Since 1918, the Foreign Policy Association has served as a catalyst for an open, objective, and non-partisan public discourse on world affairs and American foreign policy. Great Decisions is an annual series that examines eight critical foreign policy issues. The topics for this course are selected by the Foreign Policy Association. Each lecture in this series includes background information, current American policy, and foreign policy options for the United States. An additional ninth lecture on March 12th, entitled "It's A Wrap," updates attendees on developments on each of the topics discussed since the beginning of the course. For more information about Great Decisions, please visit: https://www.fpa.org

"He's a Rockstar. I would probably attend any program he presents."- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads

2. U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy

3. U.S.-China Relations

4. International Cooperation on Climate Change

5. The Future of European Security

6. Artificial Intelligence and U.S. National Security

7. India: Between China, the U.S. & the Global South

8. After Gaza: American Foreign Policy in the Middle East

9. It's a Wrap!

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

It seems the average South Floridian has been here about ten minutes. And most of what you think you know is wrong! Longtime journalist, author, and lecturer explores the history of Florida, South Florida, and Palm Beach County. All talks use PowerPoint and handouts.

“Excellent presenter, class. Looking forward to attending next semester.” – OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. Florida's amazing history and why you should care

2. Best of Florida's historical sites

3. Palm Beach County history

4. History of hurricanes in Florida

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Reversing its initial reservation, the Biden administration has provided Ukraine with advanced weapons and allowed their use for limited military targets inside Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that a coalition of countries agreed to send military trainers to Ukraine, indicating a willingness to put NATO troops on Ukrainian soil. Russia responded swiftly, with President Vladimir Putin threatening to arm enemies of the West with precision weapons and hinting at nuclear weapon use. Peace talks have vanished from the discourse, risking escalation toward a world war. Dr. Rabil argues that continuing the Ukraine war is detrimental to U.S. and Ukraine interests and potentially catastrophic if it leads to a world war. In this lecture series, Dr. Rabil will discuss critical geostrategic, security, and military issues to prevent such a conflict.

"I consider Dr. Rabil  to be one of the best lecture series, if not the best, that I attend at FAU OLLI" - OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. Iran-Russia Relations: Implications for U.S. and Israel

2. The E.U. and the U.S.-China Rivalry in the Indo-Pacific

3. Pakistan and the rivalry between the U.S. and Russia-China

4. The Struggle for Central Asia: Implications for NATO

5. Iran-Venezuela Relations and US-China (and Russia) Rivalry: Implications for U.S.

6. The Arab Gulf, U.S. and Israel: Post October 7

7. North Africa, U.S. and Israel: Post October 7

8. The Ukraine Crisis: The Coming World War?

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Ordinary men and women go about their lives thinking that things will never change. In places far removed from them, powerful people make decisions that will transform their lives, sometimes for better but very often for worse.

"Professor Berk as a lecturer and a scholar is as good as it gets. It is a privilege to attend his lectures." - OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. The Kaiser gives an ally a free hand, and the Great War begins. Lenin strikes for power and the world trembles.

2. Roosevelt creates the New Deal, and American Democracy is saved. Hitler makes the greatest mistake of his life, Barbarossa. Truman drops the bomb.

3. LBJ and MLK start the civil rights revolution. Fidel Castro brings communism to the Caribbean.

4. America goes to war in Asia, and Gorbachov destroys the Soviet Union.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

TV shows and films often glamourize the legal profession, but real law offers even more stimulation. This series delves into current, highly publicized legal and Constitutional issues in federal and state courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Topics include post-January 6th judicial decisions, legal challenges involving former President Trump and associates, and conflicts among federal judges. The increasingly polarized views of Supreme Court justices on critical issues like abortion and gun rights are also explored, as well as its most recent split decision assuring Presidential immunity in circumstances never before contemplated under the Constitution or all existing precedents to the contrary.  Expect a dynamic semester, not for the faint-hearted.  Returning participants are welcome

"Professor Labovitz is engaging, extremely erudite, knowledgeable and possesses great presentation skills." OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Delve into the groundbreaking variety show "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In," which revolutionized television comedy in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Originating as a one-time special, the show quickly gained popularity for its rapid-fire jokes, satirical sketches, and catchphrases that became part of American pop culture. We will explore the show's origins, its innovative format that broke away from traditional variety shows, and its roster of famous guests, including Richard Nixon, who made a memorable cameo. Key segments like "Sock it to Me," "The Fickle Finger of Fate," and "Here Comes the Judge" will be highlighted for their comedic brilliance. Kustanowitz will also examine the show's influence on later television programs, paving the way for sketch comedies like "Saturday Night Live," showcasing how "Laugh-In" left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape.

"The speaker was knowledgeable and entertaining"- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

"The Arabian Nights" is a timeless collection of stories narrated by the beautiful Scheherazade over 1001 nights to capture the imagination of her husband, the powerful Sultan, and save herself each dawn from execution. The tales were collected from many sources over hundreds of years, and old as they are, their brave heroes and cunning villains continue to influence fiction and film in the modern world. In this four-session seminar, we'll spend the first three sessions exploring famous and lesser-known tales and the fascinating times and rich cultures in which they evolved. In the final session, we'll examine some of the many works of later fiction and film that the stories have inspired. Handout listing books and films referenced. Seminar format with PowerPoint slides. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

“Cora is smart, interesting and a great presenter.” – OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1: Deceit and Trickery: Tales of tricksters, liars, con artists, and other untrustworthy folk.

2: Adventure and Revenge: Sword-wielding, rollicking adventurers and their deeds and misdeeds.

3: Love and Longing: Endings both happy and sad for lovers both loyal and star-crossed.

4: A Million and One Inspirations: Stories and films that took the tales as their guide to thrill and delight us.

Modern China is a fascinating and unique place with a history and culture that is not well-known or understood by the West. Chinese civilization dates back thousands of years but is now also shaped by 19th and 20th-century ideas, including Marxism. This course will look at the factors that have shaped China today, from the long wave of history to the tumultuous period of civil war through the evolution of communist control. Today under Xi Jinping, China is claiming its place on the global stage as a major power. What this means and how the Western government responds to this emerging challenge is one of the major themes of the course. Without understanding China's evolution, policy mistakes can lead to conflict.

"Great Professor! Great and engaging lectures!"- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. China's Long Imperial History

2. The Century of Humiliation

3. Sun Yat-sen's Failed Vision: An American Revolution with Chinese Characteristics?

4. The Mao Years

5. Deng Xiaoping and the Modernization of China

6. Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road, and China's Global Ambitions

5. Deng Xiaoping and the Modernization of China

6. Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road, and China's Global Ambitions

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

 

Remember the “Bull” sessions in college, fortified by beer and other libations? In this program, we recreate that heady experience with heavenly discourse on baseball, basketball, football, tennis and golf. We ponder many questions. Does Babe Ruth still rule the roost in baseball folklore despite the advent of Japanese import Shohei Otani? Will Bill Russell’s 11 championships in 13 years of Boston Celtic supremacy stand? Is Tom Brady the best QB in football? Or will Patrick Mahomes eclipse Brady’s bunch of NFL titles? Our subject offers a bountiful feast of food for thought and talk. Join us for a blast from the past, game for the present, and a ball (crystal?) for the future. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. Baseball: Babe Ruth, Rogers Hornsby, Walter Johnson, Joe DiMaggio. Stan Musial, Ted Williams. Warren Spahn, Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige. Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle.

2. Football: Red Grange, Jim Thorpe, Bronco Nagurski, Don Hutson, Sammy Baugh, Sid Luckman, Marion Motley, Otto Graham, Dick Lane, Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas, Emlen Tunnell, Walter Payton, Joe Montana, and Lawrence Taylor.

3. Basketball: Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Kobe Bryant.

4. Golf & Tennis: Bobby Jones, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus. Tennis: Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Margaret Court, Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver.

Join OLLI for an exciting conversation with Paul Clivio, President of the South Florida PGA, and Geoff Lofstead, Executive Director of the South Florida PGA, as they delve into the latest trends transforming the golf world. Paul will explore the post-COVID-19 boom in the sport, shifting player demographics, and the dynamic competition between the PGA and LIV tours. He’ll also share insights into the science of maintaining vibrant, sustainable golf courses. This program promises a comprehensive and engaging look at the future of the sport and the industry.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

The Gilded Age was a glittering era in the United States in the wake of the Civil War when financial heft brought the nation to the world stage. It was also a time of increasingly rapid change. In this edition of the Book Club series, we will be reading and discussing short fiction by a selection of writers from the Gilded Age: Henry James, Edith Wharton, Kate Chopin, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Dr. Hagood initiates interesting discussions about the material and is respectful of opinions that differ from his own. I would sign up for any class he taught."- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. Henry James, "Daisy Miller"

2. Edith Wharton, "Roman Fever"

3. Kate Chopin, "The Awakening"

4. Charlotte Perkins Gilman, "The Yellow Wallpaper"

 

Let Us Sing! Invites one and all! If you love to sing, this is the class for you! Reading music is not required. Enjoy singing in an ensemble while learning vocal and choral techniques through each score and bringing the music to life one note at a time! Each session will include vocal warm-ups, choral singing, and vocal techniques through repertoire. This 9 week series culminates with a performance for your OLLI friends and family!

The American Film Institute released a list of the best film scores that includes many well-known classics and some surprises. The composers of those scores had fascinating lives and solid careers. With the help of plenty of audiovisuals, stories, and anecdotes, let’s enjoy the ride through the process of creating those historical pieces that convey what the movie is trying to say without words and evoke an emotional response even the most brilliant bit of dialogue cannot. With the participation of the participants, we'll build our alternative top 25 film scores of all time!

LECTURES:

1. The American Film Institute List. The First European Invasion. The amazing generation that became The Fathers of Film Scores: “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (Erich Korngold), “Gone with the Wind” (Max Steiner). “Sunset Boulevard” (Franz Waxman), “ High Noon” (Dimitri Tiomkin).

