QUICK LINKS — OLLI home page | OLLI Fall Schedule by Day | OLLI digital catalog home | Questions? Email olli-online@udel.edu
FALL CLASSES START SEPTEMBER 2 — Registration & drop/add available through September 15
Use the dropdowns below to view available offerings by day of the week, category, or other filters.
View all updated or canceled courses | Clear form/view all courses
Online: October 15, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
This class explores African American art history from Colonial times till today, focusing on the Harlem Renaissance era.
Taught by: Stuart Siegell
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 9:00 AM
Explore this imaginary museum that holds more masterpieces than all the world’s museums combined — lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed pieces of art, some even stolen multiple times. Class features treasures of King Tut’s tomb and the Mona Lisa, as well as Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Monet’s Water Lilies and art looted by Napoleon and the Nazis. Discover how many famous works of art have been lost to history and how some have been recovered.
Taught by: Jim O’Leary
Online: September 10, 2025 to October 8, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Discover a new way to experience art. This interactive, discussion-based course invites you to slow down and connect with art profoundly and personally using the principles of slow art — intentional observation, reflection and shared insight. Together, we uncover hidden details and meaning to gain new perspectives, and may sharpen our focus, reduce stress and improve critical thinking along the way. Art expertise is not required — just curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to see more than meets the eye.
Taught by: Christine Vitsorek
Online: October 15, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
In preparation for the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Biggs Museum of American Art is developing an exhibition focused on key works in its permanent collection. This course offers a preview of the show and a chance to learn about our shared history through artwork. Each session examines five objects in depth and includes discussion with experts who assisted with the selection process. An optional sixth class is held onsite at the museum.
Taught by: Laura Fravel, Susan Salkin
Online: September 2, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Prerequisite: Skill in artistic medium intending to use. Class format revolves around biweekly assignments on themes such as ‘still life,’ ‘landscape,’ ‘movement,’ etc. Slideshow presentation illustrates examples from famous and lesser-known artists that students can use as inspiration for their work. The following week, work by individual students is presented and discussed, which can be highly participatory. Students are provided with positive comments and suggestions by their peers to improve upon their work.
Taught by: Rolf Eriksen, Eric Sallee
Online: September 2, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Prerequisite: DSLR/mirrorless camera with adjustable settings. This course provides instruction on how to use your camera. We cover camera settings and how they influence the image captured. As camera skills develop, we discuss photographic techniques, special topics and accessories that can enhance your photography.
Taught by: Michael Rudolph
Online: September 3, 2025 to October 1, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Explore the use of light, shadow and color to create forms using watercolors. Previous experience required. Supply list is provided for students to purchase before class starts. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services. The class may run 1.5 hours each week if the student’s schedule allows.
Prerequisite: Beginner’s watercolor class or other watercolor experience.
Additional fee: Requires a fee of $45 payable to the Art Studio. A payment link is sent to class members prior to the first class.
Taught by: Karen Berstler, Nicole Sexton
Online: September 4, 2025 to November 20, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Prerequisite: Adobe Lightroom Classic. This course provides instruction on using Adobe Lightroom Classic to catalog and edit your photographs, focusing on using the Library and Develop modules with the objective of providing tools and techniques to easily upload/retrieve images, and basic editing techniques to improve the appearance of your photos. Other modules are covered as time and interest permit.
Taught by: Michael Rudolph
Online: September 4, 2025 to December 11, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
Prerequisite: Three semesters of Ikebana. Required text: Sogetsu Book 5, published by Sogetsu, which can be obtained from the instructor. In this course, students continue practicing previously studied basic styles as well as making freestyle arrangements. Concentration is given to learning freestyle and contemporary arrangements.
Taught by: Sima Sariaslani
Online: October 15, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
This class is for students who have experience in watercolor or have taken the Beginner and Beyond Beginner Watercolor classes. We take the study of value in composition further, learn basic drawing methods and focus on painting simple still lifes from life. Supply list is provided for students to purchase before class starts. Offered in partnership with The Art Studio, the arts education center of New Castle County’s Department of Community Services. The class may run 1.5 hours each week if the student’s schedule allows.
Prerequisite: Completion of Beyond Beginner’s Watercolor course or equivalent watercolor experience.
Additional fee: Requires a fee of $48 payable to the Art Studio. A payment link is sent to class members prior to the first class.
Taught by: Karen Berstler, Nicole Sexton
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
The Beatles’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964 ignited a U.S. cultural phenomenon known as the British Invasion, opening the door for dozens of U.K. pop and rock music groups to barrel through. In this class we look at the Fab Four and their accomplices including The Animals, The Searchers, The Zombies, The Dave Clark Five, The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, The Kinks, The Who and many more, plus solo performers like Dusty Springfield, Sandie Shaw, Cilla Black, Donovan and Tom Jones.
