Spring Term Starts Today! | | We have 1100 spring enrollments and counting! Sign up today if you have not already enrolled to learn something fabulous. Space is still available in online and in-person classes. Please read below for some highlights. We also have several new Special Events with walking tours, Slow Food, Pioneer Theater, and visits to different religious faiths. Stay curious, get involved, and keep learning with Osher! | |
We live in a time and place where every citizen needs to know something about the science that surrounds us. We need to understand air pollution, water issues, climate change, and a host of other things that we used to leave to the scientists—but it is too important to do that any longer. Our economy, our environment, our very lives depend on understanding. This class will use one of Osher's uber-nerds (the instructor!) to step us through what Is happening in our community, state, nation, and world in science as the news breaks every week. Think of this class as "current events," but in science rather than politics!
Wednesday, March 26 at 1:30 pm
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Modern Political Thought emerges in the 17th and 18th centuries. Chief among the thinkers who bought this about are Thomas Hobbes (1588 - 1679), John Locke (1632 - 1704) and Adam Smith (1723 - 1790). We will read and discuss excerpts from their work. Their writings emphasize several things: the origin of the state not by divine right but through the consent of the people, the importance of the rule of law, and (in the case of Smith) the important role of the state in managing the economy. Each of these writers are special in developing ideas that play an important role in Democratic thought. They are among the important thinkers who set the background for our modern era.
Thursday, March 27 at 9:30 am
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Discover the profound wisdom of the Five Element/Phase of Chinese Medicine and how they shape your body, emotions, and spirit. In this class, we will explore each element's unique qualities, including its physical, emotional, and spiritual manifestations, as well as its attributes like sense, season, color, and sound. Gain insight into the personality types for each element, helping you connect with your own elemental nature. This exploration will deepen your understanding of how these ancient principles relate to your life and well-being.
Thursday, March 27 at 1:30 pm
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Our climate crisis is real, is largely human-caused, and requires a "climate change" in human consciousness (person), in human communities, and in our relationship with the ecosystems that sustain all life (planet). The instructor recently published a textbook for helping professionals entitled Climate Change in Person, Community, Planet: A Guide to Helping Professionals. In this class, participants will learn about the nature of, causes of, and best solutions to our climate crisis. The instructor will encourage self-reflection and in-class dialogue as we study human consciousness and our relationships with other human beings, other living things, and planetary ecosystems.
Thursday, March 27 at 9:30 am
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Growing up in the American West is an adventure steeped in mythology: the gilded lore of cowboys and Indians, the rugged individualist, tall in the saddle, taming the wilderness, prying a living from the land. That's the legacy. This is a study of conflict between that romantic notion and the practical outcomes of "settling" the region, of trying to come to terms with the iconic images that inspire us and the disquieting realizations that come our way. We look at both the legendary and the practical worlds of the Modern West, the real people and their fictional counterparts, the cowboys and Indians met along the way, living with the Blackfeet people, and buying movie star Gary Cooper's home. It is the story of a city boy finding his way in the contemporary West, presented via lecture and multi-media with discussion.
Thursday, March 27 at 1:30 pm
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This lecture series is a sequel to an earlier course covering an earlier period. This six-week course offers you the opportunity to meet a large and often unfamiliar cast of characters—both Black and white, enslaved and free—who developed a range of tools and tactics, means and methods, to escape enslavement or try to resist it, in the period between the drafting of the United States Constitution in 1787 and 1865, the year that marked the end of the Civil War.
Friday, March 28 at 9:30 am
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Discover and Connect: A Journey Through Diverse Faiths
Join us for a special series where we'll attend and observe worship services from a variety of local traditions, including the Islamic Temple, Congregation Kol Ami, the Islamic Temple, and the First Presbyterian Church. This is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual communities that shape our world--helping to bridge divides and foster empathy in a time when connection is more important than ever. By learning about these traditions together, we can appreciate how shared values like compassion, kindness, and belonging strengthen the fabric of our community. If you're curious about your neighbors and want to help build bridges of understanding, this series is for you.
Masonic Temple Tour – March 28 at 11:00 am
Calvary Baptist Church – April 6 at 10:45 am
First Presbyterian Church – April 13 at 10:00 am
Islamic Temple – April 18th 10:00 am
Congregation Kol Ami – April 25th 11:00 am
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Meant to be a "gathering place for people and ideas and a source of enlightenment for the citizens of Utah and the world," this recently restored historic building in downtown Salt Lake City now houses an "embassy" for the University of Utah. Formerly known as the Enos Wall Mansion, the building also served as home to the LDS Business College for many years. Come enjoy a guided tour of past and present, as we discuss the history of the Wall family and progress through three floors of the original mansion, the additional west wing and the added Carriage House. The center now provides a world class venue for university functions as well as private events.
Wednesday, March 26 at 11:00 am
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Join us for this in-person presentation about the global Slow Food movement that began in Italy in 1986 and is now in over 160 countries worldwide including more than 150 in the US. The Slow Food philosophy and mission are focused on the belief that everyone has the right to good, clean, fair food, good for the people who eat it, good for the people who grow it, and good for the planet. Slow Food is about eating locally and seasonally, supporting biodiversity in food and farming, and slowing down to share a meal with friends and family. Come taste some samples of local food and find out more about the Slow Food mission in our Utah chapter and how you can get involved.
Friday, April 4 at 11:00 am
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A place dedicated to inspiring students—where you can live, learn, and collaborate with purpose. The Impact & Prosperity Epicenter is home to a diverse group of students and professionals driven by a shared vision and mission for the betterment of people and the planet. Considered the "soul" of campus, this living-learning space will prepare students to become thoughtful global citizens committed to enriching the lives of others. Come join us for a brief presentation and Q&A followed by a tour of the building, residential spaces, common areas, etc.
Friday, April 11 at 1:30 pm
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Volunteering with SCORE is a meaningful way to share your expertise, give back to the community, and play a vital role in strengthening Utah's small business ecosystem. SCORE Utah is committed to empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing free mentoring and educational resources. Our network of volunteers includes experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge from various industries. By offering guidance and support, SCORE mentors help aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses and established businesses reach new heights.
Tuesday, April 15 at 11:00 am
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Pioneer Theatre Company's "Behind the Curtain" & Preview Performance
Join us for a mini pre-show reception and an insider's look into Pioneer Theatre Company's newest production before seeing the show itself. Associate Artistic Director, Eric Jackson, will lead a brief seminar providing historical and cultural context around PTC's newest show, A Case for the Existence of God, as well as a glimpse into the design elements used to help bring the story to life for Salt Lake City audiences. Enrolled attendees will also receive a ticket to that evening's Preview Performance.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 24 - TODAY!
Thursday, March 27 at 6:30 pm
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Behind the Scenes at the Utah Governor's Office
By Mike Mower, Senior Advisor, Community Outreach and Intergovernmental Relations Office of Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox
This talk will highlight stories from the Utah Governor's Office, especially highlighting Governors Leavitt, Walker, Huntsman, Herbert, and Cox. Over the past 20 years, Mike Mower has worked closely with all of these Utah leaders and will share stories and insight from this recent Utah history.
Wednesday, March 26 at 12:00 pm
| | | Free Lunch & Learns are brought to you by ZAP! | | Stay Connected by Joining Us on Social Media | |
The Osher Instagram and Facebook pages are a great way to stay connected. We highlight the accomplishments of Osher instructors and members. Special Events are updated, posted, and featured here too. Please like us to stay up to date and share with your friends who would enjoy all that Osher has to offer!
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
801-581-6461 | osher@utah.edu
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