2. American Composers bring Innovations, new styles, and new ideas for new realities: “How the West Was Won” (Alfred Newman), “Psycho” (Bernard Herrmann, “A Streetcar Named Desire” (Alex North), “To Kill a Mockingbird” (Elmer Bernstein), “Planet of the Apes” (Jerry Goldsmith).

3. The Second European Invasion. A new flexible scheme is open to new standards of creativity and sound: “Lawrence of Arabia” (Maurice Jarre), “Out of Africa” (John Barry), “The Godfather” (Nino Rota), “The Mission” (Ennio Morricone).

4. Consolidation and Versatility:  “On the Waterfront” (Leonard Bernstein), “The Pink Panther” (Henry Mancini), “On Golden Pond” (Dave Grusin), and “Star War” (John Williams). The alternative lists, and let's build our own Top 25.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

The Six-Day War of 1967, triggered by Israel's preemptive strike in response to Arab neighbors' mobilization for war, reshaped Middle East dynamics profoundly. Beginning on June 5 and concluding by June 10, Israel swiftly defeated Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, capturing the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, Old City of Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. This war tripled Israel's territory and led to U.N. Resolution 242, a cornerstone of subsequent peace proposals in the Arab-Israeli conflict spanning over five decades. The status of these territories remains a contentious issue in Israeli domestic politics and Arab-Israeli relations. Historian Ralph Nurnberger will explore the roots and lesser-known events preceding the war, along with its lasting impact on the Middle East's geopolitical landscape.

"He is extremely knowledgeable and his sense of humor makes his programs very interesting. I wish that I had history professors like him when I was in college."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Though many artists have their biggest successes in their early careers, the greatest artists continue creating and presenting better work as the years go by. From Fred Astaire, whose movies still appear regularly in best-of listings and television, to Bob Dylan and Wille Nelson, who continue to win accolades well into their 80s, to the blues of Ma Rainey and the jive of Louis Jordan, to Oscar Hammerstein II and Stephen Sondheim's award-winning revivals, to Reba McIntire and Bonnie Raitt's stellar performances decades after their initial hits, the music of great artists remains timeless. This course will examine these musical artists' work, lives, and legacies and attempt to sort myth from reality with videos, live performances, and research materials.

"Rod is fantastic! His love of music is exhilarating! The classes are wonderful"- OLLIPaton

LECTURES:

1. The Lady Stands Alone: Ma Rainey, Reba McIntire

2. Keepin’ It Cool: Fred Astaire, Louie Jordan

3. Lyrics On Broadway: Oscar Hammerstein II, Merrily We Roll Along

4. Other Voices: Antonio Carlos Jobim, Jacques Brel

5. The Great American Sound: The Eagles, Bonnie Raitt

6. The New Classical Music: John Williams, Pinchas & Natalia Zukerman

7. Dance With Somebody: Donna Summer, Whitney Houston

8. Into the Sun: Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Dr. Taylor Hagood brings a new live music event on the life and music of Elvis Presley. This program will include the early songs that made the King of Rock and Roll famous and the later, more obscure songs that show how he grew as an artist. While presenting the life of this iconic figure, Dr. Hagood will also share entertaining perspectives on Elvis based on family memories from North Mississippi and even encounters with Elvis impersonators from around the world. This is NOT an Elvis impersonation!!!!!! But it will be fun!

"Excellent experience in every way- Dr. Hagood is a talented, knowledgeable and engaging instructor. A+ all the way!"- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Born in Quebec, Canada, as the 14th child in a musical family, Céline Dion began singing publicly at age five. Discovered by manager René Angelil, her unique voice transitioned her from local fame to international stardom. Initially celebrated in French-speaking countries, her English hits, including "Beauty and the Beast," "The Power of Love," and "Because You Loved Me," cemented her status. The Titanic anthem "My Heart Will Go On" catapulted her to global fame. Dion's successful Las Vegas residency, the longest-running and most successful, was performed in a theater built especially for her. However, a few years ago, she revealed a rare and debilitating disease affecting one in a million people. Versteeg will guide the audience through Céline’s remarkable career, highlighting her triumphs and challenges, with music and interviews.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Based on his research, Dr. Wagner will examine the causes and reasons for our increasingly divided politics. Cutting through the noise, this program will show what to take from newscasts, campaigns, and polls and where conventional wisdom is often wrong. Dr. Wagner will present survey results, media reports, and analysis of the latest happenings in American Politics. The lecture will illustrate how the political system is shifting with new technology and unrestricted money from political interest groups. Combining visuals, data, and a little humor, Dr. Wagner will show how events, technology, media, and politicians shape the political discourse and what it means for America.

"Excellent lecture with wonderful audience interaction."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

This course explores the dynamic relationship between interest-rate risk, real estate markets, and the banking sector in the context of the U.S. economy. Students will delve into how changes in interest rates impact real estate values, mortgage markets, and banking profitability. The course also examines historical trends and future projections to understand potential economic scenarios. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and expert guest lectures, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between these critical financial components and their implications for the future of the U.S. economy.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Rumor has it that Prince Rainier of Monaco initially considered Marilyn Monroe before marrying Grace Kelly. Marilyn and Grace, both blonde actresses who died young, shared few similarities. Born Norma Jean Mortensen, Marilyn had a troubled youth, spending time in orphanages and foster homes. The 1953 hit “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” made her a star. After two failed marriages, her death at 36 led to numerous theories. Grace Kelly, the daughter of multimillionaire John Kelly, acted in 11 films between 1951 and 1956, winning an Academy Award for “The Country Girl” at 25. In 1956, she married Prince Rainier and became Princess Grace of Monaco. She significantly transformed Monaco into a cultural hub. She died in a car accident in 1982. René Silvin will recount anecdotes about Princess Grace and Hollywood glamour.

"This was one of the best programs I have been to. He had such a relaxed way of presenting, but giving us so much info. He was marvelous!!!!!!"- OLLI Patron

In this session, as we continue our exploration of world cinema, we’ll encounter a diverse range of voices and stories from across the globe.

"Shelly Isaacs truly brings the magic of movies to life. I’ve been seeing films with his various programs for almost ten years now and always look forward to a new semester of film"- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. "Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara" - Italy, 2023: Edgardo Mortara, a young Jewish boy living in Bologna, Italy, who in 1858, after being secretly baptized, was forcibly taken from his family to be raised as a Christian. His parents' struggle to free their son became part of a larger political battle that pitted the papacy against forces of democracy and Italian unification. Running time 2hr 14min.

2. "All Your Faces" - France, 2023: Restorative justice programs offer a safe space for dialogue between offenders and victims -- supported by professionals and volunteers. In this emotional and difficult journey, they must overcome resentment to find solace and forgiveness. And perhaps, at the end of the road, some of them might even find healing. Running time 118 min.

3. "Monster" - Japan, 2023: When her young son Minato starts to behave strangely, his mother feels that there is something wrong. Discovering that a teacher is responsible, she storms into the school, demanding to know what's going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher, and child, the truth gradually emerges. Running time 2hr 7min.

4. "La Chimera" - Italy, 2024: Everyone has their own Chimera, something they try to achieve but never manage to find. For the band of tombaroli, thieves of ancient grave goods and archaeological wonders, the Chimera means redemption from work and the dream of easy wealth. In an adventurous journey between the living and the dead, between forests and cities, between celebrations and solitudes, the intertwined destinies of these characters unfold, all in search of the Chimera.  Running time 2 hr 13m.

Weekly titles subject to change.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

 

 

Step into the enchanting world of visual storytelling with a fascinating lecture on the evolution of the camera and the art of photography. Feeney, dressed as a 19th-century photographer, will share the humble origins of the camera obscura and explore how ingenious minds transformed this optical device into the first primitive cameras, leading to the birth of photography. Discover the works of pioneers like Louis Daguerre and Henry Fox Talbot, who forever altered visual communication. The lecture highlights how the camera became a powerful tool for sharing historical events, such as the American Civil War, with photographers like Alexander Gardner, Timothy O'Sullivan, and Mathew Brady. Join us to delve into iconic photographs and artifacts from Feeney's collection, celebrating the art, science, and cultural significance of photography. Space is limited.

"He was one of the best and knowledgeable speakers I’ve heard at FAU" - OLLI Patron

What do "Tumbalalaika," "Hava Nagila," and "Sunrise Sunset" have in common with "California Dreamin'," "Up on the Roof," and "It's My Party?" There's a Jewish Connection! Spend a delightful afternoon singing pop songs by Jewish artists such as Carole King, Bette Midler, Billy Joel, Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Diamond, and so many more, and learn fascinating stories about the songs, the artists, and their Jewish backgrounds. This program opens with a Yiddish song, closes with a Hebrew hora medley, and is packed in the middle with fabulous Billboard hits, all by Jewish artists. As always, there will be slides with photos and lyrics for you to sing along. Be ready for some surprises!

“Superb performance and very educational” - OLLI Patron

5150 Chocolate Co. in Delray Beach invites OLLI patrons on a journey that redefines chocolate-making. This tour reveals how a chocolatier's crazy idea turned an apartment into a makeshift lab, transforming raw cacao into extraordinary chocolate. Discover the difference between a chocolatier and a chocolate maker, and see how tools like juicers and lentil grinders played a role in this creative process. Learn how respecting the unique qualities of cacao and honoring the farmers who cultivate it led to a product that's as thoughtful as it is delicious. Experience firsthand the passion, creativity, and relentless curiosity that fuel 5150 Chocolate Co., where tradition meets innovation, and chocolate is truly crazy good. 5150 Chocolate Co. is located at 1010 N. Federal Hwy, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check-in. The deadline for enrollment is Friday, January 31st. All participants will receive free samples and discounts on purchases just in time for Valentine's Day! Space is limited, so register early!

The Bill of Rights is 230 years old, but it continues to regularly impact our daily activities and fuel lively political and policy debates. This series will use constitutional/legal analysis, history, current events, logic/common sense, and a little humor to examine some key issues and landmark Supreme Court decisions.

