OLLI at Duke - Fall 2023 Course Catalog

Fall 2023

Welcome!

On behalf of the OLLI at Duke staff, I want to extend to you a warm welcome back to the OLLI community!

I hope you’re as excited about the upcoming fall term as we are. When you review the catalog, you’ll see a variety of new courses, new instructors and information about the OLLI Fall Social on October 10.

Whether you’re taking an online or an in-person course, I encourage you to check out our Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These groups meet regularly online to discuss topics of interest, share ideas and build community. You can find a list of our SIGs on our website

I also want to take a moment to thank our amazing OLLI volunteers, instructors, board members, moderators, class assistants and SIG leaders. Your hard work and dedication make OLLI possible. We couldn’t do it without you!

The staff and I can’t wait to see you in September. In the meantime, keep an eye out for our weekly newsletter with the latest news and upcoming events. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Chris McLeod, J.D. Director, OLLI at Duke

Our Mission

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University seeks to engage the minds, elevate the spirits and foster the well-being of its members through numerous educational programs and opportunities for volunteer service and social activity.

Our Vision

We seek to provide a premier, quality, cost-effective noncredit curriculum with courses that cover a wide range of interests in history, literature, the natural and social sciences, the fine arts and current events.

Our History

OLLI at Duke is one of the oldest and largest institutes within the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute network. Established in 1977 as the Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement (DILR), the program was renamed the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Duke in 2006 in honor of the Bernard Osher Foundation. Membership has grown from the original 42 members to as high as 2,570 members in 2019. The current membership is 1,913.

Fall 2023 Registration

Registration for Fall 2023 opens on Tuesday, August 22, at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, August 23, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses. To become an OLLI member and create an account, go to learnmore.duke.edu/olli and click “Join OLLI.” We recommend joining in advance of registration. Note: This login information is also used to access your online class sessions.

• This helpful video provides tips and strategies for successful online registration.

In-Person Learning

For the Fall 2023 term, we will be hosting in-person courses in the Education Building at Judea Reform Congregation (JRC), located at 1933 W. Cornwallis Road in Durham, and at a few offsite locations. These courses are marked with the school icon shown above. If you plan to enroll in an in-person course, please see the guidelines at learnmore.duke.edu/olli/person-guidelines before registering.

Online Learning

Taking courses online is both convenient and accessible. No need to worry about parking or traffic. With Zoom, you have a front-row seat for all your courses. These courses are marked with the Zoom icon shown above.

Many online courses are recorded for enrollees to watch later. You can even enroll in a course to only watch recordings. These are marked with the recording icon:

Zoom Links

Once you register for a course, the Zoom link will be in your Student Portal at learnmore.duke.edu/olli. For detailed directions, please visit www.olliatduke.online/studentlink

Technology Needed for Zoom Courses

Here is the basic technology you’ll need to take an OLLI online course via Zoom:

• A laptop, desktop computer, tablet or smartphone

• Speakers, a headset or earbuds

• A microphone, either internal or external (if speaking in class)

• A webcam, either internal or external (if showing your own video)

• A reliable internet connection (minimum 20 Mbps download speed recommended; connection speed can be checked at www.speedtest.net)

Join us for Zoom Basics & Refresher: Thursday, August 24, 10 a.m. ET. The link will be provided in a member newsletter closer to the event.

OLLI at Duke Board of Advisors

2023-2024 Officers

(one-year elected term)

President: Bobbie Hendrix

Vice President: Ellen Luken

Past President: Marion Jervay

Advisors at Large

(two-year elected term)

To 2025: Ben Edwards, Carol Hamilton

To 2024: Kenneth Chestnut Sr., Ted Segal

Committee Chairs

(one-year appointed term)

Community Engagement: Diane Hundley

Curriculum: Vacant

Instructor Relations:

Alan Teasley

Legacy: Lisa Gabriel

Leadership Development: Susan Dennison

Member Engagement: Vacant

Social Activities & Hospitality: Vacant

Ex Officio Board Members

Board Recording Secretary: Donna West

Director: Chris McLeod

About OLLI at Duke

We are a learning community. OLLI members have wideranging interests in history, literature, the natural and social sciences, wellness, the fine arts and current events. Most of our course offerings are based on members’ requests and the expertise and interests of our instructors. Our curriculum is developed by the Curriculum Committee, which is composed of 11 member volunteers who recruit instructors and carefully curate courses.

We embrace “learning for the love of it.” Both our members and our instructors appreciate that OLLI courses have no tests or grades. While our courses rarely require homework, active participation is encouraged.

Our instructors teach for the love of learning. No tests or grades means that instructors can focus on what is most important to them — teaching. If you find a course inspiring or meaningful, please share your gratitude directly with the instructor.

OLLI at Duke is a cooperative venture. Dozens of volunteers are involved in making the magic happen for OLLI members. Getting involved is a great way to make new connections and build community. Members serve as course moderators or class assistants, lead small group discussions and serve on the Board of Advisors to ensure the excellence of OLLI at Duke.

Access & Accommodations

Duke University has policies in place to ensure people with a wide range of abilities have equal access to its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided at any course location, please contact the OLLI office by email before your course begins at olli@duke.edu.

Join OLLI at Duke

Becoming a member of OLLI at Duke is easy. Our annual membership fee of $60 entitles members to enroll in courses, participate in special interest groups, attend social events and vote in elections. To join, go to learnmore.duke.edu/olli

Scholarship Support

We want OLLI at Duke courses to be accessible to all who have a passion for lifelong learning. Thanks to the generosity of Lynne Blake, a former OLLI president, scholarship support is available to those who may not otherwise be able to attend. For information, please email Kathy.Parrish@duke.edu and ask about our Community Membership. All requests are confidential.

Other Questions?

We have lots more information about OLLI at Duke on our website! You can find out about our policies, FAQs, how to get involved and more. Visit learnmore.duke.edu/olli.

Contact Information

To join, learn more or register for a course: learnmore.duke.edu/olli

For general and technical questions and member support: olli@duke.edu

For concerns and feedback: Director, OLLI at Duke — Chris.McLeod@duke.edu

For curriculum and volunteer opportunities: Jenny.Levine@duke.edu

For in-person courses/SIGs/ instructor support: Kathy.Parrish@duke.edu

For online courses/communications/technology/instructor support: Betina.Huntwork@duke.edu

For registration inquiries: learnmore@duke.edu

OLLI Course Support Staff

Jonathan Bitner, Beth Bowling, Alease Davis, Annette Gooch, Jay Starks, Annie Taft, Mary Thompson and Beverly Thorpe

OLLI at Duke staff at the 45th Anniversary Celebration, May 31. Back row (left to right): Beth Bowling, Betina Huntwork, Kathy Parrish, Beverly Thorpe, Jonathan Bitner; front row: Annie Taft, Jenny Levine, Alease Davis, Annette Gooch. Not pictured: James “Jay” Starks and Mary Thompson.

Photograph by Les Todd / LKT Photography Inc

Important Dates

Tuesday & Wednesday, August 22-23

9 a.m. ET — Registration opens for Fall courses

Thursday, August 24 10 a.m. ET — Zoom

Basics & Refresher

Thursday, September 7 10 a.m. ET in person and 2 p.m. ET online — New Member Meet & Greet

Monday, September 11 Fall courses begin

Monday, September 25 No classes, Yom Kippur

Monday, November 20

Last day for most Fall courses

Tuesday-Friday, November 21-24 Closed for Thanksgiving

Monday-Thursday, November 27-30

Makeup classes

Wednesday, December 20

Last day to view Fall course recordings

OLLI at Duke Code of Conduct

Curiosity + Connection + Kindness + Compassion = Community

OLLI at Duke endeavors to create a positive and affirming environment that fosters learning and social connection. Members, instructors and staff are expected to demonstrate mutual respect, personal and academic integrity, kindness and a commitment to civil discourse. Ensuring OLLI at Duke is a welcoming, inclusive and affirming learning community is a responsibility we all share. These principles apply to all OLLI courses, whether they are in person or online.

We welcome a lively and passionate exchange of ideas and perspectives. Opposing viewpoints are welcomed and appreciated. Instructors are responsible for leading and moderating classroom discussions. Instructors have the prerogative of inviting/allowing questions throughout the class or asking members to hold their questions until the end of the class or another designated time.

Members, instructors and staff of the OLLI at Duke community are encouraged to contact the director (Chris.McLeod@duke.edu) if they observe behavior that is a significant violation of this code of conduct. The director will investigate, and, if there is a problem, she will address it directly with the alleged violator and determine the consequences. Violations of the code of conduct may result in the suspension or termination of membership/teaching privileges for a member or instructor, or a disciplinary warning/termination of employment for a staff member.

OLLI on YouTube

Did you know OLLI at Duke has a new YouTube Channel? We’ve been collecting recordings from special speakers, community reads, special events, and historical moments from over 45 years of OLLI at Duke. Check out the channel, and join the community by liking or commenting on a video. You can even subscribe to the channel and click the bell to be notified when the next video gets released. www.youtube.com/@OLLIatDuke

Check out these recent posts: OLLI Founders, OLLI Leaders, and OLLI Instructors.

Free Information Session: Vivo Exercise Class

Tuesday, August 29 • 11 a.m. ET

Through a collaboration between OLLI at Duke and Vivo, OLLI members have the exclusive* opportunity to participate in interactive virtual exercise classes led by certified personal trainers who have extensive experience with older adults. Vivo is a breakthrough interactive online strength-training fitness program scientifically designed for adults 55 and older that you can join from the safety of your home. These small-group classes are taught by live certified trainers who are focused on building participants’ strength by integrating stretching, balance, cognitive and resistance exercises in a safe, engaging way. Vivo classes are small enough that you get the personal attention you need. And because the classes are taught virtually, you can access everything from the comfort and safety of your own home.

The Vivo program is funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health and was designed by Duke alum Eric Levitan (’92) and Kathryn Starr, an associate professor in the Duke School of Medicine. Participants improve their strength, balance and mobility by an average of 25% in just eight weeks.

Eric Levitan started Vivo to help his parents build their strength and maintain their independence. Read more about his story in this Next Avenue column. Read about Vivo in The New York Times!

See the course description on page 50. This course is only available to first-time registrants. If you participated during the Winter 23 term, you are not eligible to participate. Four sections are offered; each meets twice a week for eight weeks. To learn more about Vivo, visit www.teamvivo.com Join

New Member Meet & Greet

Thursday, September 7

Venue Abbreviations & Addresses

BA The Bridge Academy, 2634 DurhamChapel Hill Road, Suite 102, Durham

CV Croasdaile Village Retirement Community, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, Durham

JRC Judea Reform Congregation, Education Building, 1933 W Cornwallis Road, Durham

NCMA North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh

NM Nasher Museum, 2001 Campus Drive, Duke University, Durham

OFT Offsite Field Trip (see course description)

Z Online via Zoom

See page 10 for index of courses by location

Sep 13 (6), 1:30-3:30

(JRC) ..................43

in the Band (JRC) 31

Sep 13 (6), 3:30-4:45 Share Your Story (Z) 30

Oct 4 (6), 9-10:15 ....... Twilight of the Habsburgs (Z)... 26

Oct 4 (3), 1-12:30 Art From the Dutch Golden Age, Sec 1 (NCMA) 13

Oct 4 (3), 11-12:30 ...... Art From the Dutch Golden Age, Sec 2 (Zoom) 13

Oct 4 (6), 11-1 Intro to Drawing and Painting (Z) .................. 19

Courses by Instructor

Scenes from our 45th Anniversary event in May

Planning Your Course Schedule

This catalog is organized by course subject, with helpful indexes on pages 8 -11. Throughout the catalog, each page number in the text or in an index is a link to that page. All course description pages include a “Return to Course Indexes” link at the bottom.

• Tip: Course ID numbers make registering easy. Refer to them while registering online and when tracking course confirmations or the waitlist status of a course. Find a course even faster by typing the course ID number into “Advanced Search.”

Photographs by Les Todd / LKT Photography Inc

Art & Architecture

Art From the Dutch Golden Age: Trade & Colonialism

IN PERSON / ONLINE: Most people are familiar with the beautiful tulips, pearl earrings, atmospheric landscapes and penetrating portraits of 17th-century Dutch paintings, produced by artists like Vermeer, Rembrandt and Frans Hals. These works sparked the Dutch golden age, when the Netherlands became an independent republic (1648) and emerged as the most prosperous nation in Europe. This course will use works from the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Dutch collection and works from its special fall 2023 exhibition, “Dutch Art in a Global Age: Masterpieces From the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston,” to explore how paintings from this remarkable time and place represent the fruits of commercial global trade, a burgeoning middle class and, also, the darker side of colonialism. Students may register for three lectures or three lectures plus three gallery tours. See the website www.kristinedoor.com for a syllabus and further information. • Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Participants can sign up for just the lectures (sections 1 or 2) or for the lectures plus gallery tours (sections 3 to 6). Section 1, in-person lectures only. Section 2 , online lectures only (students will be able to interact via Zoom chat). Sections 3 to 6 will include the in-person lectures plus three in-person gallery tours. (We are not offering an option to register for the online lectures plus the in-person gallery tours.) Recordings of the lectures will be available to all registered participants; gallery tours will not be recorded.

All in-person sessions will meet at the NCMA, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, 27607.

The 90-minute lectures will be held in the Museum auditorium. Gallery tour attendees must obtain NCMA tickets for the exhibition (one-time fee). Gallery tours will be 75 minutes.

Kristine Door, Ph.D., taught art history at the University of North Dakota for over a decade before moving to Raleigh in 1995. Until her retirement, she lectured at the North Carolina Museum of Art and directed the museum’s docent program. Kris has offered an OLLI art history course each year since 2007.

Section 1 • Lectures Only

• Lecture sessions: 3 Wed, Oct 4, 11 & 25, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at NCMA; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $75; Course ID: 3628-001

Section 2 • Lectures Only

• Lecture sessions: 3 Wed, Oct 4, 11 & 25, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $75; Course ID: 3628-002

Section 3 • Lectures + Gallery Tours

• Lecture sessions: See Section 1

• Gallery tours: 3 Wed, Oct 18, Nov 1 & 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• In person at NCMA, Raleigh

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $140; Course ID: 3628-03

Section 4 • Lectures + Gallery Tours

• Lecture sessions: See Section 1

• Gallery tours: 3 Wed, Oct 18, Nov 1 & 8, 12-1 p.m.

• In person at NCMA, Raleigh

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $140; Course ID: 3628-04

Section 5 • Lectures + Gallery Tours

• Lecture sessions: See Section 1

• Gallery tours: 3 Thu, Oct 19, Nov 2 & 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• In person at NCMA, Raleigh

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $140; Course ID: 3628-05

Section 6 • Lectures + Gallery Tours

• Lecture sessions: See Section 1

• Gallery tours: 3 Thu, Oct 19, Nov 2 & 9, 12-1 p.m.

