Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

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Economics, Finance, Political Science, Law

Information provided to Finance and Economics class participants is intended to be informational only and should not be construed as business, financial, investment, legal, regulatory, tax or accounting advice.

S01
A HOLISTIC GUIDE TO THE GOLDEN YEARS
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Wednesday: 2–3:15 p.m.
Instructors: Elle Van Dahlgren, Claire Krienen-Reynolds
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Audio (Including Phone)
Course Format: Discussion

This course includes presentations by various community professionals who address a variety of topics from significant medical concerns to financial and bill-paying planning to important legal considerations to social interaction and many more! We have seen increasing importance in preparation and support for these over the past few months. These presentations help identify ways to plan for events and needs you may not have even thought about and ensure your retirement and golden years are how you always dreamed!

S02–01
ANALYZING INDIVIDUAL STOCKS FOR INVESTMENT
FIRST 5 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–OCTOBER 12)

Wednesday: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Instructors: Rajeev Vaidya, Guy Werner, Ron Materniak
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of stocks and willingness to be actively involved in stock evaluation.
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Discussion

This is a hands-on learn-by-doing course on techniques relevant to analyzing individual stocks to make an investment decision. The investment decision can be about buying, holding or selling a stock for an investment portfolio. We will look at both fundamental and technical analysis; value, growth and dividend investments; and the five steps in a disciplined buying decision. The course has some techniques explained in lectures. Many of the classes involve hand-on analysis of individual stock candidates suggested by the members and include class participation. Course schedule and materials will be sent to students prior to the start of classes. Limited to 50 students.

S03
BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Wednesday: 9–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Martha Hays
Prerequisite: Basic understanding of economic principles.
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Discussion

We will discuss how behavioral economics differs from classical economic theory and then discuss various research papers that show how consumers and institutions make economic choices that differ from what economic theory would suggest. Course guides are provided to students prior to the start of class. Limited to 45 students.

S05
BUY, SELL, RENT, OR STAY PUT POST COVID–19
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Thursday: 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Instructor: Libby Zurkow
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Discussion; Lecture; Video Based

Decisions are changing about where to go next. Guest editors will lead each session with links to their websites and discussion of their services with an emphasis on senior services available if the new choice is living independently at home rather than moving to an age-related community. Course content is drawn from the instructor’s Buy, Rent, Sell or Stay Put? real estate principles and publications. Limited to 35 students.

S06
CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Monday: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Instructors: Larry Klepner, Erv Schleifer
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Discussion

Lively yet respectful discussions of topical political, social, economic and health issues of current concern. Please note that there will be no class on Monday, September 28. Limited to 23 students.

S07
CURRENT ISSUES LECTURE AND DISCUSSION
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Thursday: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Instructors: Diana Stevens, Jeff Ostroff, Nancy Hannigan
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Discussion; Lecture

Knowledgeable guest speakers present lectures on timely regional, national and international issues across a broad spectrum of topics, followed by a lively question and answer session.

S08–01
ELDER LAW: PLAN TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR TOMORROW
FIRST 5 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–OCTOBER 12)

Monday: 9–10:15 a.m.
Instructors: Michele Procino-Wells, Amber B. Woodland, Leslie Case DiPietro
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Lecture

Estate planning organizes your affairs to accomplish long-range goals for yourself and your family. We will explore the three stages of estate planning, clarify the role of a power of attorney, unravel the probate process and explain the use of trusts to avoid probate. This class also covers personal property memorandums, jointly owned assets and appropriate beneficiary designations as well as the ethics surrounding asset protection planning.

S11
GREAT DECISIONS
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Thursday: 9–10:15 a.m.
Instructors: Sergei Boboshko, Leland Stanford, Steven Dombchik
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Discussion; Lecture; Video Based

Seminar discussion of the international affairs issues included in the required Great Decisions textbook published by the American Foreign Policy Association. Seminar participants will be encouraged to volunteer to lead the discussion on topics of particular interest. Limited to 70 students.

S12
INVESTIGATING AMERICAN PRESIDENTS
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Thursday: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Saul Reine
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Discussion; Lecture; Video Based

This 11-week course is centered on the Teaching Company’s Investigating American Presidents. Paul Rosenzweig presents 12 powerful lectures on the history of how the checks and balances of our government has played a significant role in monitoring the role the president plays in executing the executive branch of our government. Limited to 50 students.

S13
INVESTING FOR SUCCESSFUL RETIREMENT
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Wednesday: 9–10:15 a.m.
Instructors: Rajeev Vaidya, Ron Materniak, Jane Roe-Fox
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Lecture

This is the 11th semester of a continuing class to assist retired or near retirement investors find, evaluate and determine the safety and suitability of various investment choices for their portfolios. Factors, such as risk and reward, and information, such as earnings and dividends, are discussed. We focus the discussion on three broad subjects: investment themes, tools of the trade and the state of the market. Course schedule and materials are provided prior to the start of classes.