" I will take any course Klein teaches Great combination of knowledge and wit"- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. First Amendment: Freedom From and Freedom of Religion -The Very First Clauses of the Bill of Rights.

2. Second Amendment: Gun Rights and Regulations - What in the World Does the Amendment Mean?

3. Fourth and Fifth Amendments: Your Rights When Confronted by the Police.

4. Sixth through Eighth Amendments: The Rights of Criminal Defendants (Because no one is below the law).

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

 

The stories of the settlement of Jews in Medieval England and in Argentina after the Spanish Inquisition are two fascinating and contrasting communities. In England, from Norman times to blood libel and expulsion, only to return in the 17th century and gradually become leaders of world Jewry. The Argentine community, part Sephardic, part Ashkenazi: from politics to cowboys to prostitutes, a colorful history of one of the largest Jewish communities in the world. Lectures with PowerPoint presentation.

"She is knowledgeable, clever, very well spoken and has a great sense of humor!"- Olli Patron

LECTURES:

1. A look at early Jewish settlement in England, beginning in 1066. Who were these Jews? Blood libels and the expulsion of the Jews from England. The portrayal of the Jew in early English literature from Chaucer to Shakespeare.

2. After the return of the Jews, their changing legal status. Sephardic and Ashenazi Jewish communities in Victorian England. 20th century developments. Treatment of the Jew in modern English literature.

3. The early history of Argentina and its Jews beginning in the 16th century. Later Sephardic and Ashkenazi migrations.

4. Modern history of the Jews of Argentina. Development of the Jewish community. Jewish gauchos and Jewish prostitutes. Dealing with antisemitism. Recent political issues.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

The name Estée Lauder today ranks among the best-known in the world of cosmetics. But who was the person behind the celebrated name? In this historical portrayal, actress and scholar Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., brings Jewish cosmetics legend Estée Lauder to life. It is 1969 and Estée has decided to share stories of how she launched her beauty business by selling skin creams developed by her chemist uncle. She prioritized beautiful packaging and targeted high-end stores, eventually breaking into Saks Fifth Avenue. Her Youth-Dew bath oil took the world by storm, launching Estée Lauder, Inc. and helping to build her company into a million-dollar-a-year business. Meet the woman whose extraordinary sales ability turned her love for beauty into a cosmetics empire.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

For 3000 years, storytellers have recounted Homer's tales of heroism, love, betrayal, and tragedy in "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey." "The Iliad," the story of the Trojan War, speaks of the anguish and futility of war. Eventually, the Trojan Horse ploy ends the ten-year-long war. Odysseus, the Greek mastermind behind that trick, will then spend ten years wandering at sea before arriving home to Ithaca. Before reuniting with his wife and son, he braves monsters, the wrath of the gods, and even a trip to the underworld. Join Dr. Margery Marcus for an adventure back in time, first to ancient Troy, then to the land of the Lotus Eaters, the cave of the Cyclops, Circe's Island, and even a descent into Hades. And more perils awaited once he finally arrived home! This lecture includes a colorful PowerPoint. Space is limited.

"Dr. Marcus ALWAYS gives a flawless, beautifully and thoroughly researched presentation"- OLLI Patron

Since the earliest years of the American republic, there have been anti-democratic forces at play. We will look at a fascinating rogue's gallery of anti-democratic groups’ efforts to undercut American democracy. What has their legacy been, and how have they played out in contemporary American politics and the 2024 presidential election?

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Between 1934 and 1947, actors Wm. Powell and Myrna Loy made a total of 6 movies in which they starred as “Nick & Nora Charles,” a madcap, gin-swilling husband-and-wife team who solved murder mysteries. Originally based on crime writer Dashiell Hammett’s 1934 novel “The Thin Man,” the movie-going public found them so ideally paired that a huge chunk of them actually believed they were married to one another in their off-screen life. In matter of fact, off screen they were just the best of friends. All in all, Myrna and Bill starred in a total of 14 films together. In this first part of the this two-part series, we will watch the first picture they made together, and the first three films in the "Thin Man" series. All films will be shown in their entirety, to be followed by questions and Dr. Stone’s “ well-known “behind the silver screen tales from Hollywood and Vine.”

Lectures:

1. “Manhattan Melodrama” (1934) In their first pairing, Myrna and Bill join Clark Gable and the then 14-year-old Mickey Rooney in a story about two childhood friends who go in opposite directions, one a D.A., the other a crook.

2. “The Thin Man” (1934) Newly-married Nick and Nora drink their way through a case involving the disappearance of an inventor. Costarring Maureen O’Sullivan and Cesar Romero.

3.” After the Thin Man” (1936) Back home in San Francisco for New Year’s, Nick and Nora (along with Asta and “Mrs.” Asta) reluctantly hunt for the murderer of Nora’s cousin’s husband. Co-starring James Stewart in his earliest films.

4. “Another Thin Man” (1939): Returned to New York with Asta and son Nickie, Jr., the couple seeks to find out who killed Nora’s late father’s business partner. With C. Aubrey Smith.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

5150 Chocolate Co. in Delray Beach invites OLLI patrons on a journey that redefines chocolate-making. This tour reveals how a chocolatier's crazy idea turned an apartment into a makeshift lab, transforming raw cacao into extraordinary chocolate. Discover the difference between a chocolatier and a chocolate maker, and see how tools like juicers and lentil grinders played a role in this creative process. Learn how respecting the unique qualities of cacao and honoring the farmers who cultivate it led to a product that's as thoughtful as it is delicious. Experience firsthand the passion, creativity, and relentless curiosity that fuel 5150 Chocolate Co., where tradition meets innovation, and chocolate is truly crazy good. 5150 Chocolate Co. is located at 1010 N. Federal Hwy, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check-in. The deadline for enrollment is Friday, January 31st. All participants will receive free samples and discounts on purchases just in time for Valentine's Day! Space is limited, so register early!

Medical Science in the modern era has achieved major breakthroughs, yielding vastly improved health and longevity for most people. Last year, Part I of this series traced these accomplishments in history to the successes and failures of medical practitioners from ancient Egypt through the European Middle Ages. Part II will further explore medical triumphs and tragedies from the Muslim €œGolden Era€ to the dawn of modernity. Numerous PowerPoint slides will be projected to illustrate the evolution of disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention from their earliest roots to the present time. Prior attendance at Part I is not required. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Best course I have ever taken. Dr Bloch is knowledgeable, well prepared engaging speaker." - OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. Medicine in the Muslim “Golden Age,”ca. 750 -1250 AD

2. The Renaissance: Background in history, culture, science, and technology, ca. 1400 - 1700 AD.

3. The Renaissance: Revolutionary thinking and discoveries in medicine and surgery.

4. Medicine in the Dawn of Modernity, ca. 18th to early 20th century.

Join Jeffrey Morgan, Ph.D., on a journey into nineteenth-century Civil War America through the poetry of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson. Morgan will reveal new insights into their work, offering a fresh perspective on these titans of American poetry. Through close readings and formal analysis, you'll discover why their writing, often overshadowed by their iconic lives, is foundational to modern American poetry. Classics and lesser-known pieces will be explored, with Morgan bringing them to life through readings and discussions. Each session features their work projected on a screen, allowing you to experience these poems in a whole new way. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your appreciation of Whitman and Dickinson!! This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Great teacher - kept me interested and engaged!"- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. Whitman: Letter from Emerson; excerpts from Preface to Leaves of Grass; selections from Song of Myself and When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer.

2. Whitman: Beat, Beat, Drums!; When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd; O Captain! My Captain!; A Noiseless Patient Spider, and I Hear America Singing.

3. Dickinson: This is my letter to the World; Tell all the truth but tell it slant; There is no Frigate like a book; I taste a liquor never brewed; Much Madness is divinest Sense; Success is counted Sweetest, and The Soul selects her own Society.

4. Dickinson: Hope is the thing with feathers; A Narrow Fellow in the Grass; It sifts from Leaden Sieves; Some keep the Sabbath going to Church; Faith is a fine invention; I heard a fly buzz; The Bustle in a House, and Because I could not stop for Death.

In the 1980s, 'corporate social responsibility' (CSR) gained popularity as companies recognized the importance of being responsible and transparent about their societal and environmental impact. However, it wasn't until the 2000s that ESG became a commonly used term in the investment world. This lecture reviews the historical development of CSR leading to ESG, including examples of pre-ESG capitalists and philanthropists who prioritized stakeholders like customers, employees, and communities. It also covers the development of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the growing push for ESG regulation, concluding with a look at the future from multiple perspectives. Space is limited.

Past evidence suggests our memory declines with age, and with that, many media advertisements tout various supplements and exercises promising to improve memory. Unfortunately, most of these products have minimal impact on real memory performance. The effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of memory improvement products is due, in part, to a lack of empirical evidence. However, there is good news: new scientific research is providing real data that shows that our memory stays intact much longer than we believed. In addition, there is empirical evidence for various memory-enhancing activities. This one-time lecture will include a discussion of past and current research that provides a foundation for maintaining our memory as we age. We will also discuss evidence-based research demonstrating activities that can aid memory. The audience will have opportunities to experience popular memory tasks. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Excellent speaker - very dynamic and motivating. Would love to attend more of his courses" - OLLI Patron

Former presidential appointee, prosecutor, and investigative journalist Jeffrey Scott Shapiro discusses the dangers of expanding presidential power and the failure of the judicial and legislative branches to act as effective checks and balances, as required by the Separation of Powers doctrine. With experience as a prosecutor and senior U.S. official, Shapiro is well-versed in the complexities of balancing executive power with Congress and the courts. In this course, he examines four key threats to American democracy: the erosion of the independent counsel's role in holding the President accountable; the misuse of executive orders, proclamations, and agreements; the expansion of presidential immunity; and the use of executive power to undermine the legal protections of inferior officers and career appointees. The course includes a PowerPoint presentation and handouts for attendees.