• In person at NCMA, Raleigh

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $140; Course ID: 3628-06

Art & Architecture

Nasher Slow Art Conversations

IN PERSON: Recent studies show that the average visitor to a museum looks at an art piece for less than 30 seconds, with 17 seconds being the average. In this course, we will sit comfortably in the Nasher Museum of Art galleries (on chairs with backs!) and spend a longer, more reflective time with one or two works of art each session. This will allow time for contemplation, exploration and deeper collaborative discussion of each work of art. We will discuss formal elements, the artist’s background and other issues that might be relevant to the work: its artistic, political, historical, religious context as well as its provenance. We will also consider the location of the work in the museum: how the work’s interpretation is impacted by its context in the museum. We will participate in creative engagement activities to deepen our museum experience. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: There are two sections of this course. In Section 1 we will discuss artworks that were also considered in the Slow Art course offered at the Nasher last winter. In Section 2 we will discuss artworks from recently opened exhibitions. These are pieces that have not been explored in previous classes. There are no prerequisites for either section, and students can enroll in either or both sections.

Please note: OLLI requires all participants in this course to have a Nasher membership. These memberships are offered to enrolled students at half-price.

Required supplies/fee: Duke University charges $2 per hour to park in the Nasher’s parking lot.

Ruth Caccavale has a passion for discussing art with people. She has worked in a number of museums and education positions. Since her move to North Carolina in 2011, Ruth has taught over two dozen OLLI courses. She also works in the

education department at Duke’s Nasher Museum of Art. For 10 years prior to this, she taught a variety of art history courses at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Section 1

• 3 Tue, Sep 12-26, 3:15-4:45 p.m.

• In person at Nasher Museum of Art

• Maximum: 14 total registrants, all sections; Fee: $45; Course ID: 3552-01

Section 2

• 3 Tue, Oct 3, 10 & 24, 3:15-4:45 p.m.

• In person at Nasher Museum of Art

• Maximum: 14 total registrants, all sections; Fee: $45; Course ID: 3552-02

Living With Art: Private Collection Tours

IN PERSON: This course provides a unique opportunity to visit the homes of six private art collectors who have graciously agreed to share their extensive collections with us. Students will learn about art collecting while viewing phenomenal private collections that include contemporary, midcentury, classic, folk and primitive work. Each of the collectors will lead us through a tour of their stunning and thought-provoking collections, while sharing interesting facts and stories about many of the artists. The tours will include artworks by nationally and internationally recognized painters, photographers, mixed media artists and sculptors. We will see work made by Andy Warhol, Chris Roberts-Antieau, Picasso, Maurice Chapuis, Dale Chihuly, Kehinde Wiley, Sandy Skoglund, Mickalene Thomas, Peter Max, Valerie Bunnell and numerous North Carolina artists. New this session, we will tour the Mosaic House in Durham. • Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: Participants may need to wear masks in some collectors’ homes. The instructor will provide meeting locations to those who

Art & Architecture

are registered. Students will drive to each week’s featured home, either separately or in car pools to be formed during the first class. All tours will involve standing and walking for 1½ hours. Tours will be held in Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and Cary.

Required supplies/fee: There is a $15 fee payable to the instructor to purchase an orchid for each of the six collectors to thank them for opening their homes to us.

Gabrielle Rousso was the executive director of The Art Center Highland Park, a community art center and fine art school. Prior to that she was the CEO and lead designer for Designs Within— Chicago, completing over 100 commercial and residential interior design projects. A graduate of the State College of New Jersey and the Harrington Institute of Interior Design, she is the chairman of the board of Frank Gallery in Carrboro, and is an educator, artist, philanthropist and avid art collector.

• 6 Tue, Oct 3 - Nov 7, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Offsite location(s)

• Maximum: 25; Fee: $120; Course ID: 2879

Beyond American: American Art From 1905 to 1970

IN PERSON: How does the history of American art reveal the changing character of the country? The 20th century has been characterized as the American century, when the country moved from a provincial role to that of the leading political and economic force on the planet. This was matched by a cultural domination, in which American art became the model for innovation around the globe. This lecture-based course will explore the transformation of American art from the experiments of artists in Greenwich Village and Harlem, through art of the irrational and conservative realism, and into the revolutions of abstract expressionism, minimalism and pop. Artists in each phase investigated the nature of art, challenging traditional practices in terms of what a work of art looked like as well as how it was presented. Out of this process, American art became international art, and American artists became the world’s avant-garde.

• Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: While this course is part of a series on American art, it stands alone. The two previous courses in the series are not prerequisites.

Fall 2023 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, August 22 , at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, August 23, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

If enrolling in a course that meets In Person, please see the guidelines at learnmore.duke.edu/olli/person-guidelines before registering

James Boyles is a retired professor from NC State University, where he taught the history of art. He has an M.A. and a Ph.D. in art history. His teaching and research have focused on American, modern and contemporary art, with the occasional venture into the medieval period and the 18th century.

• 10 Tue, Sep 12 - Nov 14, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 60; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3632

Conversations About Photography: Exploring the

Medium

See listing on page 35

Economics & Public Policy

The Rise of China: Politics, the Party & Global Power

ONLINE: How did China, a country beset by war, unrest and poverty, become an increasingly wealthy and globally relevant country over the past four decades? What does China’s rise and all the related impacts — economic, political and environmental — mean for the rest of the world and for the United States in particular? This lecture-based course will give students a greater understanding of how the rise of China has occurred. We will look at the many factors that are informing the worldview of its leadership and the general public, as well as the many continued obstacles to its progress. These challenges include: managing a multiethnic society of 1.4 billion people under a single-party system; a leader without term limits to his rule; balancing environmental protection with maintaining rapid growth in living standards; and alleviating the concerns of countries — both those nearby and the United States — that may consider China’s growth in geopolitical importance as threatening. • Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: The instructor will email students PDFs of two or three short articles or chapters per week ahead of class.

Scott McKnight received his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Toronto. His research focuses on the comparative political economy of innovation, energy and China. Prior to this, he earned a master’s degree in international relations (in Chinese) at Renmin University in Beijing. He later spent two years as a lecturer, teaching Chinese politics, economics and foreign relations. He regularly comments on Chinese politics and economics for media. He is fluent in five languages.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 29 (no class Sep 27 and Nov 22), 1:30-2:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3666

Why Europe Matters

IN PERSON: Europe is not just a land of museums and castles, but an indispensable partner who may be as vital to our future as they were to our past. The European Union remains our largest trading partner and our leading investor. Despite this, some so-called strategists argue that America should pivot to Asia where the largest populations live and thrive. Members of NATO and Canada are the largest group of American allies in the world. They rose to our defense after 9/11 and chased terrorists with us. These nations are our strongest partners in opposing Russia’s conquests and Iran’s nuclear plans. We are united by trust, shared values and a common democratic bond. In this lecture-based course, students will learn about the history and future of transatlantic relations, development of a rules-based international order for economics, human rights, arms control, and judicial and military-politico consultations. At least one session will be devoted to discussion of Europe at the current moment.

• Lecture + Q&A.

Guest Speakers:

• Bob Pearson, retired, is a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and dean of the U.S. Foreign Service Institute.

• Roger Brady, retired, is a four-star general and former commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO Air Force Central.

• Michael Ryan, retired, is a former deputy assistant secretary of defense for Europe.

Please note: Selected articles/essays will be sent to students via email as optional reading before each session.

Doug Dickerson holds an MA in Intl. Relations from Boston Univ. (Brussels), and an MBA (Duke); is former US Defense Policy Advisor to the US Ambassador to NATO; served as Exec. Officer to the Secy. of Defense Rep. for Europe; was Country Dir. for several European countries for Dept.

Economics & Public Policy

of the Air Force; Strategy Dir. for US Air Forces in Japan; Senior Advisor to Afghanistan Minister of Interior; commander of US Air Force’s largest logistics squadron; Bronze Star recipient; and father of a Duke ’26 student.

• 7 Tue, Sep 12-26, Oct 24 & 31, Nov 7 & 14; 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 30; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3672

The World Today

ONLINE: Do you enjoy following and discussing current events? Each week, we will look at news and issues from around the world and at home. The instructor will provide an agenda with notes and links, and members of the class are encouraged to propose additional discussion topics. Active participation is encouraged, but not mandatory. Discussions are enriched by the diversity of class members’ backgrounds, expertise and viewpoints. Topics are discussed knowledgeably, respectfully and, sometimes, with passion, but we always end with humor. Students will gain a better understanding of the social and political issues of the world today. Each instructor is an avid news and politics junkie and has experience leading these types of discussions. Each brings his or her own distinctive style and background to the course, and, most importantly, each will encourage a wide selection of views from class members. Students who bring unique or underrepresented points of view are especially welcome.

• Facilitated discussion.

Please note: We recommend students join class using a computer with as large a screen as possible and a good microphone.

Henry Blinder served as city attorney for the City of Durham for many years prior to retirement. He is past president of the North Carolina Association of Municipal Attorneys and a former deputy attorney

general for the State of New Jersey. He has a J.D. from Duke University Law School, and has lived in Durham for more than 35 years.

Dean Block served in municipal government in three cities, as budget director, deputy city manager and public works director, prior to retirement. He began his career as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Dean holds a master’s degree and has lived in the Triangle since 2009.

Ginnie Gruendel held senior-level positions in Fortune 100 companies as well as biotech startups as a human resource professional and change management leader. Later, she started a career coaching practice to continue doing the work she loved, helping individuals find their best-fit career. Originally from Philadelphia, she came to Wake Forest 13 years ago.

Stuart Kaplan performed agricultural research for over 40 years. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in crop physiology from Purdue University. Since retiring, Stuart typically volunteers weekly at Red Cross blood drives throughout the Triangle. He has taken over 30 OLLI courses, covering a wide range of subjects, and lectured on GMO crops.

Doug Longman spent 25 years in marketing management at Fortune 100 firms. He holds a Ph.D. in business administration and taught at the University of Texas and the University of Chicago. Over the past 15 years, he has taught more than 30 OLLI courses in international political economy, public policy, economics and politics/political science.

Virginia Gray, Ph.D., taught political science at the universities of Kentucky, Minnesota and North Carolina. She participated in election night survey analysis for NBC News in the 1980s. She is an expert on state politics; public policy, including health care reform and criminal justice; and interest groups. Gray has published widely on these and other topics and is a fellow of the National Academy of Arts.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 30; Fee: $110; Course ID: 0393

Economics & Public Policy

Stay Put or Move On

IN PERSON: Did you know that Triangle continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) have waitlists of four to 15 years? With the influx of seniors here, the demand for CCRC spots has grown, leading to long wait times. Likewise, competition to hire competent in-home care for those who choose to age in place is fierce. Through expert speakers and class lectures, we will discuss maintaining our independence as aging progresses and our needs change. We’ll explore the challenges and opportunities that come with aging, and survey the options available for extending independence and promoting quality of life through home, community and other services. Our focus will be on aging in place and retirement communities. We’ll consider the suitability of your home and community for aging in place and various choices for home care services. Finally, we’ll visit a number of CCRCs to learn about the services they provide, their contract models, their entrance and monthly fees, and the nature of waiting lists. • Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: The material in this course builds toward our site visits. Consequently, we ask that you only sign up for this course if you are able to attend all class sessions.

Rae Dawson relocated from Silicon Valley to the Triangle in 2005. She held a variety of technology management positions at several Fortune 500 companies, including IBM, Apple, Xerox and Cisco Systems Inc. She holds a B.A. in business administration from the University of North Texas. She retired from Cisco in 2017 and became involved with OLLI. She has taught the Stay Put or Move On course since fall 2018.

• 10 Tue, Sep 12 - Nov 14, 9 a.m. - 12p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 25; Fee: $160; Course ID: 0997

30 Years Without a Paycheck: Navigating Your Way Through Retirement

ONLINE: Each individual’s retirement involves many financial steps. The decisions you face can be overwhelming, but they are extremely important as you plan for 30 years without a paycheck. It starts when you leave your employer, and it culminates with your legacy. This online course will take you through the major stages of retirement, providing clear guidance on the investments and strategies needed to create a financially successful retirement. We will explore topics that focus on portfolio management, including: how to position your portfolio for various economic environments, how to build a retirement income strategy that weathers the full economic cycle and how to navigate a rising rate environment. We will dive into other financial issues faced in retirement as well, such as: how to stress-test your plan for challenging markets, how to protect yourself against rising health care costs and how to position your estate in a tax-efficient manner for future generations. • Lecture + Q&A.

Guest Speaker:

• Dori Dixon, estate attorney with experience in estate planning, elder law and special needs planning, Southpoint Estate Planning

Edward Jones principal Julie Kelly is a financial adviser in the Raleigh-Durham area. Julie began her career with Edward Jones as a financial adviser in 2010. A native of Massachusetts, Julie graduated from Colgate University with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a minor in German. She holds the CRPC and CFP professional designations. Before joining Edward Jones, she worked as a vice president, regional manager for AllianceBernstein and Lord Abbett.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 25; Fee: $110; Course ID: 0547

Hands-On Art

Intro to Drawing and Painting

ONLINE: In this hands-on art course, students will learn the tricks and techniques of the masters, as we expand our understanding of the creative process using the simplest of shapes. From the figure to landscapes and abstraction, we will find empowerment in the realization that we are all artists. Our journey will begin with inspiration from inside the Sistine Chapel, where we will study an often overlooked artwork. While weaving art history with guided step-by-step instruction, we will be inspired by the confluence of art and history that will allow us to see the world through a new lens. Students will learn foundational drawing skills that can be applied long after the course has ended. We will use painting techniques that add depth and movement to artworks. We will construct our view of the world on a canvas — distilling our surroundings to their essence and adding our own personal narrative and symbolism. Beginners are welcome. • Active Skill Learning.

Please note: For this online course, bring your art supplies and be prepared to draw or paint in every class. A suggested supply list of paint, canvases and brushes is available on the learnmore.duke.edu/olli site. We will draw or use acrylic paint on canvas boards in our classes. Required supplies/fee: Students will purchase materials independently for an estimated cost of $60. For additional information on supplies, please see the course details at learnmore.duke.edu/olli.

Hugh Leeman is an artist and educator teaching art history and technique in English and Spanish. He has collaborated with the Huntington Library and The Ringling museum, connecting their exhibitions and collections to contemporary audiences. He is an instructor at the Crocker Art Museum. Leeman’s artworks have been exhibited at the De Young Museum, the Museum of Mexico City and the Masur Museum of Art. His paintings

examine the confluence of technology, mythology and the history of inequality.

• 6 Wed, Oct 4 - Nov 8, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 45; Fee: $100; Course ID: 3647

Creating Colored Pencil Art: An Introduction

ONLINE: Have you ever wanted to learn how to use colored pencils to create artwork like the stunning work you’ve seen online but felt overwhelmed? In this hands-on, online art course, students will learn the basics of colored pencil art by creating a colorful autumn leaf, fall pumpkins and a gorgeous holly leaf with berries. The instructor will demonstrate skills and techniques for you to practice during class and independently. You will learn skills such as how to: use and transfer photo references, choose the correct colors, hold the pencils, effectively layer colors and blend colors. No prior art experience is required. All skill levels are welcome. • Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Samples of Cathy’s colored pencil art can be found at www.cathyboytosart.com.

