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This course is only available to Osher members.
Jazz is a storied and complicated genre within the landscape of American popular music. Over the course of six weeks, we’ll evaluate a variety of different artists, subgenres, and songs through the lens of social activism and protest. During the first week, we’ll examine what core components are necessary to make a genre or song “protest music.” Once we have established our criteria, we’ll take a deep dive into all sorts of subgenres of jazz to find examples of social protest through swing. Our course will cover a wide variety of artists, but will focus especially on the output of some of jazz’s more socially active personalities such as Charles Mingus, Nina Simone, and Billie Holiday.
October 12 - November 16
Discover the captivating and often overlooked history of the vibrant Women's Movement in Cuba during the early 20th century.
Did you know that Cuban women enjoyed rights comparable to those the ERA could have granted American women? However, Cuban feminism extended well beyond suffrage, encompassing a wide array of societal changes.
Join us in this enlightening course as we delve into the compelling journey of the Women's Congresses held between 1923 and 1939. We’ll explore the remarkable efforts of politically and racially diverse women who courageously fought for reforms in family law, equal rights, education, social welfare, and labor legislation. We’ll also discuss the inspiring stories of these pioneering women and the invaluable contributions of their male allies in effecting legal changes and elevating the status of women.October 25 - November 1
Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in ghettos and concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Poland before her death in 1974. Her powerful stories shed light on her experiences and indomitable spirit, telling a story that Rabbi Dennis J. Eisner described as "deeper than a number—6,000,000—giving us a human touch in the midst of inhumanity.” Her son, Irving, will share excerpts from her book, “Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust.” You will learn about the Holocaust through his mother's eyes, as well as how he, the child of two survivors of Auschwitz, was impacted by his parents' experiences.
October 24 - October 24
September 26 - October 17
January 16 - February 13
April 4 - May 2
Exploring personal hygiene practices is essential for maintaining good health and preventing the spread of disease. Is hygiene simply about cleanliness or is it linked to religious practices? The Greeks defined hygiene as the embodiment of good health, while the French saw it as the 'art of health'. From public baths in ancient Greece, Rome, and Japan to the development of soap and the Saturday night bath as a status symbol in the 1950s, bathing has become a social construct, an obsession, and even an architectural phenomenon. This research will inspire you to examine your daily hygiene routines and their significance.
July 25 - July 25
Learn how the U.S. Constitution protects —and fails to protect — against discriminatory, arbitrary, or liberty-invading governmental action. With a focus on the Constitution’s Equal Protection and Due Process guarantees, we’ll look at key decisions by the Supreme Court and other government officials about the meaning of these fundamental rights. Especially in light of last year’s overruling of abortion rights – and given the likely late-June overruling of affirmative-action in admissions, our discussion will be especially timely (not to mention controversial!)
June 20 - July 25
Step back in time and discover a Cuba that no longer exists - the Cuba of the 1940s and 50s - through the pages of a captivating memoir. Delve into the personal story of a young person's struggle for identity and independence against the backdrop of the country's tumultuous political history. Experience the rich tapestry of Cuban culture, interwoven with stories of growth and development, and gain a deeper understanding of the country's national struggle. With the help of family and site photographs, the narrative comes alive, painting a vivid picture of a world long gone. Through excerpts from the memoir, you'll gain insight into the author's experiences and perspectives, and during Q&A sessions, you'll have the opportunity to explore the memoir's creation process. Whether you have a personal connection to Cuba or are simply intrigued by its rich history and culture, this course offers a unique and immersive window into a bygone era.
June 20 - June 20
June 3 - July 8