"When Jeffrey Shapiro was my student, I knew that he was special and would do amazing things. He has exceeded my highest expectations." Jeffrey S. Morton

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

We Americans profoundly believe in the pursuit of happiness and our unalienable right to obtain it. We view unhappiness as abnormal and strive to eliminate psychological pain as quickly as possible. The American Psychological Association lists at least nine psychotherapies to reduce emotional distress. Over the last forty years, a different approach has emerged, asserting that emotional suffering is normal and that attempting to eliminate it may worsen the issue. Supported by over 12,000 participants in numerous studies, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) has proven effective for various emotional disorders. This PowerPoint lecture will briefly review other therapies and present the basic principles of ACT, highlighting its unique approach to handling emotional challenges. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"I have attended many of Dr Diamant's lectures over the years. He is still spot on!" - OLLI Patron

Join OLLI as we welcome New York Times Opinion columnist David Brooks.

We’re living in dire times. People don’t know their neighbors. We disregard someone’s entire personhood based on a single political view. Individualism often supplants social responsibility when it matters most. At the center of our many societal ills, David Brooks argues, is the fact that we simply don’t treat each other well. We’ve forgotten how to connect with one another on a human level. Fortunately, these skills are learnable and have far-reaching effects, from healing personal and familial relationships to making you a more effective leader and strengthening your business impact. Based on his bestselling book, “How to Know a Person,” this talk is ultimately a guide to becoming a better person, living a more connected and fulfilling life, and repairing our torn social fabric.

 

 

Join OLLI as we welcome New York Times Opinion columnist David Brooks.

We’re living in dire times. People don’t know their neighbors. We disregard someone’s entire personhood based on a single political view. Individualism often supplants social responsibility when it matters most. At the center of our many societal ills, David Brooks argues, is the fact that we simply don’t treat each other well. We’ve forgotten how to connect with one another on a human level. Fortunately, these skills are learnable and have far-reaching effects, from healing personal and familial relationships to making you a more effective leader and strengthening your business impact. Based on his bestselling book, “How to Know a Person,” this talk is ultimately a guide to becoming a better person, living a more connected and fulfilling life, and repairing our torn social fabric.

 

 

In this thought-provoking two-part program, we explore the unique art and architecture of early man and how these creations served their way of life. From there, we will reflect on how modern art forms contribute to our society's goals. Cro-Magnon man, our prehistoric ancestor, was a nomadic hunter who settled in Europe around 40,000 to 10,000 BCE. He created the first art, notably animal paintings hidden deep in caves, raising the question: Why so far from daily life? By 3,000 BCE, humans had become settled farmers, leaving behind megalithic stone circles like Stonehenge. What do these designs reveal about Neolithic social and spiritual life? Just as Michelangelo's work reflects the Renaissance, these ancient complexes offer insights into early cultural values.

“Dr. Roberts takes the taken-for-granted basic appreciation of art to another level. Bring her back as often as you can!!! I, amongst others in the class, would sign up!” OLLI Patron

Sandra Day O'Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan are the first four females to serve as Supreme Court Justices. Each had an interesting journey to her confirmation hearings and life appointment as a Supreme Court Justice. Sandra Day O'Connor was the first female Justice; the other women were "firsts" in other positions. Discover how each woman's family, early life, and education laid the foundation for the fortitude and other attributes that enabled them to overcome the hurdles in their lives. Get to know each woman's personality and characteristics from her own words and the perceptions of others. This lecture emphasizes the fascinating life journey of each Justice. Pictures and video clips via PowerPoint enhance this lecture.

"Well presented"- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Join Florida Atlantic’s Composer-in-Residence for a walk through the music composition process. This program is designed for music lovers curious about how classical music is created. With several opportunities to contribute suggestions, audiences will collaborate with the host as basic musical ingredients are combined, stretched, developed, and orchestrated into a new composition for symphony orchestra. No technical musical knowledge is required, as this process will be presented in general terms that anyone can understand. By the end of the session, the audience of co-composers will get to hear a realistic rendering of their new work and will be able to download a score and recording to share. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

There is much discussion today about the divisions between the views of American and Israeli Jews. Both feel the other does not understand their concerns. Americans do not believe the Israelis appreciate their anger over the treatment of non-Orthodox Jewish movements, pluralism and political decisions unpopular in America. Israelis feel American Jews do not understand or appreciate the dangers they face and the fact that their children serve in the army to defend the state while American children are enjoying college. This course will explore these divisions, their sources, and the possible solutions.

"He was excellent" - OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

What do the crooning of Frank Sinatra, the shouts of David Lee Roth, and the belting of Chappel Roan all have in common? It’s all artists looking for love! Utilizing live performances in congruence with the source material, School of Rock Boca Raton staff will dissect the theory, tones, stories, and timbre that cause these timeless songs to pull on your heartstrings. SOR Boca staff will take you on a journey from classic artists such as Elvis and Aretha Franklin to modern hitmakers like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, bring your plus one to School of Rock Boca Raton’s  “Why Can’t This Be Love?”

The War in Gaza has drawn Israel into international controversy like no other. We explain how and why Israel has been brought before various “courts of the world,” particularly in the United Nations and its legal institutions. We explore how “lawfare” has been turned against Israel in the UN, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Are these actions due to fair legal calls, an adverse balance of power, or plain anti-Semitism? These actions are unprecedented and bound to affect Israel’s right of self-defense, yet are largely unenforceable against non-state actors like Hamas and Hezbollah. Non-state actors shield themselves behind civilians, while legitimate states are constrained by the “laws of war.” Is it time to update international rules to reflect current conflicts?

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Join NY Times bestselling author Allison Pataki discussing her career of ten books and spotlighting her latest book "Finding Margaret Fuller," named the PBS Readers' Book of the Month, voted the March Book of the Month by CBS News and featured on The TODAY Show, Town & Country, People Magazine, Good Morning America and more!

An epic reimagining of the life of Margaret Fuller, America’s forgotten leading lady and the central figure of a movement that defined a nation. With a star-studded cast and epic sweep of historical events, "Finding Margaret Fuller" is a story of an inspiring trailblazer who changed history for millions. A book sale and signing will immediately follow the presentation.

When a family gathers for Thanksgiving in a daughter’s new Chinatown apartment, a family’s love is challenged by fears of aging, abandonment, poverty, and death. This Tony Award-winning play blends drama and comedy with the excitement of an eerie foreboding permeating an unusual holiday gathering. In this interactive discussion about the Palm Beach Dramaworks production, PBD’s Gary Cadwallader examines the characters, their relationships, and the themes of love and truth. Multimedia clips supporting the discussion are utilized to enhance and support the story. Participants will receive a copy of the play beforehand, and a comprehensive, informative PBD Dramaguide will be written specifically for this discussion. After an in-depth conversation, participants leave with a deeper understanding of the play. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Gary is amazing! I marvel at his vast knowledge and analysis of each show! He is a #10 and counting!!" - OLLI Patron

This course delves into the history and evolution of social media, exploring its economic, political, cultural, and psychological impacts through recent research and theorizing. Participants will gain enhanced media literacy and a deeper understanding of the shift from analog to digital media and its implications for individuals, businesses, and society. They will learn to differentiate between interpersonal, mass, and social media and theorize its effects on politics, education, family, and economics. Upon completion, attendees will be equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of social media with insight and discernment. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"There should be more classes like this and a sequel." - OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. Introduction to social media and the history of social media.

2. How mass media and social media have been theorized and researched by sociologists.

3. The technological and economic aspects of social media.

4. Social-psychological aspects of social media.

5. Cultural and political issues surrounding social media.

6. Considering the future of news, art, entertainment, and social media.

In this thought-provoking two-part program, we explore the unique art and architecture of early man and how these creations served their way of life. From there, we will reflect on how modern art forms contribute to our society's goals. Cro-Magnon man, our prehistoric ancestor, was a nomadic hunter who settled in Europe around 40,000 to 10,000 BCE. He created the first art, notably animal paintings hidden deep in caves, raising the question: Why so far from daily life? By 3,000 BCE, humans had become settled farmers, leaving behind megalithic stone circles like Stonehenge. What do these designs reveal about Neolithic social and spiritual life? Just as Michelangelo's work reflects the Renaissance, these ancient complexes offer insights into early cultural values.

“Dr. Roberts takes the taken-for-grantedbasic appreciation of art to another level. Bring her back as often as you can!!! I, amongst others in the class, would sign up!” OLLI Patron

In the ancient homeland, the Jewish people worked in the land. The Exile transformed them into an urban people. In the modern period, European cities became great centers of Jewish life and creativity. In the aftermath of the Second World War, Israel and the United States became the centers of Jewish gravity.

"Berk is a dynamic brilliant man. His presentations are outstanding." OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. The Polish Center: Warsaw, Krakow and Vilna

2. Central Europe: Prague, Budapest, and Berlin

3. Russia and Ukraine: St. Petersburg, Moscow and Odessa

4. Two New Pillars: New York and Tel Aviv

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

The existence of God is perhaps the most important question many of us ask during our lifetimes. We will explore this question through the eyes of religion, philosophy, and science. Using religious studies, we will explore how the classical theism of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam developed. Using philosophy, we will look at attempts by major philosophers to prove the existence of God and the traditional challenges to those proofs. Finally, we will ask whether God's existence fits into modern science. In the end, the speaker, a rabbi, philosopher, and lover of science, will present his own answer. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"He is informative, entertaining and inclusive. We enjoyed his class immensely." - OLLI Patron

England’s King Richard III continues to inspire mystery and controversy 540 years after he was defeated and slain by Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth. Ever since Shakespeare’s indelible and influential portrayal, Richard has been largely depicted as a monstrous crooked-back king whose lust for power led him to usurp the crown by killing the young, legitimate heir and his brother. But is this reputation for villainy and murder warranted? Recently, this narrative has come under intense historical scrutiny. Could Richard be the victim of Tudor propaganda to justify Henry’s invasion and seizure of the throne? This PowerPoint lecture will look at the man, the debate, the evidence, and the historical setting of the Wars of the Roses. Space is limited.