Required supplies/fee: Students will purchase materials independently for an estimated cost of $50. For additional information on supplies, please see the course details at learnmore.duke.edu/olli

Cathy Boytos has spent years drawing botanical images with pen and ink as well as colored pencils. She is an accomplished colored pencil artist and has helped many students begin their colored pencil journey. An award-winning graphic designer and a CZT (certified Zentangle teacher), as well as a very popular OLLI instructor, Cathy has spent her life in the art field.

• 10 Tue, Sep 12 - Nov 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 50; Fee: $120; Course ID: 3638

Hands-On Art

Watercolor Painting: Flower Illustrations for Beginners

IN PERSON: In this hands-on course, we will proceed step-by-step to create a watercolor illustration of a fall flower using dry brush techniques. Students will learn the basics of watercolor illustration in this manner: We will begin by rendering the flower and leaves in pencil. Then, with color combinations using just six primary colors (cool and warm), we will learn methods for applying the colors to the flower and leaves. Finally, we will look at techniques for details and finishing touches. During the 10 weeks of the course, participants will be able to try out several different flowers, with the number depending on each individual’s rate of progress. This course is designed for students at the beginner level. • Active Skill Learning. Required supplies/fee: There is a $35 fee, payable to the instructor at the first class, to cover the cost of paints on a palette, watercolor paper and a set of brushes. Students will also purchase some materials independently; a list will be sent upon registration.

Recommended text:

• Agathe Ravet-Haevermans, “The Art of Botanical Drawing: An Introductory Guide” (9780881929904)

Following a 31-year career at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, Dot Wilbur-Brooks has taught many popular hands-on illustration courses at OLLI since 2006. She has been teaching for 25 years and illustrating plants for the past 49 years.

• 10 Thu, Sep 14 - Nov 16, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $120; Course ID: 3671

Chinese Brush Painting: Flowers and Birds

IN PERSON: Chinese brush painting attempts to capture the essence or spirit of a subject. In this hands-on art course, students will learn how to paint flowers and birds, such as the peony (China’s national flower) or seasonal flowers and birds, which are popular brush painting subjects. Each person will complete a beautiful painting within one or two classes while practicing basic brush painting techniques. The instructor will provide a step-by-step demonstration of brush painting. Then students will practice painting with the instructor’s help. While practicing, students will learn how to use ink, how to control the brush and how to paint various brush strokes, and will complete a nice brush painting. This course is for both experienced and beginning students. • Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Students will need to purchase materials independently and/or from the instructor for a total estimated cost of $45. For additional information on supplies, please see the course details at learnmore.duke.edu/olli.

Required supplies/fee: Students will purchase materials from the instructor and/or independently for a total estimated cost of $45. For additional information on supplies, please see the course details at learnmore.duke.edu/olli.

Jinxiu Zhao (Alice) is a professional artist who specializes in the teaching of Chinese brush painting and calligraphy to both children and adults. She has been teaching in North Carolina for 28 years at all levels of the public schools, in teacher training programs and in private classes.

• 10 Tue, Sep 12 - Nov 14, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $120; Course ID: 0502

If enrolling in a course that meets In Person, please see the guidelines at learnmore.duke.edu/olli/person-guidelines before registering

Hands-On Art

Adventures With Paper

IN PERSON: In this hands-on course, students will learn many types of artful techniques using paper. We will cover the history of paper, discuss the different ways to make paper by hand and work with paper for two- and threedimensional outcomes. Participants will also: explore paper pulps; experience joomchi felting with paper; learn about inclusions and watermarks; and learn how to use, display and store handmade paper pieces. In class, we will create a quilled mandala as well as cut paper images. By the end of the course, students will have a set of technique examples to refer to for future creating. Students will be ready to make gifts and pieces for use with book art projects or stand-alone framed pieces. Beginners are welcome. • Active Skill Learning.

Required supplies/fee: There is a $20 fee payable to the instructor at the first class to cover the cost of supplies for creating with paper.

Catherine Cross Tsintzos, a practicing interdisciplinary artist, develops program curricula and teaches with art at museums, universities and arts organizations in the Southeast United States. She creates within the realms of both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary components for outcomes that focus on environmental and social issues, traditional fine crafts and sustainability.

• 6 Tue, Sep 12 - Oct 17, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $100; Course ID: 3626

History: Past & Present

Liberal Internationalism

ONLINE: For 200 years, the grand project of liberal internationalism has been to build a world order conducive to progressive ideas and the rule of law. Today, this project is threatened from the outside by illiberal challengers like China and Russia as well as from the inside by nationalist-populist movements. This discussionbased course will analyze and evaluate the elusive concept of liberal internationalism, contrast it to political realism, trace its development and assess current threats to its survival. Students will be expected to read approximately 30 rather challenging pages each week and actively participate in class discussions.

• Facilitated discussion.

Required text:

• G. John Ikenberry, “A World Safe for Democracy: Liberal Internationalism and the Crises of Global Order” (9780300230987)

Richard Melanson enjoyed a 38-year academic career at UCLA, Kenyon College, Brown University and the National War College. He holds a Ph.D. in international relations from Johns Hopkins University and is the author of several books on postWorld War II U.S. foreign policy. He has been an instructor at OLLI since 2016.

• 9 Thu, Sep 14 - Nov 16 (no class Oct 19), 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3650

Fall 2023 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, August 22 , at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, August 23, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

History: Past & Present

Jamestown, Virginia: A Struggling English Colony in a New Light

ONLINE: From 1526 through 1607, 11 European colonies in North America failed. Jamestown, Virginia, nearly failed at least five times. If it had, the United States as we know it would not exist. This lecture-based course will focus on the forces that drove England to attempt colonization in the New World. Students will learn what pressures both the English and the Native Americans were under as Jamestown was settled. We will examine how various English narratives differed from the Native American narrative about what happened, including the tale of Pocahontas and Captain John Smith. We will look at how tobacco and the labor required to grow and export it on a commercial scale set the stage for the indentured servitude of at least 100,000 of the English poor, as well as Atlantic Creole peoples of the Caribbean. This scenario is the basis for the importation of enslaved people from Africa.

• Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: Recommended books are for those who wish to know more and are not required reading.

Recommended texts:

• James Horn, “A Land as God Made It: Jamestown and the Birth of America” (9780465030941)

• Dr. Linwood “Little Bear” Custalow, “The True Story of Pocahontas: The Other Side of History” (9781555916329)

• Sam White, “A Cold Welcome: The Little Ice Age and Europe’s Encounter with North America” (9780674971929)

Beverly Dowdy earned her master’s degree from Duke’s Graduate Liberal Studies program in 2019. Her thesis concerned 17th-century English promotional literature published to convince the English poor to immigrate to the Chesapeake area. In

2020, she gave an online presentation to Duke library staff entitled “The Selling of Virginia.”

• 6 Mon, Oct 2 - Nov 6, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 40; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3648

The Borscht Belt: A Nostalgic Journey

IN PERSON: The borscht belt was the name given to an area in the Catskill Mountains that consisted primarily of Jewish resorts and was where dozens of entertainers became famous. This lecture-based course will provide a 200year historical overview of this area, ending with the golden age of the borscht belt from 1940 into the 1970s. Students will learn how the “Jewish Alps” became so popular, and we will reminisce together and share our personal memories about those times and that place that once featured over 500 hotels and 50,000 bungalows. Participants will learn about the singers and comedians who kicked off their careers in the borscht belt. We will watch some video footage from this era. Finally, students will learn what has become of this magical place. • Lecture + Q&A.

Stan Darer earned a degree in economics from Lehman College in New York City. He spent the first 18 summers of his life in the Catskills. Stan serves on the board of trustees as vice president of membership at Temple Beth Or. Stan has been an active member, volunteer and instructor at OLLI at NC State for many years. In 2017, Stan was the recipient of the Betty Poulton Volunteer of the Year Award at OLLI at NC State. Stan has made presentations at communities in the Triangle.

• 6 Tue, Sep 12 - Oct 17, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 30; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3664

History: Past & Present

The ’60s at Duke: Desegregation, Student Activism and the Fight for Racial Justice

ONLINE: This lecture-based course examines the contested fight for racial justice at Duke University from the enrollment of the first Black undergraduates in 1963 to the takeover of part of the central administration building less than six years later. The course will look at the history of race at Duke, the background of Duke’s first Black students, how racial attitudes shaped the way these students were received at the school and the immense challenges the university faced in comprehending — and responding to — their needs. Participants will explore the crucial role Black and white student activism played in Duke’s struggle for racial justice. Students will see that Duke could not pursue national prominence until it began to confront its Jim Crow past. Focusing on Duke, the course will expose dynamics present at other historically white schools as they pursued racial change.

• Lecture + Q&A.

Guest Speakers:

• Guest speakers will include Duke ’60s activists Catherine LeBlanc, Michael LeBlanc, and Michael McBride, as well as William H. Chafe, Alice Mary Baldwin Professor emeritus of history at Duke.

Please note: A content-rich website with archival images, documents, sound clips and other materials will accompany the course.

Recommended text:

• Theodore D. Segal, “Point of Reckoning: The Fight for Racial Justice at Duke University” (9781478011422)

Ted Segal is the author of “Point of Reckoning: The Fight for Racial Justice at Duke University,” published by Duke University Press in 2021. He first studied 1960s Black and white student activism at Duke when he was briefly in graduate school in 1978, returning to the topic upon retiring from law

practice in 2016. A Duke alum (T ’77), Ted has taught for OLLI and Georgetown Law School. Ted is on OLLI’s Board of Advisors and the Duke Library Advisory Board.

• 10 Tue, Sep 12 - Nov 14, 1:30-2:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3365

JFK’s Assassination: Through a Glass Darkly

ONLINE: On the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, more than 60% of Americans think there were other people involved in his murder and the cover-up of the crime. Following the recent scholarship of Phillip F. Nelson and others, students will consider what happened on that fateful day in Texas, as well as the preceding and succeeding days, when the crime was planned, the cover-up executed and the nation betrayed. The course will be comprised of lectures with abundant historical images and class discussion. • Lecture + Q&A.

John Powers has taught in the lifelong learning programs of several universities and colleges since 2013. By profession, he currently is a director of narrative and documentary films. He began his career as a screenwriter. Later, he turned to the performing arts as a producer and presenter of live cultural events. Recently, he returned to filmmaking. He has published several fiction and nonfiction books. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California with an MFA and BFA in drama.

• 6 Mon, Oct 2 - Nov 6, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 40; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3649

Visit

History: Past & Present

Theodore Roosevelt: The World That Made Him and the World He Made

IN PERSON: The span of Teddy Roosevelt’s life (1858-1919) offers an opportunity to view the changes wrought by the post-Civil War Industrial Revolution. With his silver spoon upbringing, it took Roosevelt some time to understand the implications of and the problems posed by the new industrialized society. He, like his fellow reformers, realized the role of government in people’s lives and America’s role in world affairs had to change. With his oversize and dominant personality, Teddy used the “bully pulpit” to change the country’s long-held laissez-faire mindset to one of positive government intervention in the political and economic lives of the people. In this lecture-based course, students will learn how one person can alter the way Americans think about these issues. In all his roles — assemblyman, rancher, traveler, family man, commissioner, assistant secretary of the Navy, military leader, governor and president — Roosevelt had a “bully good time.”

• Lecture + Q&A.

Ginger Wilson has three degrees from Duke. She was dean of humanities and instructor of American and European history at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.

Gerald Wilson received his B.A. from Davidson College, two master’s degrees from Duke and a Ph.D. from UNC. He taught American history at Duke.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 11 a.m - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 30; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3667

The Sound of Music: A History of American Style

IN PERSON: This course will offer the wonderful story of American music and how it helped to shape and influence characteristics of the culture. Students will enjoy lectures, videos and discussions addressing each era and genre of music. We will also learn from guest speakers who are currently involved in carrying on several genres of historic and current music styles. Participants will discover the various influences that shaped all types of music from the preColonial and antebellum periods to the Roaring ’20s, big band, jazz and more recent rock ’n’ roll eras. We will also cover hillbilly, country and bluegrass music. • Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning. Please note: Computers are welcome, but not required.

Recommended texts:

• Louis Charles Elson, “The History of American Music” (9781014500816)

• William Reid, “Popular Music in American History” (9780825120695)

Billy Yeargin holds an M.A. in graduate liberal studies from Duke. Additionally, he has earned four degrees in European history, politics and society from Exeter College (University of Oxford, UK). He spent 17 years as a major market radio announcer/ disc jockey, and six years as a Nashville-based studio drummer and road musician. This course has been taught a number of times at OLLI since 1995.

• 10 Mon, Sep 11 - Nov 20 (no class Sep 25), 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 40; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3366

If enrolling in a course that meets In Person, please see the guidelines at learnmore.duke.edu/olli/person-guidelines before registering

History: Past & Present

Northern Civil War Soldiers: Letters From a Diverse Front

ONLINE: How did Union Army soldiers communicate and express themselves? This course will reveal how letters from some of these soldiers addressed contemporary issues of race, equality and the role of government. Written by white, Black and women soldiers, these letters will be examined throughout the course. Period art, photography and events will illuminate the soldiers’ wartime letter writing. The course is divided into five units: Clues to Soldiers’ Social/ Political Identities, Gender, The Meaning of Union, Writing About Battle and The War’s Purpose. Instruction will be delivered through lectures with opportunities for questions and discussion. Each presentation includes a preview and introduction via PowerPoint. Breaks for questions will be included approximately 40 minutes into the session and during the last five to 10 minutes. Chat questions will be monitored throughout the presentation. A course website will provide supplemental resources and copies of instructional materials. • Lecture + Q&A.

Guest Speaker:

• Lauren M. Cook is the co-author of “They Fought Like Demons: Women Soldiers in the Civil War,” the editor of “An Uncommon Soldier: The Civil War Letters of Sarah Rosetta Wakeman, Alias Private Lyons Wakeman, 153rd Regiment, New York State Volunteers, 1862-1864,” and the special assistant to the chancellor for university communications at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.

Recommended texts:

• Gary W. Gallagher, “The Union War” (9780674066083)

• Reid Mitchell, “The Vacant Chair: The Northern Soldier Leaves Home” (9780195078930)

• Lauren M. Cook, “An Uncommon Soldier: The Civil War Letters of Sarah Rosetta Wakeman, Alias Private Lyons Wakeman, 153rd Regiment, New York State Volunteers, 1862-1864” (9780195102437)

• Lauren M. Cook and Dee Anne Blanton, “They Fought Like Demons: Women Soldiers in the Civil War” (9781400033157)

Steve Gates is a retired college administrator and faculty member. His experience includes teaching English and education courses, and community college administration. He has taught online and distance learning courses, including for OLLI. Gates holds a Ph.D. in English education from the University of Iowa, an M.A. in English from Eastern New Mexico University and a B.A. in English education from Wartburg College. His current research includes Civil War studies.