Taught by: Jerry Grant
This class has an updated schedule since catalog publication.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 12, 2025 to October 10, 2025
Friday at 10:45 AM
Relive your childhood with The Three Stooges! There were actually six, and three were brothers. Their movies were shaped by a depression and world war, and The Three Stooges provided relief and laughter to a weary public. Lecture and discussion will be supplemented with videos and book biographies. It wasn’t all eye pokes and face slaps, but it sure was fun!
Taught by: Michael Walsh
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 3, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Some of the greatest music composed in the past century was written for the soundtracks of motion pictures. In this class, we will listen to dozens of examples of these remarkable scores, from Casablanca to The King’s Speech, by marvelous composers such as Alfred Newman, Miklos Rosza, John Barry, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams.
Taught by: Daniel Pritchett
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 2, 2025 to December 2, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Many of the truly wonderful opera performances are found away from the Metropolitan Opera. Many countries celebrate the traditions of grand opera and help to secure opera’s future. In this class, the instructor focuses on opera houses in Italy. These houses bring wonderful artists from a wide variety of countries to a place that claims opera as a national art, a prized part of their culture. As operas don’t tend to fit into a 75-minute class, each session is recorded and shared with participants.
Taught by: Robert Violette
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Beyond the Metropolitan Opera there are some highly praised companies in the U.S. Internationally known singers as well as young, emerging artists bring operatic performances to local communities. Besides mainstage productions, these companies offer community outreach concerts and opera programs in schools, community centers, houses of worship and even private homes. Participants view videos of mainstage productions from around the country.
Taught by: Robert Violette
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Opera has existed for several hundred years. Perhaps you delayed learning about it or had a difficult first attempt at it. Maybe you just haven’t had an opportunity to learn in an open environment where questions, comments and reactions are encouraged and various types of operas are explained. This class is your opportunity! There’s a lot to introduce you to in this “complete art” form.
Taught by: Robert Violette
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 3, 2025 to October 1, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
The opportunities for cultural enrichment available in Delaware far exceed what one might expect in one of the nation’s smallest states. Centered in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, the Delaware professional arts scene encompasses a wide range of cultural opportunities from world-class museums and galleries to every segment of the performing arts world. Learn about Delaware’s statewide professional companies and the opportunities to experience the fine arts in this six-week course.
Taught by: Robert Violette, Arlene Bowman, Thomas Powderly
Online: October 14, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Although several notable British comedy TV shows, movies, and comedians of the 1960s to the present day made it across the pond, American audiences are largely unaware of a great crop of British comedic talent that populated the airwaves and movie screens in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Fortunately, we can now see what we missed. From the Carry On movies to Tony Hancock, Steptoe and Son, Fawlty Towers and many more, we have fun rediscovering these comedic gems. Just bring your funny bone.
Taught by: Nicholas Simmonds
Online: September 2, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 2:30 PM
We view and discuss different productions of two operas by Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro and The Magic Flute as well as two productions of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci.
Taught by: Larry Peterson
Dover (Wyoming Church): September 2, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
This is a survey of 11 films written and/or directed by Billy Wilder, demonstrating his absolute mastery of cinematic storytelling. High comedy, drama and mystery are all handled with wit, intelligence and psychological insights that enable the audience to recognize the human connection between themselves and the characters on the screen.
Taught by: George Christensen
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 2, 2025 to September 30, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Learn about the Great American Folk Music Movement and its Revival. We will cover the music’s origins and performers of ‘folk music’ over the years. Lots of Guthrie, Seeger, Almanac Singers, The Weavers, The Kingston Trio, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Peter Paul & Mary, Smothers Brothers and many more. Part 1 will cover into the early 1960’s.
Taught by: Glenn Rill
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 14, 2025 to November 18, 2025
Tuesday at 12:30 PM
The OLLI class, (Based on) True Story Movies, is taking a break. This semester, we watch a few of the instructor’s favorite fictional movies: Mona Lisa Smile, The Italian Job, Finding Forrester, The Kid and Shutter Island (thriller, not for the faint of heart). If watched with intention, these movies have things to consider as well. Come join us!
Taught by: Sondra Weidman
Online: September 3, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 10:30 AM
This course covers how to find written and audio music online and how to use music notation software to edit music, practice and read music directly (no more paper!). Students also learn how to manage and share a music library. Software includes forScore and MuseScore; websites include Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, MakeMusic Cloud (aka SmartMusic) and YouTube. We also discuss playing live music online with others.