"Great program. Great presenter."- OLLI Patron

This program explores the evolution of Gianni Schicchi, not as a medieval knight, but as a character from 13th-century Florence. Join us as we delve into Schicchi's transformation from Dante's Inferno into a comedic figure in Puccini's opera "Gianni Schicchi," part of "Il Trittico." Using an interdisciplinary approach, we will combine literary analysis and musical listening to examine Dante's original text and Puccini's libretto, comparing characters, plots, and themes. We will also evaluate how Puccini's vision of Schicchi differs from Dante’s and how this is influenced by historical and cultural contexts. Through visual analysis and critical discussion, participants will appreciate the artistic and cultural legacy of Gianni Schicchi, gaining a nuanced understanding of his journey from a condemned soul to an opera star. Space is limited.

Four unique stories of contemporary women overcoming the obstacles that work, society, and family throw at them.

"Shelly, thank you for presenting such thought-provoking, meaningful and touching films. They really resonate with a Capital R."- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. "Full Time" - France, 2021: Julie, divorced, lives outside Paris with her two children. Receiving no maintenance from her ex, she commutes to the city, working as a chambermaid in a luxury hotel. On the day she gets an interview for a better-paying job, she runs into a national transit strike and must get across a city dead in its tracks. Running time 1h 27m.

2. "Marguerite's Theorem" - France, 2023: Marguerite is a brilliant mathematics student at France's top university, the Ecole Normale Supérieure. On the day of her thesis presentation, a mistake shakes up all the certainty in her planned-out life; she decides to quit everything and start over. Running time 113 min.

3. "Writing with Fire" - India, 2021: Armed with smartphones and tenacity, a fearless group of journalists from India's only women-led news outlet confronts social injustice while fighting for marginalized voices in the world's largest democracy. Running time 93 min.

4. "Toni" - France, 2023: Toni is raising her five children alone. A full-time job. She also sings at bars and had a hit single 20 years ago. Today, as her two eldest prepare to go to college, Toni wonders: what will she do when all of her offspring have left home? Running time 96 min.

Weekly titles subject to change.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Who doesn’t take pictures using a smartphone? Let’s make our pictures as good as possible! We will discuss smartphone photography, image editing, color adjustment, sizing, use, and distribution. Lecture with PowerPoint with image examples, hands-on demonstration. Participants must have a smartphone with a camera. The course will lead participants through capture and image editing choices, with the pros & cons of each in discussion. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. Intro to smartphone possibilities, proper orientation, steady hands, attention to light, and after-image adjustments using your smartphone software. Homework for those interested, three images to share that have been adjusted as demonstrated. Most importantly, experiment and have fun!

2. Flower Photography! What’s more beautiful than flowers? And who doesn’t like flowers? Discuss natural lighting, what to look for, and how to use sunlight to your advantage. Homework:   Three flower pictures. Expect to explain what you did to get the picture.

3.  People in the landscape: Discussion on design and natural lighting with people, interiors or exteriors. Everyone takes pictures of family and friends... let’s make them better! Homework: Three images of people, your choice of location.

4.  Final Show & Tell: Bring a few images you have created during the course to show the techniques learned. Final opportunity for a Q & A.

Looking for a fun hobby you can do anywhere and anytime? Join Scott Zucker, President of Audubon Everglades, to nurture your love and knowledge of birds in this beginner’s birding (aka bird watching) class designed to improve your skills in bird identification. Birds come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors and make a variety of sounds. To help you become more familiar with the birds you see and hear around you, you’ll learn how to make use of binoculars, cameras, and cellphones as ID aids; understand the silhouettes of key bird groups; recognize signature field marks; identify the sounds and songs of birds; and navigate birding apps and websites that can help you better identify birds, record your data, and contribute to citizen science. Space is limited.

Jane Austen was inspired by her father's religious faith, her mother's aristocratic pedigree, her sibling relationships, and her long struggle to become a published author. Austen emerged as a tough, socially and politically aware modern woman with a critical and comical voice. Her novels are loved by so many and are astonishingly relevant today. Austen will be introduced through portraits, photographs, and illustrations of significant locations and artifacts from her life. We’ll explore her friendships, loves, and rivalries, gaining insights into the larger-than-life characters, intricate plots, and evocative settings she created. Through this interactive experience, we’ll uncover her most famous works, placing it in the historical context of her time. Join us for an enriching experience, uncovering the life of a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on literary history.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Spend the day at NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale and explore its diverse, thought-provoking exhibitions, including the newly opened Christo & Jeanne-Claude Surrounded Islands, featuring photographs, ephemera, preparatory drawings, models, and the materials used to create this landmark 1983 public work installed in Biscayne Bay. A knowledgeable docent will guide you through the galleries, offering insights into key works from the museum’s celebrated collection and exhibitions, which includes Latin American, contemporary, African, and post-WWII art. The museum is located at One East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Metered city parking is available around the museum and at the Riverwalk Center Garage, 150 SE 2nd Street. After the tour, you are welcome to continue exploring on your own, then visit the gift shop and enjoy lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 19. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Space is limited.   

DEI programs that were meant to make institutions more open and welcoming to racial, gender, sexual, and other minorities have become a flashpoint in the culture wars. Florida has banned them from public colleges, while Federal courts have restricted Florida’s efforts to eliminate DEI aspects of workplace training on First Amendment grounds. This class examines both the immediate political tensions that placed DEI programs on trial and the deeper issues of political philosophy that underlie the controversy. Can race-conscious (or other identity-conscious) policies be squared with the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment that guarantees all persons equal treatment under the law? Given the increasingly aggressive stance of the Supreme Court on equal protection, are there other strategies to achieve DEI goals that could survive legal challenge? What makes these goals worthy to begin with? The class aims to give a fair hearing to both the prosecution and the defense. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Excellent and thought-provoking presentation which invited participation."- OLLI Patron

Are criminals crazy? Do mentally ill people have the right to vote or make a will? How do courts use mental health testimony? This program explores and clarifies the intersection of psychology and law, offering insights from a practicing clinical and forensic psychologist who serves as an expert witness. Through real-world examples, it demystifies complex issues related to mental health and the legal system, providing a comprehensive understanding of how psychological evaluations impact legal decisions. The program sheds light on the crucial role of mental health in determining legal outcomes.PowerPoint exhibits and audience Q&A will enhance this series. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. History of law and psychology: The civil and criminal justice systems. Trial procedure. Roles of criminal justice personnel and the forensic psychology expert witness.

2. Jury psychology. Eyewitness identification. Competency to stand trial. Insanity defense. Lawsuits and compensation cases. Police psychology.

3. Homicide, mass murder, and serial killers. Criminal profiling. Sex crimes. Family violence and child abuse.

4. Stalking and hate crimes. Juvenile crime and gang violence. Crime and punishment. Care and treatment of crime victims. Psychological intervention with criminal offenders.

This series explores pivotal Supreme Court cases that shaped American history. From Marbury v. Madison to the Nixon Tapes, these cases illustrate the evolving balance of power among the branches of the U.S. government.

"Each session was very interesting and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed attending and look forward to his next series of lectures."- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. Marbury v Madison: This first showdown between Chief Justice John Marshall and incoming President Thomas Jefferson defined the role of the Court in American politics for the next 200 years. Before this case, being a Supreme Court Justice was so unimportant that a man left it to become the treasurer of Maryland. After, they were a co-equal branch in our three-branch system.

2. Lincoln and the Post-War Court: During the Civil War, President Lincoln used executive powers in some questionable constitutional ways to win the war and free the slaves.  Once the war was won and Lincoln was dead, the Court had to decide how much of the power Lincoln grabbed during wartime was constitutionally appropriate.

3. Roosevelt Packs the Court: The conservative Supreme Court of the 1930s knocked down nearly all of FDR’s New Deal legislation, much to the President’s ire.  His solution? To get Congress to raise the number of Justices to 15 and pack the Court with loyal New Dealers. This fight was for the institutional integrity of the Court.

4. Nixon and His Tapes: Of the things President Nixon regretted during his time in office, perhaps his biggest was the decision to have his office wired for sound and recording.  When the special prosecutor subpoenaed the recordings that were made around the time of the Watergate break-ins, the President claimed that he had prosecutorial immunity and didn’t need to give them up.  This fight and decision loomed large recently as another President made a similar legal claim.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

This series continues the exploration of the Diaspora, focusing on the history and culture of Jews in four European countries or regions. All are part of the saga of European Jewish prosperity, achievement, persecution, exile, destruction, and return. Many American Jews have Russian roots, as it once had the world’s largest Jewish population, including imperialistic holdings in Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, and Belarus. Germany was the home of Ashkenazi Judaism and today has a surprisingly growing Jewish community. The Jewish presence in Italy dates to pre-Christian Rome and has continued, despite periods of extreme Papal persecution and expulsions and with the help of Mussolini! From the 16th C diaspora fleeing Iberian expulsion until the Holocaust, the Netherlands was mostly a bastion of tolerance and a center of Jewish life when Amsterdam was known as “Dutch Jerusalem.”

"Excellent presentations, well researched, interesting and clear documentation, loved the graphics"- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. Russia: Beyond the Pale- Medieval, Imperial and Soviet Empires

2. Germany: Prosperity, Integration, Destruction and Rebirth

3. Italy: Surviving Emperors, Popes, and Mussolini

4. The Netherlands: Conversos, Commerce, Occupation and Remembrance

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Is there any dance form more joyous than tap? It's the only kind of dance that is aural as well as visual, the only one in which the artist is dancer and musician. Tap dance is an indigenous art form developed from the dance traditions of enslaved African Americans and European immigrants, particularly those from Ireland. Dance historian Sally Sommer has said, "If you want to know about the history of America, maybe you should study the history of tap." This series will showcase close to 100 dancers from past to present. In spotlighting a range of artists who have made major contributions to this ever-evolving form, both the history of tap and the history of America come into sharper focus.

