For Immediate Release
August 22, 2008

Fall classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCR Extension in Riverside

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Classes in Riverside
UCR Extension
1200 University Ave.
Fall Calendar 2008

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute caters to mature learners 50 and over. Osher membership (fee $125) entitles members to choose up to five classes each session. For more information, call (951) 827-7139. To register, call (951) 827-4105 or (800) 442-4990. For information about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, visit www.extension.ucr.edu/olli.

Sept. 29-Nov. 3, 2008
Understanding People and Views of Human Nature
Mondays, 10 a.m. to Noon
Study the different facets of human nature from fields such as theology, economics, biology and medicine, the social sciences and philosophy. This class seeks to dispel myths and take a more holistic approach toward understanding what it is to be human. The first hour will be a lecture, followed by an open, yet moderated, discussion.

Sept. 29-Nov. 3, 2008
Understanding Shakespeare's Dramas
Mondays, 1 to 3 p.m.
Shakespeare's dramas offer something for everyone – love, jealousy, insanity, political intrigue, betrayal, war and friendship, and intense character exploration. Learn how to decipher Elizabethan speech and analyze and interpret select soliloquies. In this class, through readings and film clips, students will examine "The Tragedy of King Lear," the comedy "Much Ado About Nothing" and the impact of Elizabethan history in "The Merchant of Venice."

Sept. 30-Nov. 4, 2008
Music of Latin America
Tuesdays, 3 to 5 p.m.
Latin American music has inspired not only American popular music, but also music throughout the world. In this class, students will learn to distinguish between the famous musical expressions from countries such as Cuba, Brazil, Argentina and Peru and traditional music of the indigenous people of Latin America.

Oct. 1-Nov. 19, 2008
Origins of Christianity
Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Students examine the evolutions in thought and practices that resulted in the religion of the ancient Roman Empire, which today claims over two billion adherents. Included in this class is a look at the preservation of the story of Jesus of Nazareth's life, death and resurrection. Through the historical horizon of the Jewish province of Judea, circa 30 CE to the year 380 CE, when Christianity emerged as the state religion of Rome, this class explores the concepts of the Trinity, the Roman Catholic Church, the New Testament (the Gospels and the Pauline Writings), and the tenets that established the foundations of one of the most powerful influences on Western civilization.

Oct. 1-Nov. 5, 2008
Grace Under Pressure: "Profiles of Courage" and Other American Heroes
Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
In this new class, students learn about Sen. John F. Kennedy and the other senators featured in Kennedy's Pulitzer Prize winning book, "Profiles of Courage." The book is an inspiring exploration of courageous Americans who maintained their patriotic beliefs and integrity despite great sacrifice to themselves. Discussion ranges from civil rights to McCarthyism to the issues of war and peace to the environment and First Amendment Rights.

Oct. 2-Nov. 6, 2008
India: An In-Depth Look
Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon
Delve into the rich history of India's cultural values, heritage, literature, and fundamental concepts, such as karma and Dharma. Study Indian beliefs and customs, the caste system, the Fourfold aims of life and the place of women in society. This course addresses other major themes such as religious and philosophic traditions, the arts and sciences, costumes, cuisine, fairs and festivals.

Oct. 2-Nov. 6, 2008
Opera for Everyone
Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m.
This course provides a practical introduction to opera with an emphasis on an historical understanding of opera, musical and literary analysis through listening, viewing and discussions of the plots, characters and the dramatic aspects of the works studied. Examine works such as "Lucia di Lammermoor" by Gaetano Ponizetti and "The Barber of Seville" by Gioachino Rossini. Take an optional field trip to Rossini's opera at Orange County's Opera Pacific.

Oct. 3-Nov.7, 2008
"Remember the Ladies": Women in United States History
Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon
In a 1776 letter, Abigail Adams instructed her husband, a delegate of the Continental Congress, to "Remember the Ladies" when drafting "a new Code of Laws." In this course, we will redress, albeit over 200 years later, John Adam's dismissive reply by examining the experiences of women in the United States. In our attempt to situate women within U.S. history, we will cross racial, ethnic, economic and social boundaries. Employing the methods used by social historians, primary sources will largely guide our search to "Remember the Ladies."

Oct. 3-31, 2008
Conquering the Computer
Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m.
This class, designed for students who want to learn beginning computer skills, combines demonstrations, hands-on exercises and discussion. Students improve their skills and reduce computer-related anxiety. Students learn how to use the essential computer vocabulary, how to implement word processing fundamentals, how to surf the Net, how to communicate using e-mail, and how to keep track of e-mail addresses and bookmarks. The small class size (approximately 20 students) allows for a high level of intimate student interaction.

Oct. 3-31, 2008
Conquering the Computer: Using Software Applications
Fridays, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
This hands-on course introduces Microsoft Office 2003/2007 and its software applications MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint. Students learn to use the basic features of these word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications separately with a focus on the ways they work with each other within the Office suite. This course is ideal for students who already have PC experience and those who have completed the course "Conquering the Computer." Small class size (approximately 20 students) allows for a high level of student interaction.

Nov 7-Dec.12, 2008
Working with Digital Photographs
Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m.
A continuation of the class, "Digital Cameras and Your Computer," this hands-on digital photography class teaches you how to edit and manipulate your digital photographs. Improve your pictures by changing the brightness, color and composition; add or remove people; alter the backgrounds; and eliminate red-eye and blemishes. Using the tools and techniques available on the computer, learn to organize photographs and add tags to identify people, places and events. This class is ideal for students who want to learn how to create photo albums, greeting cards, slide shows and Web photo galleries.

Nov. 10-Dec. 15, 2008
Fairy Tales, Film and Real Life
Mondays, 1 to 3 p.m.
Fairy tales have intrigued us for centuries with their dark woods, curious children and imminent peril. The themes of these tales are also found in many of today's movies. In this class, students will explore perspectives on conflict, surrender, transformation, redemption and the hero's (and heroine's) journey throughout fairy tales and the movies. Films to be studied include "Bagdad Café," "Spirited Away," "The Family Man," "Serendipity," "Enchanted April," "The Green Mile," "Groundhog Day," "Enchanted," "Doc Hollywood," "Harry Potter," and "A Christmas Carol."