• 8 Tue, Sep 12 - Oct 31, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 40; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3651

Fall 2023 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, August 22 , at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, August 23, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

Registration FAQs

To make your registration experience as smooth as possible, we have put together a frequently asked questions guide. There you will find answers to questions on membership, courses, Zoom and technology and registration. See learnmore.duke.edu/olli/faq.

History: Past & Present

Jane Austen’s World: England in the Regency Period

ONLINE: Jane Austen lived from 1775 to 1817, during the late Georgian and Regency periods in England. The Regency period, during which Austen wrote her most important novels, saw radical changes in English society. Not only was there a new emphasis on equality and freedom, which led to mass radical protests, but there was also a flourishing of consumerism and celebrity culture. The rapid growth of industry, technology and science contributed to the social unrest. Due to the expanding empire and the ruthless slave trade, Britain’s impact was global. This dynamic period is considered to be the beginning of the democratic, secular, inventive society that characterizes our own today. Do Austen’s novels reflect the intense period she lived in, or are they just brilliant comedies of manners that ignore the harsh realities around her? In this lecture-based course, we will explore that question by studying the social and cultural history of this period and how it relates to her novels. • Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: Reading Austen’s novels is not required. However, each class will focus on one of her works. The instructor will also provide recommendations for movie or TV adaptations of her novels.

Margaret Brill was the British history librarian at Duke. She was also head of reference, and maps librarian during her career at Perkins Library. Margaret has a B.A. in history from the University of London, a master’s in library science from North Carolina Central University and a master’s in liberal studies from Duke. Her primary interest is social history, especially women’s history.

• 7 Mon, Oct 2 - Nov 13, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $100; Course ID: 3156

Twilight of the Habsburgs: The Austro-Hungarian Empire, 1848-1914

ONLINE: This lecture-based course explores the long, tempestuous reign of the Habsburg Emperor Franz Josef and the fractious Austro-Hungarian empire. Josef tried to govern this empire from the time of his ascent during the Revolutions of 1848 to his isolated end during the height of World War I. Committed to holding together one of the most multicultural, multireligious and multiethnic empires in modern history, the last of the Habsburgs tried to build a unified, modern, Western state. He faced widely diverse communities that were fueled by nationalist drives and bent on cutting loose from what was seen as a crumbling, hopelessly backward state. This sociopolitical “tinder box” would ultimately explode in Sarajevo in 1914. Students will gain insight into the depth of the crises that the Habsburgs faced in their rule of the Austrian empire as Europe was modernizing at a very fast pace. • Lecture + Q&A.

Jared Day, Ph.D., taught U.S. history at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh for 16 years. His areas of specialization are U.S. and European political, urban and cultural history as well as African American history and world history from the 15th century to the present. He is the author of several books along with numerous other popular and peer-reviewed articles. He lectures regularly to communities across the country on a broad range of historical and contemporary topics.

• 6 Wed, Oct 4 - Nov 8, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3668

Visit our Online Learning website for helpful hints and tips for Zoom: www.olliatduke.online

History: Past & Present

U.S.-Iran Relations: From Friendship & Strategic Partnership to Conflict

ONLINE: Once allies, the United States and Iran have experienced a series of escalating tensions. In this lecture-based course, we will attempt to clarify some aspects of the changing relations between the two countries from 1833 until the present. We will learn about early U.S. missionaries in Iran as well as Iran’s political and cultural relations during the Qajar dynasty. Other topics will include U.S. and Iran relations during the Pahlavi dynasty, covering: World War I, Reza Shah, World War II, Mohammad Reza Shah, the 1953 coup, the post-coup cooperation, the Cold War and the period of U.S. military assistance. Students will have an opportunity to discuss the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Iran hostage crisis, the Iran-Iraq war, the Iran-contra affair, Iran’s nuclear program, the U.S./European Union and Iran negotiations for a nuclear deal and its termination, as well as current issues. • Lecture + Q&A.

Moe Bidgoli graduated from the University of Tehran and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was professor of computer science and information systems for 35 years and became emeritus professor in 2018. He has taught courses for OLLI at Saginaw Valley State University, the University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Iowa State University since 2008. He lives in Ann Arbor and enjoys reading history, playing pickleball, gardening and traveling.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 11 a.m - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3669

Postwar Soviet Communist Rule: Stalin Through Gorbachev

ONLINE: This lecture-based course will cover the ideological foundations and political institutions of post-World War II Soviet rule. We will focus on the Cold War confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union from 1946 to 1985. Joseph Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev, Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov and Konstantin Chernenko were key figures in this era. We will then address the mellowing of Communist ideology under Mikhail Gorbachev in both domestic and foreign policy, which culminated in the end of the Soviet state in 1991. This course will provide not only in-depth coverage of the postwar Soviet state, but also background information on the subsequent political rule of the Russian Federation under Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin. That topic will be the basis for a future course. The political mind of the present rule of Vladimir Putin cannot be appreciated without reference to his role as an official in the Soviet secret police, the KGB, or, in English, the Committee for State Security. • Lecture + Q&A.

Recommended text:

• M. K. Dziewanowski, “Russia in the Twentieth Century” (9780130978523)

William Davidshofer holds a Ph.D. in political science with a specialization in Russian and East European studies from the University of Notre Dame. Since finishing a 42-year career at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where he was nominated for the Teacher of the Year Award four times, Davidshofer has taught many courses for the OLLI program with excellent evaluations. He has recently published a work entitled “Marxism and the Leninist Revolutionary Model.”

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 1:30-2:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 30; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3654

All OLLI at Duke classes and events are in Eastern Time

Literature & Languages

About the Latin Language

IN PERSON: Experience an intriguing method of examining the Latin language. By centering this course around the unique textbook “Cambridge Latin Course, Unit 1,” students will experience classical Latin within the historical setting of Pompeii. Students will learn how authentic Latin from the classical period was spoken. Each meeting will have several 10-minute lectures addressing such questions as: How has Latin stood the test of time? Why are its vocabulary and grammar intriguing? Where can we find Latin hiding throughout Western culture? What is Latin’s place in the modern world? Lectures will also delve into cultural topics including: Greece’s influence on the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, scribes and manuscripts, Romano-British archaeological sites, and Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars. Those who are curious about any aspects of Latin or topics on Rome are encouraged to enroll. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Students who have taken the instructor’s previous OLLI courses will fully benefit from this course. The content from the previous course will overlap here by no more than 20%. The instructor will lend the required textbook to students at no cost. The book also can be purchased from the instructor for $5. The recommended book is a top-notch reference.

Required text:

• North American Cambridge Classics Project, “Cambridge Latin Course Unit 1” (9780521343794)

Recommended text:

• Chris Scarre, “The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Rome” (9780140513295)

Sara Morris originally taught Latin in Kent, England, to students ages 10 to 18 for five years, and then in a Connecticut day school for 37 years. She has become an active participant in OLLI as a student

and has taught four courses since she and her husband retired to North Carolina eight years ago. She has degrees from Franklin & Marshall College and the University of London. She has traveled widely across the Roman Empire.

• 6 Mon, Sep 11 - Oct 23 (no class Sep 25), 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3625

Regards de Femmes: Sur la Société en Mouvance

ONLINE: How do Francophone women authors depict the society of their times? What do they write about tradition, submission, emancipation, inclusion? In this course taught entirely in French, five Francophone women authors, two from France, two from Senegal and one Acadian from New Brunswick, Canada, will give us a good idea of what it was like to live in the 19th and 20th centuries. For each author, a biography and a background of historical events and societal traits of their time will be provided. We will examine selected passages from novels by these five authors to ascertain what they said about life in particular times and places in Francophone cultures. For lack of time, we will not read whole novels, though students will be encouraged to do so. Even though we will be studying women authors, men will be the protagonists of some novels. By the end of the course, it is hoped that participants will see society through a whole new perspective and ponder whether it has evolved over time.

• Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Please note: This course will be conducted in French. A high-intermediate level of fluency in French is a must to be able to participate in the course. The required text can be purchased online. The instructor will provide all the other documents on her website.

Literature & Languages

Required text:

• Mariama Bâ, “Une Si Longue Lettre” (9782842612894)

Claire Davidshofer, born in Côte d’Ivoire, lived there as a child. Upon her family’s return to France, she attended French public schools and the Université d’Aix-en-Provence, where she earned a master’s degree in English and American literature. Before relocating to Durham, she lived in Maine. There, she taught a variety of courses at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, among them courses on French literature, Francophone Africa, Quebec and Acadian history. She now teaches at OLLI.

• 10 Thu, Sep 14 - Nov 16, 1:30-2:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 14; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3657

Walt Whitman: Beyond “Song of Myself”

ONLINE: Walt Whitman’s poetry was revolutionary in content and form. Writing of his feelings and thoughts, of his countrymen and of nature, Whitman believed he was the first American poet foreseen by Emerson in his essay of 1844. Whitman spent the last half of his life adding and revising poems and reshaping “Leaves of Grass,” a seminal work in American poetry. Many critics believe Whitman wrote his strongest poetry early in his career; however, Whitman wrote a number of singularly excellent poems in later life. In this course, we will concentrate on his earlier writing (excluding “Song of Myself”). We will also look at several later poems such as “Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking” and “When Lilacs Last in the Door-

yard Bloom’d.” We will discuss many of his Civil War poems and his poems from “Memories of President Lincoln.” Students will gain an understanding of many of Whitman’s best-known poems and his place in American poetry. In class, we will read, analyze and discuss selected poems. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: During class meetings, when the instructors refer to poem titles, they will cite pages in the specified 1973 publication of the Norton Critical Edition, edited by Bradley and Blodgett. However, students who have the 2002 publication of the Norton Critical Edition, edited by Michael Moon, will be able to find the same poems using the table of contents.

Required text:

• Walt Whitman. “Leaves of Grass/Norton Critical Edition” (9780393093889)

Harry Brown holds degrees in English from Davidson College, Appalachian State University and Ohio University. After teaching for 43 years at Eastern Kentucky University, he returned to North Carolina and has taught/co-taught 12 literature courses for OLLI. He has published six poetry collections and co-edited an anthology of Kentucky writing.

Preston Martin received his undergraduate degree from Ohio University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the College of Charleston. He retired from both business and education and has published poems in numerous journals and anthologies. He has been active with OLLI as a student or instructor for over a dozen years.

• 10 Thu, Sep 14 - Nov 16, 3:30-5 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 20; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3670

Zoom Links in Online Student Portal

OLLI members who register for online courses will find the Zoom links for their courses in their Student Portal at learnmore.duke.edu/olli. For details, refer to www.olliatduke.online/studentlink.

Reading “Beloved” and “Kindred”: Trauma and Triumph

IN PERSON: William Faulkner’s well-known quotation about the past being neither dead nor past could have been written about the novels of Octavia Butler and Toni Morrison. Published within 10 years of each other, “Kindred” (1979) and “Beloved” (1987) continue to fascinate readers, provoke controversy and highlight parts of America’s history that, while easy to minimize or ignore, continue to affect the present. In different ways, Butler and Morrison imaginatively reconfigure the 19th-century slave narrative and create complicated characters and unforgettable situations. We will scrutinize the ways both novels are crafted and examine themes such as the individual and collective trauma of enslavement, the idea of memory and history, the role of community, and issues involving race, gender and privilege. Morrison’s belief that art is a collaboration between the writer and the reader serves as the bedrock of this course, as we work together to uncover and discover new things about these powerful novels. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Use of the listed editions of the books will make it easier to follow class discussions.

Required texts:

• Toni Morrison, “Beloved” (9781400033416)

• Octavia E. Butler, “Kindred” (9780807083697)

Marjorie Lancaster did her undergraduate work at Duke and her graduate work at Tulane University. For her, a good literature class is one that is fueled by the instructor’s energy, the participants’ curiosity, a guided scrutiny of the text and inclusive participation that brings out the many facets of the work. This will be her 14th OLLI course.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 9-10:30 a.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 14; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3656

Performing Arts

Share Your Story: Secrets to Stellar Storytelling

ONLINE: Stories expand our view of the world, inviting us to understand diverse perspectives and lived experiences. This lecture and discussion course is for students who want to improve their communication skills, become more confident sharing their stories with others and feel more comfortable speaking to groups. Students will learn about the art of crafting a compelling story as well as performing it in a way that engages and captivates the audience. Students will learn the story-crafting principles behind gripping stories. We will explore the elements of performance that bring stories to life, including the use of different voices, gestures, interactivity and sound effects. We will also discuss strategies for learning stories quickly, without memorization; adapting and improvising; and what to do when things go awry, for example, when your mind “goes blank” about what happens next. • Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Please note: No prior performance experience is required, just a teachable spirit. Students will need basic computer skills and a strong internet connection for the best experience in a Zoom class.

A native of Durham, storyteller Erim Akpan invites audiences to travel through time, living the stories of unsung trailblazers and experiencing the world through the legends of diverse cultures and countries. She has performed at a host of festivals, events and spaces, including Durham’s CenterFest arts festival, Cary’s and Morrisville’s Juneteenth celebrations and the NC Museum of History, where her stories were broadcast to 22,000 students in the U.S. and U.K.

• 6 Wed, Sep 13 - Oct 18, 3:30-4:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3660

Performing Arts

Sondheim 101

ONLINE: When he died in 2021 at the age of 91, Stephen Sondheim was the nation’s most revered musical theater composer-lyricist. In this course, we will examine Sondheim’s career from the 1950s with his work as the lyricist for “West Side Story” and “Gypsy” through the 1970s when his collaborations with Harold Prince yielded groundbreaking classics of the American musical theater: “Company,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music” and “Sweeney Todd.” We will survey his career by listening to and watching excerpts from his shows, focusing not just on the hits but also on those shows that were considered failures at the time. In addition to experiencing his memorable music, students will also learn how Sondheim applied his three “necessary principles” for writing lyrics: “Content dictates form. Less is more. God is in the details.” The course is primarily lecture with video and audio clips, but students will be able to ask questions and make comments during each class. • Lecture + Q&A.

Recommended texts:

• Stephen Sondheim, “Finishing the Hat: Collected Lyrics (1954-1981) with Attendant Comments, Principles, Heresies, Grudges, Whines and Anecdotes” (9780679439073)

• Michael Kantor & Laurence Maslon, “Broadway: The American Musical” (9781493047673)

Alan Teasley began his career as a high school English and drama teacher. After retiring from the Durham Public Schools in 2006, he taught in Duke’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. A member of the OLLI Advisory Board, he is an avid theatergoer with a particular fondness for American musicals. He has previously taught 12 courses on musical theater for OLLI.