LECTURES:

1.    1800s through the early 1930s

2.    1930s through the early 1940s (timeline approximate)

3.    1940s (timeline approximate)

4.    1950s through tap’s waning popularity (timeline approximate)

5.    Resurgence, 1970s and Beyond

6.    Contemporary Tap Dancers

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Is it any wonder that “The Borscht Belt” circuit of resort hotels in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York produced and welcomed so many favorite Jewish comedians of the past century? Against the backdrop of Jewish culture and the immigrant experience, legends like Milton Berle, Danny Kaye, Henny Youngman, Sid Caesar, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Jerry Lewis, Jackie Mason, and Alan King earned their stripes here. In the 1950s and '60s, comedy shifted from the days of Jack Benny and George Burns to the era of more controversial comedians like Mort Sahl, Lenny Bruce, Buddy Hackett, Joan Rivers, and Don Rickles. Enthusiastic “Borscht Belt” audiences launched many onto the national scene.

"Explosively funny AND thoughtful! Applause, applause, applause!!!" - OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

You’ve been secretly programmed for great success. You’ve also been programmed for stress and conflict. How? It happened during your childhood, and you had no choice or control over it. Trained therapist Pavel Mischenko will explain how to unlock the mysteries of your birth order habits. The “Birth Order Typical Habits” Model provides you with a deeper understanding of your personal resources, the habits that were formed early in life. If you are aware of your Birth Order habits, you can dramatically improve your relationships, avoid conflict, and pursue a more positive, purposeful life! This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

The Great American Songbook was largely derived from Broadway (along with Hollywood and Tin Pan Alley). These musicals and the songs they generated are part of the soundtrack of America. This presentation, which includes classic renditions of these songs, underscored by curated visuals, will heighten the love affair that people already have with this music. But, you will hear them as never before, sprinkled with stories, history, and even insider backstage lore about the productions. Musicals to be featured will include the likes of "Phantom of the Opera," "Fiddler on the Roof," and "The Sound of Music," among so many others. John Laher, theater critic for the New Yorker, called this presentation "a home run."

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Explore the importance of skin health! Discover the three main types of skin cancers and what factors can increase your risk. Learn how to detect signs of trouble early and understand the ABCDEs of Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Plus, get practical tips for protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation while enjoying outdoor activities. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Very Professional Speaker!" - OLLI Patron

The folk revival occurred in two phases. The first, from the early 1940s to the late 1950s, was more social-minded, and artists like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and the Weavers regaled us with folk songs for labor unions, ethnic diversity, and freedom. Unfortunately, McCarthyism drove many folk artists out of business. Those who hung on were reduced to singing, “On Top of Old Smokey.” But the Kingston Trio’s hit with “Tom Dooley” in 1957 reignited the folk revival. After the end of McCarthyism, the second phase of the folk revival supported both political and non-political artists. Political folksingers like Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Peter, Paul, and Mary sang about peace and social justice, while folkies like the Kingston Trio and the Highwaymen sang about death, jilted lovers, and salvation. This program brings you back to the folk revival with fascinating stories, slides, live music (guitars, banjo, autoharp, ukuleles), and beautiful harmony vocals, with special guest Roy Connors, formerly with the '60s folk group, The Highwaymen, for a nostalgic, informative and fun-filled folk music sing-along.

"Always enjoy Pink Slip's lecture. Well prepared and fun to attend. Kudos to Joan and Bill." - OLLI Patron

We are at a pivotal moment in cognitive brain health. In this four-part lecture series, we'll delve into the groundbreaking advancements in this field. Beginning with an introductory lecture on neuroscience basics and historical context, we'll progress to the latest in diagnosis and treatments, including groundbreaking disease-modifying medications for Alzheimer’s Disease. This series provides a thorough exploration of cognitive brain health, exploring recent discoveries reshaping our understanding of cognitive decline and leading to innovative interventions. Together, we'll address whether we're witnessing the beginning of the end of Alzheimer’s Disease. Join us as we navigate this transformative journey towards improved brain health and a brighter future. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

1. Foundations of Cognitive Brain Health: An Introduction to the History, the Science, and the Varying Schools of Thought

2. Neuro Assessment and Diagnostic Innovation: Precision Tools for Understanding Cognitive Health and Unraveling Neurological Conditions with Precision

3. Therapeutic Frontiers: Advancements in Cognitive Brain Health Treatments

4. Lifestyle Interventions: Optimizing Cognitive Resilience and Well-being and Uncovering the Power of Cognitive Reserve

This lecture is designed to address issues facing Florida's coasts, from pollution to sea level rise, based on my recent book, "Tampa Bay: The Story of an Estuary and Its People." Students are not expected to have read the book before attending, but it is encouraged. Through a discussion of the history of Tampa Bay, particularly efforts to clean and restore the bay, students will have a greater understanding of the causes of the threats facing Florida's coasts and insights into the steps necessary to address those challenges. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"He was lively and engaged, very well done!" - OLLI Patron

On this day in 1912, the unsinkable sunk. This lecture delves into the pivotal role of radio communication in the Titanic disaster. We will explore the challenges encountered by wireless operators Jack Phillips and Harold Bride as they transmitted distress signals and orchestrated rescue efforts, and uncover the lasting effects on maritime regulations and contemporary safety protocols. Feeney will transport you to a bygone era, offering a unique perspective on the human and technological facets that shaped this historic tragedy. A PowerPoint presentation showcasing historical artifacts to enhance your understanding will be included. Space is limited.

"Man knows his history and makes it fun!" - OLLI Patron

The growth of Islam, Islamism, and right-wing parties in Europe has created new political dynamics, resulting in socio-political uncertainty and fluidity across and beyond European borders. This situation has perplexed European, Muslim, and Jewish societies in the E.U. and Israel. The Muslim community frowns upon right-wing parties' attitudes towards Muslim immigration and Islam, while right-wing parties conflate Islam with Islamism and criticize multiculturalism. Jerusalem views the rise of right-wing parties as a counterbalance to Europe’s left-wing anti-Israel bias, but Jewish society fears their association with anti-Jewish extremists. Washington and Brussels are concerned about a pro-Russian shift, and Islamist and right-wing extremist parties intensified antisemitism. Europe has never seen such a mismatch of parties, politics, and extremist movements threatening its unity. In this lecture, Dr. Rabil will examine these seismic socio-political shifts and their implications for E.U. domestic and foreign policies, Israel, and antisemitism.

"Dr. Rabil is a wonderful teacher. His knowledge is astounding and we have been attending his lectures for years."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Join Dr. Emily Fenichel from Florida Atlantic University and Michiko Kurisu from Kurisu LLC for a wide-ranging conversation about Morikami Gardens in Delray Beach. Kurisu was a part of the team that designed and installed the fabulous Japanese Gardens at Morikami, and Fenichel is an Art History professor. Together, they will discuss the history of Morikami, the challenges in making a Japanese Garden in South Florida, the ethos behind the design, the garden’s place in the broader community, and how such gardens can be healing spaces.

"This presentation was just as excellent as is all of her lectures. I attend all of her local presentations whenever I can. Thank you."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

In March, as we recognize the achievements of remarkable women, OLLI is proud to welcome Jonna Mendez, former CIA Chief of Disguise and author of “In True Face: A Woman's Life in the CIA, Unmasked,” her recent best-selling memoir. In 1970, she joined the CIA’s Office of Technical Service, akin to 'Q' in the Bond films. Specializing in espionage technology, she trained foreign assets to gather high-priority intelligence using subminiature spy cameras and more. Mendez shares stories of technological innovation and secret missions that shaped her remarkable career. Celebrate Women's History Month by joining us for this special event! A book sale and signing will immediately follow the program.

Ancient Greek literature is a treasure trove of allegories, epic poems, and myths that have captivated readers worldwide. This lecture will examine Greek mythology, its origins, purpose, and influence on Greek culture, as well as ancient literature. We will explore some of the most fascinating myths and legends from antiquity, with a focus on women as strong or tragic characters. We will examine the stories of Perseus and Medusa, Medea, and Theseus and Ariadne, among others. In addition to familiarization through instruction and visuals, we will discuss these stories' importance to modern literature and their influence on popular culture. Space is limited.

Dr. Nikolopoulos is one of the most gifted presenters at OLLI! - OLLI Patron

After weeks of preparation, OLLI at FAU's Glee Club, Let Us Sing!, is excited to present its final performance! Join us to see your fellow patrons as they perform an exciting and eclectic program ranging from Broadway show tunes to 50's hits and even some choral classics! Some you may know, and some you may be hearing for the first time. This joy-filled concert is for anyone who delights in the sound of choral music! Free admission for all music lovers!

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

"One World: A Global Anthology of Short Stories" transcends geographic boundaries, featuring stories from renowned authors from around the world. Their experiences and perspectives are shared in themes of identity, displacement, love, and human nature, addressing issues of race, language, economy, gender, and ethnicity. Join us weekly as we read and discuss a few stories, exploring diverse cultures and perspectives. Together, we'll reflect on these beautiful and sometimes chaotic renditions of the human experience, fostering a deeper understanding of our interconnected world. Welcome to our book club journey! Participants will receive a pdf copy of the book prior to the start of the first week’s session. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

“I really enjoyed this class. The selected short stories were all excellent, and the instructor does a great job leading the discussion"- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

Week 1: "Leng Lui is for Pretty Lady" (Elaine Chiew); "Ishwari’s Children" (Shabnam Nadiya); "The Volunteer" (Lucinda Nelson Dhavan)

Week 2: "Porcelain" (Henrietta Rose-Innes), "Cow-Hearted" (Wadzanai Mhute), "Rich People’s School" (Lauri Kubuitsile)

Week 3: "Kettle on the Boat" (Vanessa Gebbie), "A Boy and His Kite" (Konstantinos Tzikas), "Retrenched" (Ken N Kamoche)

Week 4: "The Albino" (Adetokunbo Gbenga Abiola)," Kelemo’s Woman" (Molara Wood); and "Honor of a Woman" (Dipita Kwa)

From the surface, the ocean looks the same to us humans year round, but beneath the waves, the changing seasons bring forth epic underwater migrations and behaviors all under our noses. Utilizing international award-winning images taken during thousands of hours underwater, Jensen will use anecdotes of adventure paired with population data to tell the story of South Florida's underwater seasons and why it matters above the waves. Space is limited.

