For Immediate Release
August 27, 2008

Osher Classes offered in Coachella Valley this fall

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Classes in Rancho Mirage
Annenberg Center
39-000 Bob Hope Drive
Session I: Sept. 15-Oct. 27, 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. 15-Oct. 27, 2008
William Faulkner: Genius in Overalls
Mondays, 10 a.m. to Noon
Forty-six years after he won the Nobel Prize for Literature, more than ever, William Faulkner is a writer who speaks to the violence and disorder of today with an authority and penetration few contemporary writers can match. Toward what betterment can Faulkner's ferocious imagination tempt us? This course aspires to explore his time and place, his character, and acclaimed writing, and his key concern: "the human heart in conflict with itself." Discussions and selected readings of some of his best yet most easily grasped writing will provide a context for understanding prominent themes in his work and his notions about fiction.

Sept. 15-Oct. 20, 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. This class will discuss perspectives on conflict, surrender, transformation, redemption and the hero's (and heroine's) journey throughout fairy tales and movies, and how the recurring themes of enchantment and shadow offer insight into our own lives. Films to be studied include "Bagdad Cafe," "Spirited Away," "The Family Man," "Serendipity," "Enchanted April," "The Green Mile," "Groundhog Day," "Enchanted," "Doc Hollywood," "Harry Potter," and "A Christmas Carol."

Sept. 16-Oct. 21, 2008
What's New in Astronomy, Part II
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to Noon
These are incredibly innovative and awesome times in the development of astronomy. New technologies, computers and telescopes in space and on the ground, and use of hitherto strange and exotic wavelengths of radiation for "seeing" have greatly expanded our ability to explore space, galaxies, stars and planets, and have brought new insights as to who we are and our place in the universe. This class continues the exploration of new discoveries, including atomic fusion and how it is going to affect us in the future, mysterious "dark matter," the new x-ray universe, infrared telescopes, why the universe is expanding faster than we think and how the latest innovators and innovations are changing the world.

Sept. 17-Oct. 22, 2008
Feminism in the Western World
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to Noon
This class covers various aspects of feminism, including the feminist views of language, gender, culture and politics. We cover the basic historical and cultural trends of feminist thought before investigating the different perspectives of being a "feminist." Finally, we discuss the impact that feminism currently has, and will possibly continue to have, on our daily lives.

Sept. 18-Oct. 23, 2008
Prophets of Peace: Nelson Mandela
Thursdays, 10 a.m. to Noon
From 'troublemaker' to former President of South Africa to elder statesman to symbol of freedom and equality, the political journey of Nelson Mandela has made him an admired and influential person in today's world. This course acquaints you with the many influences, events and people that were instrumental in bringing freedom to South Africa and a Nobel Peace Prize to Mandela. Embark on this journey by revisiting the history of South Africa, Mandela's childhood influences, his leadership, political activism, trials, imprisonment and freedom, South Africa's elections, his Presidency and his legacy for a new South Africa.

Sept. 18-Oct. 23, 2008
Religion and Depth Psychology
Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m.
This course explores humanity's long concern with religion in the light of modern depth psychology. Lectures and discussion focus on the nature of religion, the psyche and the soul, varieties of religious experience, and religion and progress. Myth and archetype as definers of "the sacred" and unconscious energies that impel people are also discussed.

Sept. 19-Oct. 24, 2008
Nature Journaling
Fridays, 10 a.m. to Noon
Get in touch with the natural world around you and create a journal comprised of writings, sketches, scientific illustrations and collections of found materials. Through readings and practical application, learn how best to record your observations, explorations, perceptions, and philosophies of the natural world while illustrating with sketches and collages. Class activities will include elementary drawing, making observations through scientific and aesthetic perspectives and setting up a nature study. Class discussions focus on famous naturalists, including Audubon, Thoreau, Aristotle, Darwin, Pliny and Thomas Jefferson. Examine samples of creative and technical writing, scientific illustrations and the nature poetry and writings from Dickinson, Thoreau and Donald Hall.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Classes in Palm Desert
UCR Palm Desert Graduate Center
75-080 Frank Sinatra Dr.
Session I: Sept. 15-Oct. 27, 2008

Sept. 19-Oct. 24, 2008
Conquering the Internet
Fridays, 9 to 11 a.m.
In this hands-on course, students learn all about the World Wide Web and how to navigate the Internet. Topics include how to select an Internet service provider, how to search for information, how to move from one Web site to another, how to navigate sites once you are there, and how to mark favorite sites for quick return visits. Basic instruction is given on how to buy things online, including understanding the "shopping cart" concept and privacy and security. This class is intended for persons who have a familiarity and comfort level with basic personal computer operations.

Sept. 19-Oct. 24, 2008
Conquering the Computer
Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 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 bookmarks. The small class size (approximately 20 students) allows for a high level of intimate student interaction.

Sept. 19-Oct. 24, 2008
Digital Cameras and Your Computer
Fridays, 2 to 4 p.m.
This hands-on course teaches beginners the fundamentals of choosing the equipment and materials to create digital photos and prints, as well as the tools and techniques available on the computer that allow one to be creative with image manipulation and storage.