• 10 Thu, Sep 14 - Nov 16, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $110; Course ID: 2664

Boston Rock Bands in the 1960s: From the Garage to the Big Time

IN PERSON: It wasn’t swinging London, but 1960s Boston made its own statement. As the British Invasion changed music, fashion and customs, the New England area also weighed in. Well before today’s focus on diversity, the emerging American counterculture was publicly reevaluating the role of women in society and the rights of Black people. Musically, young people formed bands, hit the garage, plugged in and rocked out. Influenced mightily by bigname bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, some lesser-known bands found stardom. Boston clubs showcased local heroes, like the Remains, and launched them nationally. The Rockin’ Ramrods and other “Bosstown Sound” purveyors got record deals. Through lecture and discussion, we will explore the 1960s zeitgeist and its influence on Boston-area bands. We will sample lots of types of music, varying from raw and driving to lush and lyrical, bluesy, jazzy, psychedelic, proto-punk and jangly. Class members will offer their analyses and evaluations. • Lecture + Q&A.

Guest Speaker:

• Daniel Scheft is a skilled musician who sings and plays drums. He will be joining select classes to illustrate certain types of music and/or musical techniques.

Tom Scheft has drummed in bands since 1965. He still keeps the beat (a good bit of the time) while bashing about on his red-swirl Slingerland kit (purchased in 1966). Now retired, he was a professor in the English and education departments at North Carolina Central University. In 1967, his first band, the Rising Storm, printed 500 copies of a vanity album and sold them for $3 each; by 1981, they were collector’s items. In April 2023, the band was inducted into the Music Museum of New England.

• 10 Thu, Sep 14 - Nov 16, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 20; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3633

Performing Arts

Comedic Genius: The Smothers Brothers and Lenny Bruce

ONLINE: This lecture-based course will focus on the Smothers Brothers for four sessions and Lenny Bruce for two. The Smothers Brothers were the first performers to combine folk singing with stand-up comedy. They started out as smirking college kids, but eventually used their national role to play a part in upending Lyndon Johnson’s run for a second term. We’ll cover their bios, some relative context, some of their amazingly funny bits and some of their powerful political satire that led to their getting kicked off the air. Lenny Bruce is considered by many to be the godfather of modern stand-up comedy. He did bits in the 1950s and ‘60s that no other comedian would touch. He started out telling amusing stories that were within the confines of contemporary humor, but later branched out into taboo subjects like politics, religion, the military, divorce, motels and sex. He didn’t use “dirty” words himself, but the characters in his stories did, because he was a mirror. Join us for a laugh! • Lecture + Q&A. Please note: Just bring an open mind and a sense of humor. The recommended reading will be referenced in the course, but is not assigned reading.

Recommended texts:

• David Bianculli, “Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” (9781439101162)

• Robert Metz, “CBS: Reflections In A Bloodshot Eye” (9780451071156)

• Lenny Bruce, “How to Talk Dirty and Influence People” (9780671751081)

Martin J. Marshall has been an actor, director, screenwriter, songwriter, producer and poet over the past 50 years. He has written and produced 12 films. He has taught 51 OLLI courses at 12 universities over the past 10 years, all in the Contem-

porary Comedic Genius series. His comedians are all boat-rockers, and include Moms Mabley, Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Richard Pryor, Gilda Radner, Monty Python, Garry Trudeau, Robin Williams and the Smothers Brothers.

• 6 Tue, Sep 12 - Oct 17, 1:30-2:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3636

Guide to Local Jazz: Next Steps

IN PERSON: The goal of this course is for participants to become aware of the many types of jazz performers and venues in our area. By the end of the course, participants will be able to identify jazz venues and key performers as well as navigate the jazz scene, and will have broadened their knowledge of this vital musical genre. The Locavore Jazz website will be used as a key resource to identify venues, performers and upcoming performances. This course will include visits from at least five key local jazz performers and educators who will discuss their work and whose music we will hear. Participants will also visit at least two local jazz education venues, learn how one or more instruments are played and possibly have a local jazz podcast recorded live in class. The instructor will also offer select extracurricular visits to lesser-known venues.

• Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Guest Speakers:

• Al Strong, Durham Arts Council, professional musician

• Robert Trowers, North Carolina Central University jazz professor

• Stephen Anderson, UNC music professor

• Thrio, local jazz group

• Shana Tucker, local jazz vocalist, Kidznotes director

Performing Arts

• Rebecca Kleinmann, local jazz flutist and vocalist

Please note: The instructor’s website, locavorejazz.weebly.com, will be a key resource for students. Transportation to any off-site locations will be the responsibility of the students. Peter Burke has listened to jazz all his life and sought it out in places as varied as New York City; Washington, D.C.; Lithuania; Kenya; Romania; and Madagascar. When he started teaching the Guide to Local Jazz course nine years ago, he established the Locavore Jazz website with its accompanying blog, calendar and commentary. Lately he has developed and recorded the weekly WNCU jazz calendar, and occasionally announced performances at the Sharp Nine venue.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 3:30-5 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 30; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3644

Playin’ in the Band: The Best Rock Musicians of the Last 60 Years

IN PERSON: This course could have been titled Stop, Hey, What’s That Sound?, which is a lyric from the Buffalo Springfield tune “For What It’s Worth,” released in 1966. That’s because, during this six-week course, we will explore some of the most distinctive and uniquely talented musical performers who have surfaced in the last 60 years. We will spend one week each on horns and reeds, guitar, bass, harmonica, drums and keyboard, and listen to and/or view performances by some of the greats. Many of them have a style and sound that is instantly recognizable to their fans, and even to the more casual listeners among us. While much of the music we’ll cover will be from the 1960s and 1970s and might be categorized as rock music, we won’t focus on one era, one time period or one genre. After listening to each artist, class participants will be

encouraged to share their reactions to what they heard and comment as to whether that artist might or might not appear on their own personal best list. • Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: The recommended book is for those who wish to know more and is not required.

Required supplies/fee: Students may optionally sign up for a Spotify Premium account for a one month free trial and $10/month thereafter to listen to weekly playlists published by the instructor. For additional information, please see the course details at learnmore.duke.edu/olli.

Recommended text:

• Susan Rogers and Ogi Ogas, “This Is What It Sounds Like” (9780393541250)

Marv Meyer majored in chemical engineering in the 1960s while he minored in Fillmore East. That legendary concert venue was just a few blocks from Cooper Union, his alma mater, as was Greenwich Village. He has since continued to attend many concerts and amassed a vast collection of vinyl and CDs in a relentless search for the lost chord.

• 6 Wed, Sep 13 - Oct 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3653

Fall 2023 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, August 22 , at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, August 23, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

If enrolling in a course that meets In Person, please see the guidelines at learnmore.duke.edu/olli/person-guidelines before registering

Performing Arts

Scene Study

IN PERSON: As actors, we have an instrument that we must keep in tune and continue to master. In a scene study, actors take a specific scene and work on it in front of an acting instructor or a group of peers. The goal is to receive specific constructive feedback that helps the actor improve. Students should walk away with an understanding of how to craft the arc of a scene, and they will get to practice creating different characters. Timing, focus and taking direction are all part of a scene study. For the first class, students will be asked to have a prepared monologue to present. Subsequent classes will focus on partnered scene work in which students will pair up in order to work on a scene together — collaborating to find a scene that interests both of them. Students will work on that scene both in and out of class, focusing on character building, taking direction and fleshing out the scene. The final class will allow students to showcase the work they have done with a live performance. • Active Skill Learning.

Please note: While no previous acting experience is required, students will be expected to focus and engage with their partner both in and out of class. Students need to be prepared with a memorized monologue, one minute long or less, to present the first day of class. The monologue should be something that fits the student’s personality. The instructor will share both monologue and partner scene resources and suggestions after registration.

David Berberian has been a regular on Triangle stages for over 20 years. He has taken on projects as an actor, director, producer and designer for several organizations, including The Juilliard School, Vineyard Theater, the Minetta Lane Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Manbites Dog Theater, The Heights Players, StreetSigns Center, the Piedmont Performance Factory, Deep Dish Theater, Theater Delta, The Justice Theater Project, East Carolina Summer Theatre and many more.

• 10 Thu, Sep 14 - Nov 16, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3659

Photography

Organizing Your Visual Story: How to Organize Your Digital Photos, Photographs and Old Media

ONLINE: Have you felt overwhelmed trying to organize your media project? This lecture-based course will help you with all aspects of organizing your printed photos, digital photos, old media like slides, VHS or 8 mm film and more, so you can create interesting photo projects. Since everyone’s goals for organizing photos are different, we will begin by determining your goals. Then we will discuss different ways to organize and digitize your printed photos and media, the options for online storage and the difference between syncing and saving your documents. We will talk about how you can create keywords for photos so you can find them. The presentations, created in Prezi, contain lots of pictures and examples. There will be plenty of time for questions, so we can all learn from each other. After taking this course, students will have enough information to formulate their goals, organize their photos and media, and decide how they want to save and share their finished project. • Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Recommended text:

• Cathi Nelson, “Photo Organizing Made Easy: Going from Overwhelmed to Overjoyed”

(9781946384225)

Kimberly Melton loves helping people organize their photos so they can share their own visual stories. She began working on her family’s pictures in the fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since. Her company, Visual Story Media, helps people and businesses organize their digital images, printed photos and old media. She belongs to The Photo Managers, an international organization that promotes photo organizing. She has taught photo organizing classes via Zoom and in person.

• 6 Mon, Sep 11 - Oct 23 (no class Sep 25), 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 28; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3555

Photography

Conversations About Photography: Exploring the Medium

ONLINE: The spring 2023 Conversations About Photography course, subtitled What’s on My Bookshelf?, was a discussion by photographers about the work of other photographers. In this course, we build on this topic with guest photographers who will talk about different ways they are working with the medium. Planned topics include: camera obscura, composite images, gum bichromate printing, tintypes and other alternative processes. Each session will be hosted by one of the instructors and will feature a guest speaker who will present a lecture on one of these topics. After registration, students will receive the schedule of presenters and will be able to send questions to them ahead of time or during class. The objectives of the course are to help students open their mental lenses and explore a wide-angle look at photographic image making, and to deepen students’ knowledge and appreciation of photography as a fine art. • Lecture + Q&A.

Guest Speakers and Their Subjects:

• Phyllis Dooney, a social documentary visual storyteller, teaches at UNC and Duke. Her use of camera obscuras in her project Raising East New York will be featured.

• Speaker TBD.

• Alan Dehmer is a photographer whose work has ranged from journalism to fine art. He will be talking about his work with gum bichromate printing.

• Peter Filene is a retired UNC history professor and a fine art photographer. He will talk about his work with photo collage and his latest book.

• Tim Duffy, founder of the Music Maker Relief Foundation, has been recording and photographing traditional artists in the South since the age of 16. He will speak about his use of the duotone and tintype.

• Dennis Szerszen is a photographer whose iPhone photography course has been a popular OLLI staple. He will talk not about iPhones but about his latest exploration of the analog and digital darkroom

Please note: The guest speaker schedule will be shared after registration.

Susan Simone and Bill Marriott have each taught several OLLI courses. Simone has focused on documentary photography and Marriott has focused on narrative and storytelling. Simone led the Conversations About Photography sessions in spring 2023. Marriott was a guest speaker in that course.

• 6 Mon, Sep 11 - Oct 23 (no class Sep 25), 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3637

Zoom Links in Online Student Portal

OLLI members who register for online courses will find the Zoom links for their courses in their Student Portal at learnmore.duke.edu/olli. For details, refer to www.olliatduke.online/studentlink.

Religion & Philosophy

Asian Religions: An Introduction

ONLINE: The evolution of the religions of Japan, India and China differed from that of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. We will trace how these religions developed over time through the lenses of history, philosophy and art. How are they different? What do they have in common? We will discuss their basic beliefs and practices from the perspective of what a believer would want others to know. This introduction will help students understand the reasons for differing Asian values and viewpoints, as well as the influence of local cultures on these beliefs. We will begin by exploring Japanese Shinto. We will then move on to the Indian religions of Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as Jainism and Sikhism. Next, we will focus on Chinese folk religion, Confucianism, Daoism and, finally, atheism. This course will make use of PowerPoint slides along with lectures, and will use images to examine what religion was like even before the Asian religions were founded. • Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: All the information from the PowerPoint slides will be shared in a Word document and posted on a website for students to view or print.

Recommended text:

• Huston Smith, “The World’s Religions” (9780061660184)

Sally Purath earned her B.A. in social sciences and M.Ed. at Colorado State University. She taught history, world humanities and language arts to 12th graders for 26 years, as well as many teacher workshops. Sally has extensive training in history and humanities, especially of the U.S., Russia, India, China, Japan, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Sally has been teaching courses for OLLI since 2009 at Colorado State and Duke.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3629

Religion and Genocide

ONLINE: In many circles, Americans view religion as a support for those who are hurting, or a provider of healing for the broken. They believe religion gives people hope and purpose. Conversely, Americans acknowledge genocide as an indescribable evil. The charge of genocide is one of the worst that can be leveled against anyone. Nevertheless, historically, religion and genocide have often combined in terrifying ways. Why? How does religion inflame genocide, and what can be done to stop that? On the other hand, why does religion also inspire resistance and rescue, and what can be done to promote that? How is it that the same religion can motivate both perpetrators and rescuers? This lecture-based course will specifically focus on genocides that are connected to Western society. In doing so, we will primarily examine religion’s role in supporting those genocides, and will conclude by considering religion’s role in undermining them. • Lecture + Q&A.

Jason Hensley, Ph.D. (Gratz College, holocaust and genocide studies), teaches religion and history at California Lutheran University. He holds an M.A. in biblical Hebrew and Greek, is a fellow of the Michael LaPrade Holocaust Education Institute and a fellow of the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute, and is the award-winning author of 12 books. His work has been featured on HuffPost as well as the BBC, and he has served as the historical adviser for a Holocaust documentary.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3658

All OLLI at Duke classes and events are in Eastern Time

Religion & Philosophy

Hannah Arendt: On Human Nature, Totalitarianism, Identity and the Holocaust

ONLINE: Hannah Arendt was a Jew born in Germany just over a century ago. She immigrated to New York when the Nazis came to power, taught there at the New School for Social Research and wrote books and essays on how totalitarianism gets its footing in a society. She gained a wide readership after The New Yorker hired her to cover the 1961-62 Adolf Eichmann trial in Jerusalem. Her wise reflections are often cited today, and we will focus on how they speak to our own historical situation. We will discuss assigned readings from Arendt’s book “The Portable Hannah Arendt,” covering many topics, including how colonialism fostered totalitarianism, how conformism in a society works against thoughtfulness, how working has disappeared in favor of laboring and (very controversially) how American school desegregation has downsides. In this discussion-based course, students will gain insight into the threat to human freedom posed by totalitarianism and how it may be countered. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Students will be need to obtain a copy of Arendt’s book, “The Portable Hannah Arendt.”

