policy solution.
The Beatles: The Rock Group That Changed the World, Richie Unterberger 2 – 3:40 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 13 – Mar 3 Using both common and rare recordings and video clips, this traces the Beatles’ artistic evolution from the dawn of their career in the early 1960s through their breakup about a decade later. The development of the numerous styles they pioneered are explored in detail, from the simple Merseybeat of their first recordings through the folk-rock, hard rock, psychedelia, and progressive art rock they delved into as the decade progressed.
THURSDAYS Exploring Art by Women, Avril Angevine, MA 10 – 11:40 a.m. (four weeks) Feb 11 – Mar 4 “I would rather take a photograph than be one.” Despite accounting for only seven percent of the holdings of New York’s Metropolitan Museum, artworks by women in a range of media—painting and sculpture, photography, and even “craft” works traditionally practiced by women—are gaining acceptance and respect in the art world. Art provides a deeper, more personal layer to history; understanding women’s important contributions to cultural life is overdue, enriching, and inspiring.
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East Meets West on the Musical Stage, Jonathan Bailey, PhD 2 – 3:40 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 14 – Mar 4 Through an exploration of Broadway musicals, classic operas and theatrical dramas, we will study Western depictions of and attitudes towards Asia and what these musical dramas say about not only their culture, but our own. Works to be studied in depth will include: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I,” “Flower Drum Song,” and “South Pacific,” Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly” and “Turandot”, as well as the musicals “Miss Saigon,” “The Mikado,” “Pacific Overtures” and “M Butterfly.”
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Winter Session 2021 The Socratic Circus Discussion Group, Mitch Grunat 4 – 5:30 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 14 – Mar 4 At the Socratic Circus you'll find intelligent and thoughtful discussion on myriad topics. The goal is not to change anyone's mind, but to engage in meaningful conversations. Everyone gets to participate, so enroll and join us for the fastest 90 minutes you will experience. Prerequisites: Must have opinions and be willing to share, listen, and maintain civility at all times. *Note: Limited to 25 participants. Assistance with using Zoom will be provided by the instructor upon request.
FRIDAYS Child Psychology: A Buffet of Research and Ideas, Dominican University Department of Psychology 10 – 11:40 a.m. (six weeks) Jan 15 – Feb 19 Advances in child development research have flourished in the past two decades. Six faculty from Dominican’s distinguished Psychology department share the latest insights into the minds and behavior of children. January 15 January 22 January 29
Veronica Fruiht, PhD
February 5
LeeAnn Bartolini, PhD
Bill Phillips, PhD
February 19
Ben Rosenberg, PhD
Afshin Gharib, PhD
February 12
Josh Jordan, PhD
Statesmen and Rogues: The Founding Fathers, from Washington to Aaron Burr, Mick Chantler, MA 2 – 3:40 p.m. (eight weeks) Jan 15 – Mar 5 For nearly 250 years, Americans have stood in awe before the giants who strode the earth during our country’s formative epoch. Bold military commanders, incisive political philosophers, brilliant economic thinkers, and spellbinding orators, the Founders provided the creative genius and practical wisdom necessary to forge a new Republic, “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” But we must be careful not to think of these nation-builders as demi-gods; they were real flesh and blood men, confronted with difficult, real-world decisions. Many of their choices were masterful, and some were disastrous, saddling the American people with thorny problems that would resurface repeatedly in later years. In this class we will analyze the lives of vanguard members of the revolutionary generation, and assess their influence on the tumultuous events of the years 1763-1815.
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Winter Session 2021
OLLI Registration: Frequently Asked Questions When does registration begin?
What is the OLLI guest policy?
Winter registration opens Monday, November 23, for Premium Members and Monday, November 30 for Basic and Session Members.
Guests are welcome — the more, the merrier! You may invite a friend, or friends, to visit a course once; however, guests must register for the course in order to continue beyond a first visit.
I joined as a Basic or Session Member in Fall 2020, and would now like to become a Premium Member. How do I apply funds from the fall membership to the Premium Membership for the 2020-21 academic year? And if I am switching to Premium membership, when can I register? To process this transaction, contact the OLLI office to assist with your registration. If you are switching to Premium membership, you may register beginning on November 30.
How do I register? Visit dominican.edu/olli and click the register online button on our website.