"He clearly is very enthusiastic about his work, which definitely helps make him an excellent instructor!"- OLLI Patron

Explore the extraordinary musical journey of Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, 19th-century German siblings and prolific composers, as we join German historian Anette Isaacs in unraveling their family's rich legacy. Fanny's talents as a pianist and composer faced societal constraints, while Felix's innovative compositions earned him widespread acclaim. Descendants of philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, their family played a pivotal role in both cultural and Jewish heritage, leaving an indelible mark on classical music and intellectual pursuits.

"Her presentation was very entertaining, and her infectious personality made the lecture very enjoyable.- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Throughout music history, music and art have often been intertwined in ways that have created some of the greatest masterpieces in Western Music. How have composers used art as inspiration? And how did such composers transform musical language in order to replicate artistic styles musically? This course will focus primarily on Romanticism as we discuss the paintings of select Romantic artists and the music of various composers from Schubert to Beethoven to Berlioz.

"He was very energetic and informative. Hope he returns." - OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

The iconic handshake on the White House lawn on September 13, 1993, between longtime enemies Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat, orchestrated by President Bill Clinton, was a moment of astounding hope. The Declaration of Principles signed that day marked the first formal recognition between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The peace process was named after Norway’s capital, where secret negotiations took place, initially unbeknownst to Prime Minister Rabin. The Oslo Accords were intended to last five years, but conflict has continued for over three decades, with real peace remaining elusive. Historian Ralph Nurnberger, former Director of “Builders for Peace,” established in 1993 to support the Oslo process through economic and social programs, will provide behind-the-scenes analysis. He will unravel the intricate web of secret diplomacy, alternating periods of hope and despair, and the conflicting goals and objectives of supporters and opponents of the Oslo Peace Process.

"Dr. Nurnberger's presentations are always highly organized, interesting witty stories that reveal history that comes alive!" OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Join us for an engaging Courthouse tour, including a visit to the jury room and court observation, followed by a Q&A session with Judge Cymonie Rowe. The tour culminates with a PBSO K-9 demonstration. The tour wraps up just in time for lunch on Clematis Street! Please arrive early enough to get through security to meet at the jury room by 10:30 am. The Courthouse is located at 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The deadline for registration is Monday, March 17th. Space is limited, so register early!

The terms "Populist" and "Progressive" are used a lot in today's political parlance to describe some politicians, but what do these terms truly mean historically? Dr. Borucki will address the decades from the 1870s through the 1920s when those terms originated to describe very significant movements in American politics. The Populists captured a large following as a third-party movement in the 1880s and 1890s across the Midwest and South, and the growth of "Jim Crow" segregation in the South was largely a reaction to their challenge to one-party control of that section. With Populism came the emergence of several colorful characters in Southern politics. Some other interesting figures rose to prominence in the Progressive Era, a time around the turn of the century in which there was an optimistic attitude for reform in both the North and South. That optimism would be largely shattered by the international disaster that was World War I.

"Excellent and informative lecture! The instructor’s passion for the subject matter was evident. I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation!" - OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. Populism's Origins:  What were the post-Civil War economic conditions that paved the way for the rise of Populism in the South and Midwest, particularly in the 1870s and 1880s?

2. From Farmers' Alliances to Political Party:  Populism morphed into a full-fledged third-party movement in 1888, but it fizzled after the presidential election of 1896.  Why was the movement so short-lived?

3. Continuities between Populism and Progressivism in the South:  as the 19th century passed and the 20th century began, several southern firebrands stood for reform and gained popular appeal among poor whites. Progressivism had a pronounced southern rural strand.

4. Progressivism in the North:  Meanwhile, in quickly growing northern industrial and commercial centers, several political leaders emerged to call for reform at the local and state level, and as presidents, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson represented the apex of Progressivism at the federal level.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Jimmy Van Heusen wrote the music for the string of Bob Hope-Bing Crosby road pictures and many novelty tunes for singer Frank Sinatra. He also composed tunes of such harmonic substance that hundreds of recordings by jazz instrumentalists resulted. His chord progressions in these were inviting for improvisers, and their melodies were endearing. In this course, we will delve into his best compositions, which were tapped for renditions by the most historically significant jazz musicians. Excerpts of movies using his tunes will be interspersed with analyses of historic recordings by jazz giants. Space is limited.

LECTURES:

1. "Here's That Rainy Day;" renditions by Bill Evans, June Christy, Oscar Peterson, Paul Desmond

2. "Polka Dots and Moonbeams;" renditions by Lee Konitz, Bill Evans, Wes Montgomery, Sarah Vaughan

3. "But Beautiful;" renditions by Johnny Hartman, Ben Webster, Bill Evans

4. "Darn That Dream;" renditions by Miles Davis, Tony Bennett, Stan Getz, George Shearing

Join Dr. Edward Shapiro's series focusing on films that tackle the economic, social, and diplomatic challenges faced by America in the 1920s. These cinematic classics serve as invaluable historical documents, offering insights into the prevailing thoughts and concerns of the American people during this era. Through discussions and screenings, we will explore how these films reflect the zeitgeist of the time and shed light on the complex issues shaping American society. This is a journey through the cinematic landscape of the 1920s, where these films serve as poignant reflections of the challenges and aspirations of the nation during a transformative period in its history.

"Third series in a row I've attended. I am a big fan"- OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. "Birth of a Nation": Racism

2. "All Quiet on the Western Front": The Revulsion of War

3. "The Jazz Singer": Immigration and Acculturation

4. "Modern Times": Industrialization

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

OLLI is thrilled to welcome Judge Cymonie S. Rowe back for an in-depth exploration of the 45 words of the First Amendment. This series will introduce participants to the Amendment's text and the landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped freedom of expression in the U.S. Each session will examine the history, content, and judicial rulings that frame government restrictions on speech. Each week, special guest speakers will be featured in person or via Zoom to enhance the experience as we delve into pivotal cases. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Fantastic class! Very informative about the judicial process, local and national. I learned a lot about the decision-making process for judges and gained a new respect for their difficult job."- OLLI Patron

 

Populations forced from their homelands have occurred since the beginning of recorded time. Today, people are scattered throughout the world for a variety of reasons; economic, political, racial, and ethnic oppression among them. In these four films, you’ll meet people seeking a better life for themselves and their families, where crossing borders and hoping to be accepted can be a redeeming or unimaginable experience.

"Been taking Shelley’s class for many years. A great class and have learned a lot about film” - OLLI Patron

LECTURES:

1. "Worlds Apart" - Greece, 2015: In this film from modern Greece, while socioeconomic turmoil ravages Southern Europe, three distinct stories unfold, each representing a different generation of Greeks becoming involved with a foreigner. Through circumstances and destinies, they link together in the end. Running time 113 min.

2. "Citizens of the World" - Italy, 2019: Three retired best friends conspire to leave Rome to find a better standard of living in a country where their meager pensions will stretch much further. As they formulate an escape plan and the pages fly off the calendar towards the departure date, each man must reassess what they are leaving behind. Running time 92 min.

3. "Io Capitano" - Italy, 2023: In this epic, cinematically magnificent odyssey from West Africa to Italy, the story is told through the mind’s eye and experiences of two Senegalese teenagers living in Dakar who yearn for a brighter future in Europe, where between their dreams and reality lies a treacherous journey. Running time 121 min.

4. "Tazzeka" - Morocco, 2017: Growing up in the Moroccan village of Tazzeka, Elias learned the secrets of delicious traditional Moroccan cuisine from his grandmother, who raised him. As he grew, he also became infatuated with French cuisine. As a young man, impressing a top Paris chef and meeting a young woman named Salma inspired him to leave home. Running time 95 min.

Weekly titles subject to change.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

 

Ever wondered how your favorite films transform into spectacular Broadway shows? Join us for an enchanting journey through musicals that started as movies. From classics like "The Apartment" and "La Cage aux Folles" to modern hits such as "Groundhog Day," "An American in Paris," and "Moulin Rouge," cinema has long inspired breathtaking stage adaptations. Discover how these beloved movies transitioned to the theater, capturing the essence of their stories while creating new successes on stage. Our internationally recognized musical theater historian will delve into the rich backgrounds, the intricate transitions, and the unforgettable music that have turned these films into celebrated Broadway sensations. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the captivating world where movies and musicals meet!

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Born in 1963, Whitney Houston grew up with music in her family. Dionne Warwick was her aunt, and Aretha Franklin, a close family friend. In the 1980s, Whitney’s star rapidly rose to great fame. Songs like  “I Will Always Love You,“ “The Greatest Love of All,” and  “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” became classics. Her debut album was the best-selling female debut album of all time, while her second album was number one for 25 weeks. Her marriage in 1992 to  “bad boy” Bobby Brown, with whom she had her only child, Bobbi Kristina, was tumultuous from the start. During this time, Whitney’s drug use became not only apparent, but it also started to destroy her voice and career. After a failed comeback attempt, she died face down in a bathtub in 2012 from a cocaine overdose at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. She was only 48 years old. Versteeg will tell Whitney’s story, supported by numerous pictures and videos, explaining how her songs impacted the music industry, how her groundbreaking career influenced artists who came after her, and how her ultimate downfall was played out in the public eye.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Join Harvey Granat in a salute to Broadway's most successful songwriting team, featuring songs and stories from "Oklahoma," "Carousel," "The King and I," "South Pacific," "The Sound of Music," and more. Among the many songs you'll hear are: "Oh What a Beautiful Morning," "Surrey With the Fringe on Top," "If I Loved You," "Some Enchanted Evening," "Hello Young Lovers," "The Sound of Music," "Younger Than Springtime" and many, many more in live performance and special videos. You will hear about Hammerstein's dual roles as a lyricist and book writer and his apprenticeship of Stephen Sondheim. You'll be surprised to learn that Rodgers and Hammerstein also operated as a production company, giving rise to several other hit shows.