Required text:

• Hannah Arendt, “The Portable Hannah Arendt” (9780142437568)

Richard Prust (Duke, Ph.D., 1970) is retired from teaching philosophy at St. Andrews University. He is co-author of “Personal Identity in Moral and Legal Reasoning,” and is currently at work on a book titled “Personal Meaning: How We Give Relational Significance, Relative Importance, Emotional Intensity, and Moral Value to Our Action.”

• 10 Tue, Sep 12 - Nov 14, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 20; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3285

Science & Technology

Becoming Spacefarers: Settling the Solar System

ONLINE: In this lecture-based course, we explore the idea of becoming spacefarers and colonizing our solar system. Topics presented will include: Why should we? We will investigate the economic, existential threat and manifest destiny reasons. How should we? We will consider the history, science, technology, biology and challenges of human spaceflight. Where should we? We will discuss the possible solar system destinations for humanity. What then? We will examine the challenges and rewards of solar system colonization and terraforming. What should be the future of humanity in the cosmos? How do we get there? There are equations in this course, but they are few. Unfortunately, our universe is mathematical, but we will use it gently and infrequently.

“Earth is the cradle of humanity, but one cannot remain in the cradle forever.” — Konstantin Tsiolkovsky

“In order for us to have a future that’s exciting and inspiring, it has to be one where we’re a spacefaring civilization.” — Elon Musk

• Lecture + Q&A.

Brand Fortner is a teaching professor at NC State University where he teaches astronomy, astrophysics and physics, and is adjunct professor of physics at UNC. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in high-energy astrophysics. Brand founded two scientific software companies, and previously held positions at NASA and Johns Hopkins University. Brand has written books on color vision and technical data, and is in high demand for his public lectures on all things astronomical.

• 10 Thu, Sep 14 - Nov 16, 3:30-4:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3181

Science & Technology

Basics of the Big Bang

IN PERSON: This lecture-based course will cover the general ideas behind the Big Bang and the expansion of the universe. The course will attempt to present the physics of the universe as accurately as possible, keeping jargon and mathematics to a minimum. Some historical background on the discovery that the universe “began” about 13.8 billion years ago will be presented. Then, the course will follow the evolution of the universe to the present time. The discoveries made in cosmology in the last half century or so are among the greatest intellectual achievements in all of history. Students will gain a reasonable grasp of these majestic ideas without the complicated mathematics necessary for a full understanding. • Lecture + Q&A.

Professor Don Ellison obtained a Ph.D. in 1982 from The Catholic University of America. He has been on the physics faculty of NC State University since 1987, emeritus since 2013. Before that, he was a researcher at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Maryland. He has taught and done research on the theory of cosmic rays, particle acceleration in high-energy astrophysics and the modeling of supernova remnants. For the last four years, he has taught at OLLI at Duke and NC State.

• 4 Tue, Sep 12 - Oct 3, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 50; Fee: $60; Course ID: 3630

A Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI: Where We Are, How We Got Here and Where We’re Going IN PERSON:

Artificial intelligence has made periodic but fleeting appearances in the press and public eye over the years, primarily due to its successes with games and game shows like chess, go and “Jeopardy!” Now, with the recent emergence of self-driving vehicles and the

explosive appearance of ChatGPT and similar systems, there is intense interest in how these technologies will affect our daily lives. In this lecture-based course, we will explore: different kinds of AI; what makes AI different from traditional programming; a brief history of AI from Alan Turing forward; some case studies; where AI can be found today, whether acknowledged by its deployers or not; and where AI is headed, as forecast by academics and industry specialists. Students will learn how current AI efforts fit into the larger picture of attempts to fully replicate or exceed human intelligence, and what some of the consequences of this effort may be, from job losses to lives of leisure to the possible end of humankind. • Lecture + Q&A.

Recommended texts:

• Daniel Kahneman, “Thinking, Fast and Slow” (9780374275631)

• Stuart Russell, “Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control” (9780525558637)

• Max Tegmark, “Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” (9781101970317)

John Prager has recently retired from a career in AI research at IBM. John has built many intelligent systems over the last 50 years, including the Watson system that won on “Jeopardy!” in 2011. He has known and/or worked with many of the pioneers in the field. John has degrees in AI, computer science and mathematics from the University of Cambridge and the University of Massachusetts. John has about 100 publications, including books, research papers and patents.

• 10 Thu, Sep 14 - Nov 16, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 50; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3047

A Tour of the World Wide Web

See listing on page 43.

Science & Technology

Diamonds

ONLINE: This lecture-based course on aspects of a most precious gem will cover: the unique nature of diamonds; where, when and how they are formed; the mining of diamonds; how they are prospected for, separated and recovered; what diamond studies tell us about the deep Earth; and stories of famous diamonds. Specific topics will include: 1) the characteristics of this unique mineral; 2) early history, covering the discovery and mining of diamonds in South Africa; 3) diamond mining in the various countries of the world; 4) the nature of kimberlite, the source rock for most of the world’s diamonds; 5) other rocks that carry diamonds, and inclusions within diamonds; 6) how to find diamond-bearing rocks, and how to extract diamonds; 7) some famous and infamous diamonds; 8) synthetic, impact-produced and extraterrestrial diamonds; 9) where, when and how diamonds form, and what they tell us about the deeper parts of the Earth; 10) a broad look at carbon distribution in the Earth.

• Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: No prior experience needed, no recommended reading, no free samples. There will be a website with lecture details and access to the illustrations used in the lectures.

Arch Reid has done research on the nature of diamond-bearing rocks and other Earth mantle samples and has visited several South African diamond mines. He is a retired professor of geology who researched and taught at St. Andrews University, the Mellon Institute, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Australian National University, NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the University of Cape Town and the University of Houston.

• 10 Mon, Sep 11 - Nov 20 (no class Sep 25), 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3641

Geometric Topology: Flatland and Beyond

IN PERSON: How can you tell if our universe is infinite or finite? Curved or flat? Why are donuts and coffee cups topologically equivalent? What is a torus? A Klein bottle? Starting with onedimensional and two-dimensional universes and ending with three dimensions, we will investigate various properties of a universe and how a person embedded in a universe can discover certain topological properties about it. This lecture-based course assumes participants have very basic knowledge of mathematics. We will approach topology in a conceptual and qualitative manner with lots of diagrams. We will also investigate the impact of various topologies on familiar games such as tic-tac-toe and chess. Students will learn about intrinsic and extrinsic properties, manifolds, orientability and other topological properties, as we explore the weird and crazy world of topology. • Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: The book “Flatland” (not required) is available for free at https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/201

Recommended text:

• Edwin A. Abbott, “Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions” (9780486272634)

Frank Brown celebrated his retirement by obtaining an M.A. in mathematics from East Carolina University. He has been teaching mathematics courses for OLLI since 2016. His previous OLLI course topics include the Fibonacci numbers, the mathematics of voting, the history of calculus and cryptography. Frank is a graduate of Duke with a B.S. in chemistry.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 30; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3643

Science & Technology

Climate Change: The Latest Science

ONLINE: This course will address three key questions: To what extent is humanity already dealing with the consequences of climate change? What are the most effective actions humanity can take to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to current and projected climate change impacts? Is the mitigation challenge too great, and the likely global response too weak, to avoid catastrophic impacts? In lecture-based classes, we will cover recent important scientific findings related to the climate crisis, including three published reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Students will learn about and discuss: the near-term actions necessary to meet international warming targets, projections of climate impacts as a function of warming, the causes of climate change and what can be done about it.

Please note: Prior to each class, the instructor will email students links to videos along with other material relevant to the class’s subject matter to facilitate discussion.

A former Environmental Protection Agency research director, Frank Princiotta holds a B.S. in chemical engineering and a certificate in nuclear engineering. He has received many awards, including for his work on air pollution control. His work developing pollution control technology is now a global mainstay. Recently, he has focused on climate change, authoring six scientific papers and editing two books on the subject. He has been a frequent speaker before technical and nontechnical audiences.

• 10 Mon, Sep 11 - Nov 20 (no class Sep 25), 1:30-2:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 50; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3635

• Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Guest Speaker:

• Since a price on carbon is a powerful action that can dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions, the instructor will invite an active member of Citizens’ Climate Lobby to explain their carbon fee and dividend program as well as the constructive roles citizens can play to promote such a program.

Fall 2023 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, August 22 , at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, August 23, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

Registration FAQs

To make your registration experience as smooth as possible, we have put together a frequently asked questions guide. There you will find answers to questions on membership, courses, Zoom and technology and registration. See learnmore.duke.edu/olli/faq

Zoom Links in Online Student Portal

OLLI members who register for online courses will find the Zoom links for their courses in their Student Portal at learnmore.duke.edu/olli. For details, refer to www.olliatduke.online/studentlink.

Science & Technology

Getting the Most From Your Mac

IN PERSON: Ever get the feeling you could be doing a lot more with your Mac? Apple has created an amazing product with a ton of useful features, but most people barely scratch the surface. This course will help you get the most out of your Macintosh computer, covering everything from keyboard shortcuts and file management techniques to organizing your photos, email and music, and even increasing your security and privacy! It also will cover recently added fun features in FaceTime, Messages, Mail, Maps, Safari, Preview, Notes and Reminders. The instructor will show students how to set up Time Machine and FileVault,

how to manage notifications and Focus modes, and how to enable some great new privacy features. There will be hands-on practice and exercises in class. The course will focus on macOS Ventura (13) but should apply well to Monterey (12). Features in upcoming Sonoma (14) will be discussed, where possible. At least one class session will be used for one-on-one guidance. • Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Students should have basic knowledge of the Mac operating system and know how to use a web browser. They should bring their laptops to class. If a student only owns a desktop Mac (iMac, Mac mini, etc.), they will have to take good notes. The course slides will be available for download from our course website. If at all possible, please update to the latest macOS version prior to class.

Carey Parker is a retired software engineer, author, blogger, podcast host and privacy/security evangelist.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3463

Quack, Quack, Quack: A History of Medical Quackery

ONLINE: This lecture-based course will survey medical quackery from historical times to the present. The course will start with an exploration of the origins of this fraudulent health practice and proceed to explain the varieties of ways in which quackery manifests itself. From there, we will look at specific examples of unconventional medical practices beginning with a detailed look at phrenology, mesmerism and physiognomy. We will then examine the well-known phenomenon of snake oil. We will look at a wide variety of nostrums, potions, elixirs and salves that have been promoted over the years as effective therapies. We will also explore gadgets and equipment as examples of quackery that do not involve medication. The overall aim of the lectures is to help students distinguish appropriate medical practice from bogus therapeutics. While safety is always our highest concern, some humor cannot be avoided. Your questions will be welcome. • Lecture + Q&A.

Recommended text:

• Lydia Kang and Nate Pedersen, “Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything” (9780761189817)

Mitch Freedman was born and raised in Philadelphia. He earned a B.A. from Haverford College, earned an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and did his neurology training at Duke. He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg. He then practiced neurology in Raleigh. As an adjunct professor of neurology at UNC-Chapel Hill, he has taught medical students and physicians for 40 years. His wife and he have two sons and three grandchildren. They enjoy art and classical music.

• 6 Mon, Oct 2 - Nov 6, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 60; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3655

Society & Culture

America in Classic Films

IN PERSON: This course will consist of indepth discussions of five films: “The Birth of a Nation,” “Show Boat,” “High Noon,” “Stagecoach” and “Oklahoma!” Each one tells a very particular story, but also manages to suggest a certain national self-understanding, representing issues central to the nation and its history. These issues include race, national unification, expansion, immigration, justice and individual morality. Participants will gain an appreciation for the ways in which classic American films not only entertained mass audiences but created, sometimes without intending to, intellectually rich, varied and morally challenging images of the American nation. A modest amount of supplementary reading will be provided by the instructor via email for each film. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Students will be expected to watch each film prior to class discussion. Films are available via various electronic formats, such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others. *This class will not meet on November 8.

Geoffrey Harpham was for many years a professor of English at Tulane University, Brandeis University and the University of Pennsylvania. From 2003-15 he was director of the National Humanities Center in Research Triangle Park. From 2015-20, he taught at the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke. He is the author of many books and articles, most recently, “Scholarship and Freedom” and “Citizenship on Catfish Row: Race and Nation in American Popular Culture.”

• 9 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15 (no class Nov 8), 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 20; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3627

Both Sides Now: Reflections for Women at Midlife

ONLINE: Starting at midlife, the world around us starts to seem different from what it was in the first half of our lives. Even if we have been cognizant of the changes throughout each season of our lives, there comes a day when we wake up, perhaps at age 50, 70 or 80, and say, “How can I make the most of this precious time that I have left?” In this discussion-based course, students will gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their likes, their dislikes and how their experiences have shaped them. We will reflect on our lives and culture to understand why we are who we are. However, just as important, we will look at where we are now, and what we want for the rest of our lives. How do we stay vibrant and alive throughout the joy and pain that is life? Students will be encouraged to share their own experiences and participate in interactive discussions.

• Facilitated discussion.

Please note: While this course is designed for women, all are welcome. The recommended book will be referenced in the course, but is not required. The instructor plans to use breakout rooms.

Recommended text:

• Colette M. Tracy, “Both Sides Now: Reflections for Women at Midlife” (9798885040556)

Colette Tracy has been a business development leader and then a college instructor for most of her career, which spans more than three decades. She is founder and executive director of the nonprofit Education for Growth, which works with underserved students and young adults to teach emotional intelligence, empathy, self-compassion and other soft skills. She holds master’s degrees in both organizational leadership and psychology.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 15; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3307

OLLI at Duke classes and events are in Eastern Time

Society & Culture

Wines of the Iberian Peninsula

IN PERSON: Join us on a journey through Spain and Portugal. Explore some of the most famous wine regions in these countries: Ribera del Duero, Catalunya, Duero Valley and Dao. Each week, we will taste four wines from these regions and discuss foods that pair well with each. We will get to know each region through an exploration of the historical events that have impacted its wine production, how its climate affects the grapes, the styles of wines most common to the region and the varieties that are most frequently produced in the region. If you love Iberian wine and want to deepen your knowledge, this is a great way to do it. Please join us! • Lecture + Q&A.

Required supplies/fee: There is a $32 tasting fee for 16 wines over four weeks. Please be prepared to pay instructor’s assistant on the first day of class. Cash or paper check accepted.

Thomas Thorne has been a professional sommelier for 20 years. He owns Wine Fifty Five, a local wine consulting company focused on education, sales and sommelier services. He has headed wine programs at the Fearrington House, Carolina Inn and Siena Hotel. He was an owner at Hope Valley Bottle Shop. He is a certified sommelier, accredited through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

• 4 Wed, Sep 13 - Oct 4, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 22; Fee: $60; Course ID: 3116

A Tour of the World Wide Web

IN PERSON: The World Wide Web is a vast and diverse space. Since its inception in the early 1990s, it has grown to include an estimated 2 billion websites containing 7,500 terabytes of information. Today, approximately 5 billion people spend about 6 1/2 hours accessing the

web daily. We routinely use the web to communicate, collaborate, access information, shop, manage our finances and entertain ourselves. This course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of technologies enabling the web in ways that help us better navigate it. We will review the history of the web and key ideologies that influence its design. With this framework in hand, we will explore the web in more depth, covering social media, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the dark web. While this lecture-based course will explore some case studies, students can expect to participate in lively discussions about the web’s social and cultural impacts. • Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.