REGISTER ONLINE
May I register by phone? If you are having trouble registering online, we can help. Contact our office for assistance: 415-458-3763.
When should I register? Early registration is strongly recommended so we have accurate course enrollment counts
How do I know my enrollment is confirmed? You will receive an enrollment confirmation via email.
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What is the OLLI refund policy? Members are eligible for a refund of all fees minus an administrative fee of $25, if a written request is received via email, at least one week before the first class of the session.
Does OLLI offer scholarships? Yes. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, please send an email with the subject line SCHOLARSHIP. Include your contact information and most recent tax statement (the page with the taxable income). We recommend that you send your request before December 15. If you are selected for a scholarship, you pay the administrative fee of $25 each session and may attend two courses per session.
Are discounts offered on courses? Yes. Dominican University faculty, staff, and alumni are eligible for discounts. Please note: discounts are not extended to family members. Discounts must be applied by office personnel. Contact the office for assistance.
Are the OLLI offices open on the Dominican campus? As of the time of this printing, the OLLI on-campus offices are not open. The OLLI team is fully operational from home offices per public health guidelines. If you require assistance, contact our office.
If two of us live in the same household, are we obliged to register and pay as individual OLLI members? On this issue we would like to appeal to your sense of honesty. The pandemic has reduced enrollments, and OLLI’s ability to function depends on member tuition. If you are able to register and pay as individuals, we ask you to do so.
Contact Info: 415-458-3763 | olli@dominican.edu | dominican.edu/olli 8
OLLI Registration Information Registration for the Winter 2021 session is online in accordance with public health guidelines. Register online at dominican.edu/olli. If you require assistance, simply call our office at 415-458-3763 or send an email to olli@dominican.edu. Registration opens November 23 for Premium Members and November 30 for Basic and Session Members
COURSE: (C8=8 weeks, etc.), Discussion Group (DG) MONDAYS
TUESDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
Viva Verdi! C8
Asia in Focus C8
Contemporary Economic Policy C6
The Transformation of America: Economic and Social History C8
Aliens in Outer Space: The Science and the Fiction C8
The Beatles: The Rock Group That Changed the World C8
Short Novel Discussion Group DG4
The Economist Discussion Group DG8
THURSDAYS
FRIDAYS
Exploring Art by Women C4
Child Psychology: A Buffet of Research and Ideas C6
In the event of classes or courses canceled for reasons beyond our control, every effort will be made to offer make-up or substitute classes or courses. Course credit will be awarded to anyone who cannot attend the make-up or substitute classes.
East Meets West Musical Stage C8 The Socratic Circus DG8
Statesmen and Rogues C8
MEMBERSHIP (ONE PER PERSON)
COST
*NEW TO OLLI DISCOUNT
Premium Membership: UNLIMITED courses Winter/Spring only
$750
Deduct $50 from the fee
Session Membership Winter 2021
$350
Deduct $50 from the fee
Basic Membership Winter 2021
$25
Not applicable
COURSE AND DISCUSSION GROUP FEES: In order to calculate the Grand Total add the Membership Fee + Course/ Discussion Group Fees. TYPE
PREMIUM
SESSION
BASIC
*NEW TO OLLI TUITION
8 Week course (C8)
$0
$0
$165 each
$55
6 week course (C6)
$0
$0
$135 each
$55
4 week course (C4)
$0
$0
$85
$55
Discussion Group (DG4)
$0 each
$0 each
$30 each
$30
Discussion Group (DG8)
$0
$0
$50 each
$50
*In order to receive the NEW TO OLLI TUITION, prospective members must contact the OLLI office. Note: status is verified by records of past OLLI participation.
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For more information, call 415-458-3763 or email olli@dominican.edu |
MEMBERSHIP TYPE AND FEES:
This is a great opportunity to find out about all the winter courses and activities. Anyone can attend, including non-members who would like to learn more about OLLI. Be on the lookout for Zoom details the week before the event. Feel free to share with friends and neighbors.
Join OLLI via Zoom to meet the OLLI Dominican Faculty and learn about the exciting array of winter courses. Leaders of our discussion groups (The Economist and The Socratic Circus) will also share information.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 10 to 11:45 am, online
Winter 2021 Open House
Mark Your Calendars:
dominican.edu/olli
OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE 50 ACACIA AVENUE SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA 94901