S14
LAW 401
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Friday: 9–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Eric Grayson
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Lecture

The text of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is deceptively simple and unique. Yet, the Supreme Court has decided several hundred First Amendment cases, most since 1970, dealing with a wide range of complex issues, including hate speech, flag burning, school prayer, discrimination, obscenity and suppression of the press. By PowerPoint presentation, we will broadly examine the fundamental norms and principles of the “five freedoms” that comprise the First Amendment as well as the overt and fractious challenges thereto in the Trump era. Limited to 60 students.

S15–02
MEDIA AND PUBLIC OPINION IN THE 2020 ELECTIONS
SECOND 5 WEEKS (OCTOBER 19–NOVEMBER 23)

Monday: 9–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Ralph Begleiter
Prerequisite: Students should have an interest in the ongoing election campaign and should follow news reports, debates and opinion polling during the campaign.
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Lecture

Explore the role of media, campaign advertising and public opinion polling in the culminating weeks of the 2020 U.S. election cycle, and analyze results and exit polls after the election. NOTE: Course will include some historical content, familiar to students from previous editions of this class. This class will necessarily include some partisan content. Please note that this course begins Monday, October 19.

S16–02
MEDIA AND PUBLIC OPINION IN THE 2020 ELECTIONS
SECOND 5 WEEKS (OCTOBER 19–NOVEMBER 23)

Monday: 2–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Ralph Begleiter
Prerequisite: Students should have an interest in the ongoing election campaign and should follow news reports, debates and opinion polling during the campaign.
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Lecture

Same as S15–02 except for time. Please note that this course begins Monday, October 19.

S17–01
MEDICARE OPTIONS IN RETIREMENT
FIRST 5 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–OCTOBER 12)

Thursday: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Joseph Cisco
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Discussion; Lecture

Strategies for all your health insurance needs. We will discuss Medicare options and what all the letters mean, for example, the difference between the G and N plans. We will also discuss avoiding possible penalties, important dates for Medicare enrollments and taking the confusion out of Medicare choices. Limited to 20 students.

S18
OLLI INVESTMENT STUDY GROUP
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Wednesday: 2–3:15 p.m.
Instructors: Bruce Crawford, Genie Floyd
Prerequisite: Prior investing experience or coursework.
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Discussion; Lecture

Members interested in investments in stocks and other vehicles get together to exchange information. We seek intellectually curious, experienced investors with a diverse set of backgrounds, skill sets and life experiences. Discussion is aided by charts and comments obtained from internet financial sites. Sessions are led by study group participants. Limited to 50 students.

S19–01
OPTIMAL LONGEVITY: THE FIVE PILLARS
FIRST 5 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–OCTOBER 12)

Tuesday: 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Instructor: Scott Fulton
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Lecture

Add life to your years and years to your life. Applying up-to-date knowledge to make smart proactive choices that fit your needs can dramatically extend health span and independence. Course introduces students to the five pillars of longevity: mind, environment, diet, exercise and community, setting the groundwork for increased resilience and confidence. The course challenges broadly held, outdated beliefs that account for why so many adults get off track. Health is wealth, but it’s a lot more than simply diet and exercise. Limited to 100 students.

S20–02
OPTIMAL LONGEVITY: THE FIVE PILLARS
SECOND 5 WEEKS (OCTOBER 20–NOVEMBER 24)

Tuesday: 9–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Scott Fulton
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Lecture

Same as S19–01 except dates and times. Limited to 100 students.

S21
PRINCIPLES OF INVESTING
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Thursday: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: TJ Zak
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Lecture

An introduction to investing that reviews common stocks, corporate and municipal bonds, U.S. treasury and government agency obligations, international investments, mutual funds, tax-sheltered annuities, and reading and understanding basic financial information. Develop an investment philosophy and an appropriate asset allocation strategy; explore the use of professional money management. IRA and retirement plan distribution concepts are reviewed as well as 529 plans, long-term care insurance and income planning. Limited to 40 students.

S22–02
SCAMS AND FRAUDS—UPDATED
SECOND 5 WEEKS (OCTOBER 20–NOVEMBER 24)

Monday: 9–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Craig Lewis
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Lecture

Famous scams and deceptions including 2008’s Great Recession, Wells-Fargo fake accounts, science denial for profit, the vast internet rip-offs. Shockingly, most perpetrators (individuals and corporations) get off scot-free! And, of course, how to protect yourself. Limited to 100 students.

S23–02
STOCKS, BONDS, MUTUAL FUNDS AND ETF—101
SECOND 5 WEEKS (OCTOBER 20–NOVEMBER 24)

Wednesday: 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Instructors: Rajeev Vaidya, Ron Materniak
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Lecture

This is a basic course on investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs (exchange traded funds). We will cover the basics for beginners with a format of lectures followed by plenty of time for questions and answers. Limited to 30 students.

S24–01
THE CHANGING INTERNATIONAL ORDER
FIRST 5 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–OCTOBER 12)

Tuesday: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Eric Terzuolo
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Lecture

The international order created after World War II, under U.S. leadership, is crumbling. What will replace it? We will examine how the postwar system of alliances and international organizations was created, the increasing stresses on the system from the early 1970s to the present, and how national politics and leadership choices condition our ability to devise a new international order.