Please note: This course is open to all; there are no prerequisites. Sets of questions and exercises designed to engage participants in independently exploring topics presented in each class session will be shared on the course website. A list of website resources organized by class session topics will also be shared on the course website.

David Shamlin began exploring computers and coding as a teenager. After studying computer science at NC State University, he embarked on a 35-year career in software engineering at SAS Institute. In the last 20 years of his tenure at SAS, working as a research and development director, he led teams implementing distributed platform architectures, big data analytics and cloud computing. David enjoys spending time surfing the web and is passionate about helping others grow their digital literacy.

• 8 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 1, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 20; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3326

If enrolling in a course that meets In Person, please see the guidelines at learnmore.duke.edu/olli/person-guidelines before registering

Society & Culture

Symposia: Mind-Expanding Excursions and Diversions

IN PERSON: Symposia returns with in-person presentations by people in our community who are making a positive impact. Each week, a different speaker will offer you valuable new insights into an important subject that may not have caught your attention otherwise. The opportunity to pose questions to these experts is a key feature of Symposia. • Lecture + Q&A. Please note: Presentation dates may change. Registrants will receive regular updates on these details from the facilitators.

Sept 12 • Gina Upchurch, Pharm.D.

Senior PharmAssist and Medicare — Now and Later

Gina Upchurch is the founding executive director of Senior PharmAssist in Durham. The agency promotes healthier living for older adults in Durham by helping them obtain and better manage needed medications. In addition, it provides tailored health education, Medicare insurance counseling, community referrals and advocacy. Her presentation will help attendees decipher health insurance concepts and terminology, make Medicare coverage decisions and understand medication access policies in Durham and beyond.

Sept 19 • Lauren Smith Hong

A Virtual Walk Through Duke Gardens: Past, Present and Future

Sarah P. Duke Gardens is widely recognized as a premier public garden, providing extraordinary visitor experiences, horticultural artistry, leadership in conservation and innovative programs. It plays a vital role in the life and values of the Duke community and is a respite from the ordinary in a welcoming and beautiful setting. Lauren Smith Hong is the annual fund and membership officer at Duke Gardens. She will take us on a virtual tour of the property,

describing its history and evolution through the years since its founding more than 80 years ago, and discuss plans for the future.

Sept 26 • Edwin Cox, M.D

The Skinny on the New Diet Drugs

Edwin Cox researches the health aspects of diet and related issues, such as obesity. He will review the impressive results of the new generation of drugs, such as Wegovy, that help people shed excess fat, and will discuss the personal and social implications of their use.

Oct 3 • David Stein, M.C.P.

The Fast-Paced Evolution of AI: Google’s Bard

David Stein is the Duke libraries’ education partnership technology coordinator. When he previously spoke to Symposia, he introduced us to ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligence apps that the public can now “test drive” using their own computers. He will update us on the latest developments in this rapidly changing field.

Oct 10 • Tony Rice

The Deep Space Network: Recent James Webb Discoveries

Tony Rice is a volunteer in NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Solar System Ambassador program. He spends lots of time in classrooms and museums talking with students about space exploration. He will update us on recent discoveries from the far reaches of the universe made possible by the James Webb Space Telescope, which was launched in 2021.

Oct 17 • TBD.

Oct 24 • Claudia Koonz, Ph.D.

Harnessing Virtue in the Service of Cruelty: Belief, Delusion and Race in Jim Crow America and Nazi Germany

Claudia Koonz is an American historian of Nazi Germany. She is the Peabody Family

Society & Culture

Professor emerita in the history department at Duke. She will explore the laws, habits of thinking and traditions in the United States and the Third Reich that commanded Aryans and white people to, in effect, love only thy neighbor who is like thyself. Her work draws parallels between the antisemitism and racism in Depression-era American fomented by popular radio priest Father Coughlin and that of the Third Reich in Nazi Germany, which used Jim Crow America as their model.

Oct 31 • Daniel Parker, M.D.

Enhancing Healthy Brain Aging

Daniel Parker is a geriatrician, memory disorders specialist and physician scientist at Duke. He diagnoses and manages the care of patients with cognitive impairments at the multispecialty Duke Memory Disorders Clinic. He will review the latest research on healthy brain aging and practical steps that you can take today to keep your brain working at its best. He will discuss the importance of hearing and vision health, and the heart-brain connection, and will review the evidence for and against common supplements.

Nov 7 • Philip Carl, Ph.D.

The Past, Present and Future of the Genetic Code

Philip Carl is a biophysicist and long-time OLLI instructor and science curriculum chair. Much of his career as well as his ongoing efforts after retirement have been spent trying to understand some of the gnarlier and more arcane aspects of the genetic code. He will share his insights on the current understanding of DNA’s significance and what remains to be discovered.

Nov 14 • Sharon Ellison, Pharm.D.

IRB-Reviewed Human Research in the Duke Health System

Sharon Ellison is the executive director of the Institutional Review Board for the Duke Uni-

versity Health System. This vital organization works to ensure the protection of human research subjects by conducting scientific and ethical reviews of research studies while providing leadership and education to the research community. She will introduce us to the process by which this board carries out its function and how it informs and protects people participating in Duke research programs.

Facilitators:

Ed Cox is a retired oncologist. His current interests include ecology, climate change, renewable energy and the influence of food on health and longevity. He has taught OLLI courses on these subjects.

Mike Smith is a retired marketing executive. He organized the OLLI at Duke Wine Society and has been an OLLI instructor. He serves on the Duke University Health System Institutional Review Board.

Melissa McLeod is a retired pediatric anesthesiologist. She has researched and presented on senior residential options, especially continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).

• 10 Tue, Sep 12 - Nov 14, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3661

A Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI: Where We Are, How We Got Here and Where We’re Going

See listing on page 38

All OLLI at Duke classes and events are in Eastern Time

Society & Culture

Implicit Bias: How It Works and What We Can Do About It

ONLINE: Implicit bias refers to unconsciously held attitudes that arise when the brain instantly, and automatically, associates stereotypes with particular social groups. Psychologist

Jennifer L. Eberhardt describes unconscious bias as “a distorting lens that’s a product of both the architecture of our brain and the disparities in our society.” Our perceptions, judgments and behaviors are influenced by these insidious attitudes, which can result in both negative and positive prejudices. In this discussion-based course, we will examine what implicit bias is, the science behind how it works and what we can do to overcome it.

Combining an in-depth study of Eberhardt’s book “Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do” and modules from Harvard University’s Outsmarting Implicit Bias project, we will seek to become more aware of our biases and discover ways we can lessen and counteract their deleterious effects on our behavior. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Participants will be assigned chapters from the required text to read prior to each class session, with additional (optional) recommended listening and reading resources posted on the course website. Most class sessions will feature small group discussions in breakout rooms.

Required text:

• Jennifer L. Eberhardt PhD, “Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do” (9780735224957)

Cathy Rimer-Surles, J.D. (she/they), a graduate of Duke and North Carolina Central University School of Law, is an attorney, educator and anti-racism activist deeply influenced by her experiences growing up queer, white and gender nonconforming in the South. She organizes, educates and agitates for equity and liberation in this city she loves as a co-founding member of Organizing Against Racism (OAR Durham) and Episcopalians United Against Racism (EUAR).

Althea Alton, Ph.D., a graduate of the University of the Philippines and Cornell University’s Graduate School of Medical Sciences, is a retired biology professor. She served as director of the liberal arts and sciences program at Western Illinois University where, in addition to biology, she taught classes on race, class and gender, and the history and philosophy of science. As a Black, Indigenous person of color, she is passionate about working for racial justice and reconciliation.

• 10 Thu, Sep 14 - Nov 16, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 30; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3646

Fall 2023 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, August 22 , at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, August 23, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.

New Member Meet & Greet

Thursday, September 7

In person at JRC 10-11 a.m. ET

• Online via Zoom 2-3 p.m. ET

See page 7.

Society & Culture

Dance in World Societies

ONLINE: Dance can establish, teach and reinforce the values and cultural norms of a particular society. Dance forms illuminate and define gender, personal and group identity, political status, religious beliefs and aesthetic values. Students will learn about the cultural roles of myth and ritual. This lecture-based course will explore dance forms from Indonesia, the Yoruba-speaking peoples of Africa, the kabuki of Japan and others, and examine the societal values embedded in them. We will also examine a number of dance forms from the perspectives of gender and dance. Then, we will discuss how a group maintains its culture through dance during forced relocations. Videos and slides will be used in the lectures. Students will gain an understanding of the intricate interconnections between a culture’s values and the forms of its dances. • Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: Readings and videos will be listed on the course website for those who desire additional information.

Barbara Dickinson, professor emerita of the practice of dance at Duke, served as dance program director for 18 years and faculty member for 34 years. A modern dancer and choreographer, she has taught courses in ballet and modern dance history. Her research on age and the dance artist produced a chapter in “Staging Age” (edited by Valerie Lipscomb and Leni Marshall, Palgrave Macmillan, 2010) and “Margie Gillis: The Indelible Art of an Integrated Artist” (Dance Chronicle, 2018).

• 8 Mon, Sep 11 - Nov 6 (no class Sep 25), 1:30-2:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 50; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3640

The Other Immigration to Israel

ONLINE: When we think of immigration to Israel, we tend to think about Jews. However, hundreds of thousands of non-Jews have also immigrated over the past 75 years, most of them through the Law of Return, which was originally intended for Jews, but some through other legal means. These people include: immigrants from the former Soviet Union, migrant workers primarily from the Philippines, refugees and asylum seekers from Lebanon and Africa, and Hebrew Israelites from the U.S. How has this happened? How have they been welcomed, and what are the various attitudes toward their presence in the country? This lecture-based course will explore this phenomenon and the issues it raises. Students will gain insight into the process of immigrant absorption when the identities of the immigrants do not match those of the host country. • Lecture + Q&A.

Please note: Optional supplementary articles will be shared with students before each of the classes after the first one.

Steven Klein is an educator and journalist with a Ph.D. in conflict management and negotiation from Bar-Ilan University. An adjunct instructor at Tel Aviv University and a senior editor at Haaretz English Edition, he has contributed many articles on issues pertaining to Israeli society and social or political conflict. He has taught for Brandeis’ OLLI, the Scolnic Adult Institute and Case Western Reserve University’s Siegal Lifelong Learning program. He lives with his beloved family in Israel.

• 5 Tue, Sep 12 - Oct 10, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $75; Course ID: 3665

Zoom Links in Online Student Portal

OLLI members who register for online courses will find the Zoom links for their courses in their Student Portal at learnmore.duke.edu/olli. For details, refer to www.olliatduke.online/studentlink.

Society & Culture

Gentrification in Durham: Impacts of Race and Class

ONLINE: What is gentrification? Gentrification occurs when wealthier, often white, people move into a neighborhood and displace lower-income people, often Black people and other people of color. Nonetheless, my research indicates that many people struggle to discuss this phenomenon fluently. While many of us know the conventional wisdom about gentrification, understanding the nuances of how racism and classism shape this social pattern can empower us to address it effectively. This discussion-based course will provide students with the tools — including terms, history and data — necessary to understand and respond to ongoing gentrification in Durham. We will cover four topics: an introduction to gentrification, relevant history, contemporary studies of gentrification and an application of this new knowledge to Durham. • Facilitated discussion.

Please note: Required PDF readings and open access videos will be provided on the course website. Some breakout room discussions may be used.

Recommended texts:

• Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, “Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in America” (9781442276222)

• Patricia Hill Collins and Sirma Bilge, “Intersectionality” (9780745684529)

• W. E. B. Du Bois, “The Souls of Black Folk” (9781505223378)

• Anna J. Cooper, “A Voice from the South: By a Black Woman of the South” (9781469633329)

Madeleine G. Straubel (she/her) is a white Ph.D. candidate in sociology at UNC-Chapel Hill studying race and racism. She earned a B.A. in English from Guilford College and an M.A. in sociology from UNC-CH. Born and raised in Durham, her dissertation research focuses on how Durham residents experience and explain gentrification, racial inequality and themselves. Since May 2020, she has taught sociology courses on race, gender and theory to adult and traditional undergraduate students at UNC-CH.

• 10 Tue, Sep 12 - Nov 14, 3:30-4:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 24; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3642

In-Person Courses

If enrolling in a course that meets in person, please see the guidelines at learnmore.duke.edu/olli/person-guidelines before registering

OLLI members who register for online courses will find the Zoom links for their courses in their Student Portal at learnmore.duke.edu/olli. For details, refer to www.olliatduke.online/studentlink

Zoom Links in Online Student Portal

Wellness Activities

Happy Conversations: Good Relationships

IN PERSON: How does emotional intelligence relate to the way we communicate? Why do we so often misunderstand one another? Participants in this course will gain an appreciation for the distinct styles of communication and variables that may cause misunderstandings. Students will come away with knowledge of how sensory preferences affect communication as well as their own sensory preference style and communication style. We will consider how humor, empathy, apology, active listening, body language and generational differences impact communication. Students will consider what their own happiness set point is, and whether it can be changed. Then we will explore ways to do this using demonstrated techniques and opportunities to practice. In this highly interactive class, students should be prepared to think creatively about ways to raise their happiness set point. Our goal is to have happier conversations and to spread that happiness to our family members and friends. • Facilitated discussion.

Recommended text:

• Marci Shimoff and Paul R. Scheele, “Happy for No Reason: Build an Unshakable Inner Home for Happiness” (9780925480743)

Alita Bluford is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds a Master of Science in Human Resources and Organizational Development from Eastern Michigan University. She is an adult learning specialist and conducts training on communication and emotional intelligence for small- to medium-sized businesses in the Triangle area. She has taught several popular courses on communication and emotional intelligence for OLLI at Duke and OLLI at NC State University.

• 6 Mon, Sep 11 - Oct 23 (no class Sep 25), 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 16; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3645

Introduction to Bridge

IN PERSON: Join us to explore the most exciting card game in the world, meet new people, make new friends and keep an agile mind. This course is suitable for people who are new to bridge but enjoy playing stimulating card games, or those who casually dabbled with bridge in the past. Through active participation, we will explore the mechanics of the game, basic hand evaluation, trick-taking techniques, planning to play no-trump and suit contracts, and basic opening leads. Each class will consist of a minilecture and instructional videos, followed by playing and discussing practice hands to apply the concepts learned. • Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Students will need to acquire a copy of the book before the course begins.

