OLLI at DU On Campus   

Beethoven did not invent the symphony. Both Mozart and Haydn had gotten there before him, and others before them. However, Beethoven was the first to prove that a symphony could express the composer’s view of the world: triumph, tragedy and all the emotions in between.

The summit of that journey arrived with his Symphony No. 9, premiering in Vienna May 7, 1824, and containing so famously the Ode to Joy. His concept of what symphonies could become inspired countless composers in later years, Brahms and Tchaikovsky amongst them. Even today, most composers have Beethoven in their minds when they sit down to write a symphony.

Music historian Betsy Schwarm offers a six-week online course exploring Beethoven’s symphonic vision, and how he influenced the grand works that would come with later generations. How did Beethoven change the musical world and how does he still make a difference today? We’ll find out!

“Churchill” the name sparks multiple images: Boer War correspondent, prisoner of war, Gallipoli, Minister of Parliament, The 1930s Wilderness Years, First Lord of the Admiralty, and Wartime Prime Minister. We will cover his World War II leadership from the dark days of The Gathering Storm, Dunkirk, Their Finest Hour, the Grand Alliance, Hinge of Fate, Alone No More, Closing the Ring, Turning the Tide, D-Day, to Triumph and Tragedy. Churchill was a controversial figure. We will discuss his political and military decisions and their ramifications. Our source material is the ABC Emmy Award-winning 1961 TV series “The Valiant Years,” the accompanying book “Winston Churchill: The Valiant Years,” Churchill’s sixth volume “The Second World War”, plus other books. Join us as we listen to Richard Burton speaking Churchill’s own words, Gary Merrill narrating, and war-time leaders providing their experiences.

Explore the guiding Jewish values that help inform choices on common medical questions. This course will equip participants with the tools to chart a path through four areas of medical ethics: experimental treatments, extending life, pregnancy questions, and caring for a body. Gain an enriching perspective on how the Jewish ethical tradition helps us confidently navigate fateful decisions.

Do you sometimes feel frustrated because of the complexity of using our computers? Or perhaps you have had years of hit-or-miss learning? We will learn more about today’s computer technology, including PC hardware, the Windows operating system components and settings, peripheral connections and ports, file and application management, Internet connectivity, Cloud storage with OneDrive, security, and maintenance, including backing up your computer. Understand what is happening with Windows 10 and how to use Windows 11. Become more familiar with how your computer syncs with other devices and the Cloud. Come get more comfortable with today’s technology on our desktops and laptops. You will end up with a smarter computer and a smarter you!

Unlock the power of color in your art by diving into the essentials of color theory. Whether you're new to this fascinating world or just want to brush up on your skills, understanding the color wheel, complementary colors, and the psychological effects of colors is key to creating impactful art. This course offers a fun and engaging journey into color theory and its practical applications in painting. You'll learn how to choose and use colors systematically, bridging the gap between creativity and science. By mastering these principles, you'll add depth, variety, and allure to your artwork. As you work with acrylics or watercolors, the advantages of knowing color theory will become clear, taking your artistic journey to exciting new heights. Join us and discover how to make your paintings more vibrant and dynamic!

This course will walk through the history of Denver, exploring the successive waves of immigrants who have made their home in the Mile High City. This journey will include the stories of immigrants from Mexico, New Mexico, Ireland, China, Germany, Russia, Japan, Italy, Greece, Poland, Vietnam, Central America, and South America. Particular attention will be paid to the labor that these communities performed, how they struggled for fair wages and conditions in their workspaces, and how they contributed to the larger culture that has come to define Colorado.

The current tech revolution is the integration of our devices and information through “The Cloud.” But just what IS The Cloud? And what is The Internet?! Let us ride on the cloud to learn about cloud computing and services, cloud storage, backup and sync, file sharing, and much more. Become informed about the Internet, browsers, search engines, and the technologies involved in delivering the Internet, and explore different devices, and security. Understand how your smartphones and PC “sync” with the Cloud, device continuity, and how synced data and info are accessed online. Visit the Internet of Things and see how you are already in that world. Get more comfortable with AI & Augmented/Virtual Reality. Discuss how we are using cross-platform, network-connected devices. Get Smarter about your amazing and sometimes dangerous Smart World.

“Bogie” the name conjures an immediate picture of the classic tough guy with a heart of gold. Classic quotes such as “Play It Again, Sam” and “You’re Good. You’re awfully Good.” bring to life some of the most outstanding dramas from the Golden Days of Hollywood. Again, we return to watch Humphrey Bogart in eight more movies that showed the range of his talents. Bogart plays returning veteran, escaped convict, hotel visitor, gold seeker, a down-and-out scriptwriter, corporate executive, and a crusading newspaper editor. Again, we will have a short discussion before and after the movie to discuss the stars, the plot, and what made this movie successful (or not).

These movies are “A” movies and will run long. Our class will start at 12:30 to accommodate the length of the movie plus our serial of the week.

This lively, interactive course will examine what sexuality means to us, and how this changes as we mature. Topics include physical changes with aging, the nature of intimacy, and relationships both longstanding and new. We’ll cover online dating, consent and safety, sex toys and more! There will be ample opportunity for questions and discussion, and resources will be offered to meet current and future needs.

This course will explore several social movements from the 1960s, including the Civil Rights movement, Chicano and American Indian Movements, feminist movement, Gay Liberation, Anti-War, and Economic Justice. For each of these movements, we will examine the history behind the movement, and relate it to current events and social change in the 21st century. Students are encouraged to share their own experiences and memories of this era and to use this course to reflect deeply on the questions that define us today.

Mandalas, with their rich history and beautiful designs, are amazing tools for meditation and self-reflection. Found in cultures all over the world, these intricate patterns have decorated temples, manuscripts, and more, symbolizing cosmic order and inner peace. Beyond their spiritual roots, mandalas also show up in modern science, illustrating energy, waves, and sound, and are used in therapy as a way to express oneself and heal. In this course, guided by an experienced OLLI facilitator and artist, you will dive into the world of mandala creation. Each session mixes theory with hands-on practice, allowing you to explore the artistry behind these fascinating designs. By combining ink, symmetry, and mindfulness, you'll learn how to create beautiful mandalas that have personal meaning and artistic flair. Join us for a fun and enlightening journey into the world of mandalas!

This 8-week course is designed to help you write the idea that has been hanging around on the fringes of your thoughts. Learn how to expand your idea and people it with characters, how to insert conflict and how to structure resolution. Most importantly – this course will help you decide where and how to begin. We also explore the different avenues of publication: publishing through a publisher, self-publishing, and contests. Join me on the adventure of unfolding your idea into a short story – the basis of storytelling.