S25
THE CONSTITUTION TOUR
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Tuesday: 2–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Paul Welsh
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Discussion; Lecture

Our amazing Constitution, born in unlikely circumstances and battered in many a crisis, has survived and flourished while other systems faded or collapsed. This course tours its conceptual heartland and borderlands, looking back to origins and to past and recent crises, and forward into some positive futures. Limited to 30 students.

S26
THE RELEVANCE OF NONVIOLENCE TODAY
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Monday: 2–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Rick Grier-Reynolds
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Discussion; Video Based

This course looks at the transformative and sustainable nature of nonviolent social change. It uses a variety of teaching strategies, including videos from the “A Force More Powerful” series, in a discussion-centered format. All course readings and resources are provided prior to the start of classes. Course participants are expected to complete short readings for each session. Limited to 15 students.

S27–01
THE U.S. AND CHINA IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
FIRST 5 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–OCTOBER 12)

Wednesday: 9–10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Christopher Mark
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Lecture

Both China and the United States face unknown risks and unprecedented challenges in moving into a post-pandemic world. How are they positioned to promote domestic recovery and assert global leadership going forward? The course focuses on economic and geo-strategic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic; lectures and graphics provide historical, political and economic background and context, with time reserved at the end of each session for questions and discussion. Students completing the course will be equipped to evaluate the pros and cons of attempting to work with China on future biological threats as well as other global issues such as climate change. Limited to 100 students.

S28
TRADING AND INVESTING: BREAKTHROUGH STRATEGIES
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Wednesday: 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Instructors: Anil Parikh, Genie Floyd
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Lecture; Video Based

This course is about achieving breakthroughs in trading and investing. It is based on principles of mastery. Course covers strategies and techniques used by exceptionally successful investors and how we can implement them. CANSLIM, Chaikin and Wall Street methods are discussed along with state-of-the-art psychological processes used by successful investors. Limited to 40 students.

S29–01
FINANCIAL LITERACY MASTER CLASS
FIRST 5 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–OCTOBER 12)

Monday: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Michael Briglia
Prerequisite: Basic understanding of financial literacy concepts
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio AND video—Computer/laptop screen
Course Format: Discussion, Lecture

In this action-packed course, we will explore a number of topics tailored both for the current retiree as well as the “soon-to-be-retired” participant. Designed as a Toastmaster class, this course will go beyond the basics of general financial literacy and will take issues discussed to a usable and practical level. This course will contain material where both novice and advanced learners can find common ground. We will explore seven keys to financial success: investing basics, retirement income (and longevity) planning, social security optimization, investment portfolio distribution planning, long-term care funding strategies, Roth IRA conversions and estate and legacy/gift planning. Limited to 30 students.

S30
HOW SOCIETIES ORGANIZE AN ECONOMY
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Thursday: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Eric Brucker
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop, iPad or Smartphone Screen
Course Format: Lecture

Scarcity requires that societies make organizational choices in order to respond to three main economic questions: what goods to produce, how to produce them and who gets those goods. We will explore how traditional, market, socialist and mixed organizations tend to address the three key questions. Class limited to 30 students.

S31
HOW TO SELL A HOUSE IN 30 DAYS
11 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 24)

Monday: 2–3:15 p.m.
Instructor: Madeline Dobbs
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Lecture

Have you ever wondered why some houses sell quickly while others seem to linger on the market? In this lively interactive class, you will learn how to appeal to those picky HGTV-watching buyers and what not to do. Each participant will receive a virtual workbook to create a personal case study. Whether you are planning to sell now or in the future, this class will provide valuable insights. Previous participants are welcome!

S33-02
INTRODUCTION TO INFO WARFARE AND INFLUENCE OPS
SECOND 5 WEEKS (OCTOBER 20–NOVEMBER 24)

Wednesday: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Instructor: Curt Smith
Optimal Viewing Device: Audio and Video—Computer/Laptop Screen
Course Format: Discussion; Lecture; Video Based

Students will become familiar with the historical examples, theories and doctrine of information war/influence operations, psychological operations, propaganda, state media, intelligence operations, the increasing influence of the cyber world and social media, and the (arguably) resulting overlap and merger among those disciplines formerly considered separate. A guest speaker may participate.

S34–02
ISSUES IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY
SECOND 5 WEEKS (OCTOBER 20–NOVEMBER 24)

Wednesday: 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Instructors: Sergei Boboshko, Leland Stanford
Optimal Viewing Device: Any Screen
Course Format: Discussion; Video Based

This course consists of discussion of the international affairs issues currently facing the U.S. and is presented by invited specialists with backgrounds in the U.S. foreign service, academia and the U.S. military. Each class consists of a presentation of the issues by the speaker with sufficient time allocated for group discussion. The speakers will include some past favorites and some new people yet tobe determined. Limited to 50 students.

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