Required supplies/fee: There is a $20 fee payable to the instructor to cover supplemental handouts, preparation of practice hands, bidding boxes, and the online teaching and playing platform used in this class.

Required text:

• Jeff Bayone, “A Taste of Bridge” (9781771400343)

Henry Meguid is the current president of the American Bridge Teachers’ Association (ABTA) and the recipient of the 2018 ABTA Teacher of the Year Award. He is a certified master teacher, the highest bridge teacher certification in North America. He has been an OLLI instructor for the past four years.

• 10 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

• In person at Bridge Academy

• Maximum: 32; Fee: $110; Course ID: 2740

Wellness Activities

Build Your Strength With Vivo

ONLINE: Muscle strength and balance are critical to maintaining health and independence as we age. Without additional strength training, most older adults will suffer a loss of muscle tone that can negatively impact their balance and mobility. Vivo, a live, online, interactive strength-building course customized to your fitness level, helps you attain physical fitness. Vivo exercise sessions consist of cognitive, balance and strength exercises. Classes are small and instruction is individualized. Certified personal trainers, skilled in working with older adults, provide modified exercises to meet each student’s fitness needs. Classes meet twice a week for 45 minutes. Participants receive personal assessments at the beginning and end of the course that measure their strength, balance and mobility — which are critical to the health of adults over 55. Whether you are new to exercise or exercise regularly, Vivo will help you meet your exercise goals. This class is for anyone new to Vivo. • Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Each session is limited to 10 students. No exercise equipment is required. Exercise bands will be mailed to all participants to use in class.

Participants will need to complete their initial personal assessments prior to the second week of class. They will receive an email with a link to schedule their assessment and a waiver. Final assessments will be completed during the last week of class.

Please note: Members who registered for Vivo during Winter 23 term are not eligible to participate.

Margaret Danilovich is a physical therapist with a Ph.D. in public health. She has spent the last 15 years working in geriatrics. Her research focuses on exercise interventions for older adults and has

been funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and the National Institutes of Health. She currently has an Administration for Community Living grant to deliver evidence-based exercise classes to older adults.

Section 1

• 10 Mon/Wed, Sep 11 - Nov 20 (no class Sep 25), 9-10 a.m.

• 20 sessions total; Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 100; Fee: $175; Course ID: 3634-001

Section 2

• 10 Mon/Wed, Sep 11 - Nov 20 (no class Sep 25), 10-11 a.m.

• 20 sessions total; Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 100; Fee: $175; Course ID: 3634-002

Section 3

• 10 Tue/Thu, Sep 12 - Nov 16, 9-10 a.m.

• 20 sessions total; Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 100; Fee: $175; Course ID: 3634-003

Section 4

• 10 Tue/Thu, Sep 12 - Nov 16, 10-11 a.m.

• 20 sessions total; Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 100; Fee: $175; Course ID: 3634-004

Tuesday, August 29, 11 a.m.

Wellness Activities

T’ai Chi: Mindfulness in Motion

ONLINE: T’ai chi (taijiquan/t’ai chi ch’uan) is a Chinese moving meditation, martial art and health exercise. Based on slow, continuous, whole-body movement, it results in increased energy, well-being and mental, emotional and physical balance. Research has verified its benefits, and medical professionals endorse it for numerous conditions, including arthritis, balance difficulties, Parkinson’s disease and fibromyalgia. The practice encourages a joyful, reflective approach to daily life. In this experiential course, you will gain proficiency with principles and movements through the Moonlight routine from the traditional Wu Hao style. Beginners as well as experienced players are welcome. The instructor teaches with playful humor and clear descriptions while demonstrating movements from front and rear views. He focuses on the big picture and also on details such as footwork. He will be available to answer questions during breaks. Students will also receive handouts via email. • Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Video recordings allow for independent practice between classes. No special space or equipment is required.

Recommended text:

• Tsung Hwa Jou, “The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation” (9780692034057)

Jay Dunbar (M.A. English literature, Duke; Ph.D. education, UNC-Chapel Hill) is director of the Magic Tortoise Taijiquan School (magictortoise.com). An “indoor” student of Grandmaster Jou Tsung Hwa, he has studied taijiquan and qigong since 1975 and has taught in the Triangle since 1979. He has offered courses through OLLI each term since 2003, and for the Fall 2020 term he successfully transitioned to Zoom.

• 10 Thu, Sep 14 - Nov 16, 9-10:15 a.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 200; Fee: $110; Course ID: 0420

Yoga Nidra: Systematic Relaxation

ONLINE: Yoga nidra is a systematic approach to relaxation. Research has shown that yoga nidra can get people into the same brain wave pattern as when they are in a deep sleep while they remain aware. Students in the instructor’s classes often remark on how relaxed and refreshed they feel after a 30-minute practice. Using lecture, gentle movement, guided breathing and yoga nidra, students will learn about and experience specific techniques and practices. Each class will have a different focus. The practice will always include deep relaxation but may focus on, for example, healing, improving cognition or connecting to the heart. Students of all levels can benefit from yoga nidra. • Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Suggested props to have available for class: a blanket or bolster to place under your knees; a small pillow (not a big bed pillow), a cervical pillow or a soft blanket to support your head and neck; a soft cloth such as a scarf to cover your eyes; and a blanket for warmth.

Eileen Friars is a certified ParaYoga Nidra teacher. ParaYoga is a living link to the ancient traditions. While taking master trainings with Yogarupa Rod Stryker, Eileen was so impressed with the effects of this practice that she decided to become certified to teach it. She has experienced great benefits from the practice herself and enjoys sharing it with others. Comment from a student: “Thank you for giving us this gift of deep relaxation. I felt soooo good after our practice today.”

• 5 Mon, Oct 2 - Nov 6 (no class Oct 30), 3:30-4:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 25; Fee: $75; Course ID: 3315

All OLLI at Duke classes and events are in Eastern Time

Writing Your First Book: Blank Page to Full Manuscript

IN PERSON: Have you carried around an idea for a novel, but, now that you have the time, you realize you have no idea how to write it? Is that memoir rolling around in your head, but you need just a little help? Or do you have a completed manuscript, but you know it’s just not ready? Facing the blank page can be overwhelming, unless you have a guide. Join us to learn how to structure your material and shape it into a professional-level piece of writing. We’ll discuss elements of a writer’s first book, and then apply those elements to our own work. You’ll learn how to define your subject area, create plots, employ a story structure, define and develop characters, build an outline and write the full manuscript. Join your fellow new writers in expanding your art and developing the writer-to-writer communication that improves everyone’s work. • Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning.

Please note: This course is intended for individuals who will be actively writing a piece of material. Please bring the piece you wish to work on, even if it is only “an idea” right now,

plus paper and a writing instrument to class. The recommended reading is for those who wish to know more.

Recommended text:

• Samanth Shad, “Write Through The Crisis” (9781733865210)

Samantha Shad is the author of the award-winning books “The Write to Happiness” and “Write Through the Crisis.” She is a produced writer in film and network television (“Class Action,” “Vanished Without a Trace”). She held positions in the Writers Guild of America and was chair and president of the Writers Guild-Directors Guild Joint Women’s Foundation and Women’s Filmmaking Program. She has taught at UCLA and the American Film Institute, and is an experienced, engaging, lively OLLI instructor.

• 6 Mon, Sep 11 - Oct 23 (no class Sep 25), 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 16; Fee: $100; Course ID: 3674

If enrolling in a course that meets In Person, please see the guidelines at learnmore.duke.edu/olli/person-guidelines before registering

Staying in Touch

When you join the OLLI at Duke mailing list, you’ll receive the OLLI Newsletter with up-to-date information on upcoming events, special workshops and course registration details.  Sign up here; you can unsubscribe at any time.

Writing

Writing Process Building Blocks

IN PERSON: Learn and apply a functional and practical systematic writing process to gain control over your fear, procrastination, writer’s block and anxiety. This system and process is useful, transferable and repeatable in any writing setting, form or environment. Students will learn to do the following:1) Dispel the myth and romantic notion that the writing process has to be a tortured effort. 2) Transfer and apply this knowledge and system to any form of writing — creative, professional, etc. 3) Consistently convert ideas into finished writing outcomes. 4) Reduce anxiety and writer’s block by organizing the writing process into less overwhelming and more manageable, digestible parts. Unlike other writing courses, students will not have writing assignments, per se, nor will the class participants critique each other’s work. However, between sessions, students will be encouraged to experiment with the tools they have learned and discuss their results.

• Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning.

Please note: All levels of experience are welcome. There will be something for everyone.

Ira Knight is the author and publisher of five books as well as a playwright, producer and director of 10 staged plays. His most recent play, “From Myth to Man: Martin Luther King,” is a case study for the principles of this course and is currently touring universities and colleges throughout the United States. This course is an articulation of the writing process system Ira developed as an active writer. The course content has previously been presented as a workshop.

• 4 Tue, Sep 12 - Oct 3, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $70; Course ID: 3673

Beginning Your Memoir

IN PERSON: Are you ready to tell the story of your past? In this course, you will become familiar with memoir as a genre and practice. Through reading and writing exercises, as well as using group discussions, you will set achievable goals and generate writing that will become the framework for your memoir. In a supportive group setting, you can begin preserving your story for yourself or the next generation. With your instructor’s help, you will define your story and begin recording it while creating a sustainable writing practice. Bring your favorite writing tools, and set foot on the path of writing discovery. • Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Students will have one or two readings per week (around 30 pages) that will be discussed in class. These will be provided as PDFs. Students can expect two or three generative, in-class writing exercises per week and should come prepared to write. Additional prompts for optional out-of-class work will be offered every class session. The recommended book is suggested solely for your pleasure — it’s a great read!

Recommended text:

• Natalie Goldberg, “Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within” (9781611803082)

Shawna Ayoub, a Durham-based writer, practices and instructs classes focused on writing truth. Her teaching and writing are equally informed by identity and indoctrinated racial, gender-based and religious violence, and seek to break free from artificial constraints. A widely published writer (HuffPost and elsewhere), she has taught memoir courses in person and online for 15 years. Ayoub specializes in writing joyful or difficult stories using expressive writing techniques and prompts.

• 7 Thu, Oct 5 - Nov 16, 1:30-3 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3631

Writing

Creating Your Children’s Book

ONLINE: In the first five sessions of Creating Your Children’s Book, we will focus on structuring a story. Students will learn about and discuss important elements that are foundational to the creation of a children’s book: inventing original characters, determining those characters’ motivations or conflicts and, finally, determining the resolutions to the story. Students will be given assignments related to these elements, work with them between classes to build their individual stories and share their results with fellow participants. The second set of five classes will focus on stylistic elements that make children’s stories sing: descriptions using the senses, vivid verbs, images and dialogue. During these classes, students will view multiple examples of these elements and then examine and strengthen their work during class by using them. • Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning.

Please note: The course is built through the connection between reading and writing, so books are key. For each class, the instructor will provide links to five to 10 online children’s books as well as to materials she has developed to aid students’ investigations. Students may select to read any number of these picture books; most will not be assigned. However, the instructor will require deep reading of one of these books using materials she has introduced in class.

Susie Wilde has been reviewed in and interviewed for newspapers and magazines countrywide for 40 years, and has written columns for The Herald Sun and The News & Observer. Her published works include a picture book, “Extraordinary Chester,” and a book for teachers, “Write-A-Thon.” Currently, as the influencer behind Geem’s Gems, she reviews newly published children’s books and also teaches master classes for children’s book writers. Discover more at her website: ignitingwriting.com

• 10 Tue, Sep 12 - Nov 14, 1:30-2:45 p.m.

• Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded

• Maximum: 14; Fee: $90; Course ID: 3639

Taking Your Poems Up a Notch: Crafting Revisions

ONLINE: After the initial rush of inspiration, the poet begins the work of crafting, honing the poem through the process of revision. Yet, sometimes, because the poet is so close to their creation, what can be optimized may not always be seen. In this course, we will read and discuss our poems together, focusing on the strengths of the poems and also how they may be improved through revision. Playing a part in this are the opening and closing lines of the poem, music, how the poem appears on the page, and the images and compressions that pack a poem with meaning and depth. We will develop strategies for revisions, ones you can apply on your own after the course. Crafting revisions, many poets find, can become a satisfying practice. Students will submit their poems a full day before the class; the instructor will gather the pieces in one document to send to the class. She will also provide short notes to each student, with suggestions for crafting their poems.

• Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning.

Please note: Although all levels of experience are welcome, this is not an introduction to writing poetry.

Jane Seitel is an expressive therapist, teacher and writer. She founded QuillsEdge Press, a press devoted to women over 50. She received her MFA in poetry from Drew University and has been widely published. She has taught over 20 literature and writing courses for OLLI.

• 7 Thu, Oct 5 - Nov 16, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

• Online via Zoom

• Maximum: 12; Fee: $100; Course ID: 3662

Writing

Tease Out the Story!

IN PERSON: Do you have a family story that has yet to be recorded, or a personal story you want to reflect on? The act of writing facilitates this process by opening a window and allowing the writer to contemplate past events and see them in a new light. Each week, we’ll use writing prompts to get the creative process going, then take time to share our work and respond to others’ work. In the process, students will “find” the story they want to tell and then develop it. Students will share their writing via email so all participants can read each other’s work. In-class feedback, along with the teacher’s comments sent via email, will give the writer plenty of ideas for how to strengthen their piece. The goal is to give constructive criticism and encourage each other. The takeaway will be your well-crafted narrative. Participants will experience how the sharing of our stories can bring us together and reveal our similarities.

• Facilitated discussion, Active Skill Learning.

Please note: No prior writing experience is required. All levels are welcome. The recommended books are great references for your personal library.

Recommended texts:

• Dion Leonard, “Finding Gobi, The Amazing True Story (A little dog with a very big heart)” (9780718098575)

• Raynor Winn, “The Salt Path” (9780143134114)

• Kristen Beddard, “Bonjour Kale: A Memoir of Paris, Love and Recipes” (9781492630043)

Margaret Anderson has an M.A. in creative writing from Hollins University and taught writing programs for both children and adults for Durham County Library while working there as a librarian. She also taught at the Young Writers Workshop at NC State University. A published poet, Margaret completed a creative writing class with author and teacher Nancy Peacock. This will be her second time teaching this course for OLLI — the last course was a great teaching and learning experience!

• 8 Wed, Sep 13 - Nov 1, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• In person at Judea Reform Congregation

• Maximum: 10; Fee: $110; Course ID: 3663

All OLLI at Duke classes and events are in Eastern Time

Registration FAQs

Registration FAQs have moved! To make your registration experience as smooth as possible, we have put together a frequently asked questions guide. There you will find answers to questions on membership, courses, Zoom and technology and registration. To read all the FAQs, please visit learnmore.duke.edu/olli/faq.

Fall 2023 Registration

Registration opens on Tuesday, August 22 , at 9 a.m. ET for Monday and Tuesday courses and on Wednesday, August 23, at 9 a.m. ET for Wednesday and Thursday courses.