"This presenter was superb, personable, talented , and knowledgeable"- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Explore the history and impact of the Spanish Inquisition from the history of the Jews of Spain and Portugal to the wars of reconquering Spain to the exile of the Jews of Spain and Portugal in 1492 to the lives and legacies of the converso community up to today. We shall also examine the Inquisition's role in Spanish colonization of the new world and, finally, the new twist the Inquisition gave to antisemitism that had a direct impact on Nazi ideology.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

The Sassoon family, dubbed the "Rothschilds of the East," amassed vast wealth through finance and the opium trade, with roots tracing back to Baghdad, Iraq. Their influence spread across India, China, England, and beyond. Concentrating in London, they rose to prominence and received noble titles from Queen Victoria. From the 18th century, the Sassoons ranked among the world's wealthiest families, commanding a corporate empire across Asia. Lawrence presents a captivating journey through their legacy, spotlighting Philip and Sybil Sassoon. Sir Philip Sassoon, a celebrated figure in 20th-century Britain, hosted literary luminaries and royalty in his opulent homes. Meanwhile, Sybil, his sister, led a more private life, marrying into English aristocracy and championing the arts. Join us for an illuminating exploration of the Sassoon family saga through stories and a detailed PowerPoint presentation.

"Terryl is most knowledgeable, has an amazing personality and is lovely. Her presentation is wonderful!"- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Two of the most prolific singer-songwriters to emerge from the 1960s folk revival, Gordon Lightfoot and Jimmy Buffett, had long careers in popular music until their passing in 2023. From such early tunes as "Early Morning Rain" and "If You Could Read My Mind" to the chart-topping "Sundown" and "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald," Lightfoot's down-to-earth lyrics and heartfelt singing brought him worldwide acclaim. From "A Pirate Looks at 40" and "Margaritaville" to the #1 "It's Always Five O'clock Somewhere," Buffett's perceptive stories and joyous concerts earned him the loyalty of hard-partying Parrot heads everywhere. Join Rod MacDonald & the Humdingers for a fun and low-decibel tour through these unique artists' lives, music, and genius, as told in their songs.

"I think Rod MacDonald and the Humdingers do an excellent job"- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Join OLLI as we explore Flamingo Gardens, a premier wildlife and botanical sanctuary established in 1927 near Fort Lauderdale. This historic site boasts over 3,000 species of exotic and native plants and the largest collection of Florida native wildlife. Enjoy a guided tour through the gardens, including a visit to the restored 1933 Wray Home Museum for a glimpse of early South Florida life. The experience concludes with a narrated tram ride through 42 acres of tropical rainforests, ancient oaks, and wetlands. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy lunch at the Flamingo Pond Grill or one of the many local restaurants. Flamingo Gardens is located at 3750 S. Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330-1614. Wear comfortable shoes, and feel free to bring water. Registration closes on Monday, March 24. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Space is limited.

We all want to know we matter. In this seminar presentation, the participants will be exposed to what legacy means and will understand that how we live our lives becomes our legacy. A variety of concepts around legacy will be introduced so participants can identify and better understand the impact they are having on others. The premise of doing legacy work is to examine one's life, determine what is most important and what we hope to leave behind for our loved ones and understand that the wisdom that comes with living is a gift to share. Participation and discussion will be encouraged. Questions we might ask ourselves about our legacy are: What gives your life meaning? What messages do you want to pass along? What life lessons have you learned? What do you want people to remember about you, and are you living your life so they will? This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Wonderful seminar!! The instructor has so much wisdom to offer the students. Fabulous offering by OLLI!!"- OLLI Patron

Since before the United States was officially formed, the Jewish community has significantly contributed to its development and governing principles. Many of the Founding Fathers were well-versed in Jewish history and law. This program will examine how early American governments and presidents established connections with individual Jews and the Jewish community. It will highlight how George Washington set the standard for U.S. presidents' relations with Jews through his actions and words, including his "To Bigotry No Sanction" letter to the Touro Synagogue. The program will also explore the uneven relationships between Washington's successors and Jews, challenges with various laws, early Jewish immigration, and debates over slavery within the Jewish community.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, Israel-China relations have steadily prospered. Beijing's support of the PLO faded, and China became a significant investor in Israeli startups and infrastructure. This growing relationship led to the 2017 "Innovative Comprehensive Partnership," making China one of Israel's largest trading partners. However, this relationship has come under stress due to China's criticism of Israel and reluctance to condemn Hamas, which it claims defends the two-state solution. Following Hamas' attack on Israel, China asserted that Israel's actions in Gaza went "beyond self-defense" and demanded an end to "group punishment" on Palestinians, still refusing to condemn Hamas. Israeli officials believe China's stance stems from the U.S.-China rivalry and Beijing's aim to undermine Washington's power. China's involvement in the Middle East could impact Israel's position by empowering Iran and its proxies. In this lecture, Dr. Rabil will examine Israel-China relations, considering the Ukraine War and the U.S.-China (and Russia) rivalry, and explore the implications of China's stance on Israel's national security.

"Incomparable! Always a delightful learning experience."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

The powerful new artificial intelligence algorithms can provide entertainment, information, and even healthcare advice but also invite cyber attacks and accelerate confirmation bias. They can create images on demand and compose poetry. But they can hallucinate, citing briefs for cases that were never tried. DeepMind can predict protein structure, and Med-PaLM can pass the U.S. medical licensure exam. Deep fakes will play a major role during this election cycle. Reality itself is in danger when a candidate appears to speak words she would never say. We will review some of the most useful and interesting applications and identify the browsing risks to avoid. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Excellent presentation. Really "good stuff"!"- OLLI Patron

The Church Father Tertullian taught, "What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?" What does philosophy have to do with religion? But Judaism has never agreed. From Philo to Judah HaLevi, from Maimonides to Spinoza, and from Martin Buber to Jacques Derrida, there is a long philosophical tradition in Judaism. This eight-week course will present an overview of the major Jewish philosophical thinkers, from Biblical times to modernity. Among the topics we will cover are Ibn Gabirol's Neoplatonism, Maimonides' Aristotelianism, Spinoza's pantheism, Rosenzweig's existentialism, and Derrida's deconstruction. This class does not require any background in philosophy. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"He is informative, entertaining and inclusive. We enjoyed his class immensely." - OLLI Patron

LECTURES: 1. Plato: from Philo to Judah HaLevi

2. Aristotle: from Saadia to Maimonides

3. The Enlightenment: from Spinoza to Mendelssohn

4. Contemporary Philosophy: from Buber to Derrida

Despite family tragedies, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronté became literary legends. Raised in 19th century Haworth, Yorkshire, they emerged from this village as groundbreaking writers. The Brontés will be introduced through portraits, photographs, and illustrations of significant locations and artifacts from their histories. We’ll explore their friendships, loves, and rivalries, gaining insights into the larger-than-life characters, intricate plots, and evocative settings they created. This interactive experience will uncover their famous works and place them in historical context.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

In this interactive seminar, we will explore and discuss the pivotal events, ideas, and debates that shaped the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Through analysis of key historical documents, including the Articles of Confederation and the Federalist Papers, students will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Founding Fathers. The course will examine the compromises, conflicts, and philosophies that influenced the drafting process, providing a comprehensive view of the road to the Constitution. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. The Early Government of the United States under the Articles of Confederation:  What they were and why they failed.

2. The Competing Proposals to Write a New Constitution.

3. The Debates that Resulted in the Federalist Papers and Opposition.

4. The development of the Constitution and the men and women who were Involved.

In this second of three consecutive one-time lectures, Dr. Dahlstrand examines the experiences of the Tenth Cavalry at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, during the interwar period. Originally organized in 1866, the Tenth Cavalry returned to Fort Leavenworth in 1931 in a support role after the Great War. An investigation into discriminatory practices included sworn testimonies from Tenth Cavalry soldiers, revealing their struggles with racism within the army. Despite this, they benefited from benign neglect through U.S. Army athletics and the legacy of Black soldiers in baseball and football. Leaders at Fort Leavenworth, the War Department, and the White House grappled with the challenges of integrating Black soldiers while upholding the SCOTUS decision of "Separate But Equal." Dr. Dahlstrand will be lecturing via ZOOM. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Tai Chi, short for T'ai Chuan or Tai ji quan, is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits. The term Taiji refers to a philosophy of the forces of yin and yang, which are related to the moves. If you're looking for a way to reduce stress, consider Tai Chi, as it combines both spirituality and healthy movement meditation. All poses are slow and steady movements with unstoppable Qi - the internal energy. This class will both strengthen your body and calm your mind. Space is limited.

"I would love to take this course again. So glad you offered a program that involved movement."- OLLI Patron

In the third and final part of his series, Dr. Offenkrantz will discuss Mozart's sublime domestic comedy "Le Nozze di Figaro" ("The Marriage of Figaro") based on the novel by Beaumarchais (which was banned because of its less than flattering portrayal of the aristocracy); Strauss's one-act shocker, "Salome," which caused a riot at its premiere due to its overt sexuality and perceived depravity set against a religious backdrop; and finally..."Il Barbiere di Siviglia" ("The Barber of Seville"), Rossini's delightful take on the same Beaumarchais source material as Mozart, minus the class warfare. Figaro's entrance aria, "Largo al Factotum," is one of the most recognizable pieces in all of opera, thanks to Bugs Bunny. Mozart: "Le Nozze di Figaro" (Broadcast April 26) Strauss: "Salome" (Broadcast May 17) Rossini: "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" (Broadcast May 31)

"I am an opera fan and this class was entertaining and added a lot to my knowledge of the subject. I want to take more classes with this great instructor."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.