Taught by: Darlene Slaughter, Ellen Sherin, Pam Wilson
The meeting day of this class has been updated to Thursday since publication of the catalog.
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 11, 2025 to October 9, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Engage in an exploration of peace — its meaning, practice and impact. Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive activities and insightful guest speakers, we examine peace as a personal and societal ideal. We discuss community-driven initiatives in Delaware, the transformative role of art and culture and the intersection of peace and social justice. We learn practical steps for meaningful action. Community connections and interactive projects are offered as options to enrich learning.
Taught by: Christine Vitsorek, Julie Brewer
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
NYC10 Volume 5 takes a slight detour from our normal format and focuses on 10 New Yorkers who left their mark. Over the centuries many outstanding individuals have contributed to the growth, prosperity and glamour of New York City. Our presenters tell the unique stories of 10 people who designed, built, managed and entertained the world’s greatest city.
View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: Peter Harrigan, Sharon Rosen, Thomas Powderly
Online: October 15, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
Are you feeling challenged with friends and family members on difficult topics and looking for effective ways to communicate with those you care about? This course introduces participants to strategies and techniques used in difficult conversations and situations. The course format is non-lecture, employing experiential exercises from the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) and Nonviolent Communications. The two instructors are highly experienced facilitators in the field.
Taught by: Joseph Anastasio, Rick Grier-Reynolds
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
This class continues the story of Delaware’s rich history, culture and environment. Ten OLLI members from across the state present programs on different aspects of Delaware’s life. We explore a variety of topics involving agriculture, art, history, theater, the Delaware Agricultural Museum, the Mt. Cuba Center, crossing the Delaware and more.
View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: Joan Miller, John Erickson, Thomas Powderly
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
Building on the five previous editions, NYC10, Volume 6 highlights more of the people, places and things that have made New York City the wonder that it is. Each week’s presentation focuses on a unique aspect of New York City life, based on the instructor’s interest, experience and expertise.
View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: Peter Harrigan, Sharon Rosen, Thomas Powderly
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 5, 2025 to December 5, 2025
Friday at 9:00 AM
This class explores the National Parks of Southern California, the end of the Revolutionary War, a park that commemorates a monumental challenge to the 5th Amendment to the Constitution, and other various National Parks throughout the nation. We stray overseas for a unique, culturally based park and get an update on two parks previously reviewed.
Taught by: William Jones
Online: September 3, 2025 to October 1, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
The instructor presents five topics related to the history and culture of New York City. These may include minority populations in New Amsterdam, nuclear New York, the city’s water supply, Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway productions and some lesser-known museums. Details at http://www.udel.edu/0013096.
Taught by: Robert Ehrlich
This class has been canceled since catalog publication.
Online: September 3, 2025 to October 1, 2025
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
This discussion-based course explores the worldwide rise of authoritarian regimes through readings, videos, speakers and class discussions and centers on events evolving in America. Participants are expected to prepare materials outside of class and engage in conversations with classmates and guest speakers. Topics include the dynamics within societies that have allowed for the rise of authoritarianism and prescriptive remedies.
Taught by: Rick Grier-Reynolds
Online: September 4, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Course is intended to give both beginners and experienced genealogy researchers an overview of the many ways to work on our family trees. Presenters may include other OLLI Wilmington genealogy instructors and experienced students, who present for 50-60 minutes, leaving time for questions. Handouts are made available via email.
Taught by: Barbara Hamming, Reg Herzog
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
Course introduces the major elements of Western civilization from the ancient world to the pre-Italian Renaissance, with special emphasis on the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian traditions. It surveys the history of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East and explores the classical roots of modern civilization. We begin with the first civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia, the roots of western religion in ancient Israel; then proceed through Bronze Age, archaic and classical Greece, the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Hellenistic world, the rise of Rome, and the fall of the Roman Empire and the coming of Christianity, and the history of medieval Europe.
View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: Ann Kneavel, Charles Johnson
Online: September 3, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
We view some films that are either gay, transsexual, bisexual, lesbian or documentary. We often include one or more foreign films.
Taught by: Larry Peterson
Online: September 2, 2025 to September 30, 2025
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
We all want to know the future. Unfortunately, the future isn’t talking. We’re reeling in turbulent times, and that can feel overwhelming. Rather than look away, we can choose to study, learn and rationally discuss the problems. This course explores five vital areas: geopolitical, economic, scientific, demographic and climatic. Join us in formally sharing data and in discussing these vital areas. This course is designed to help participants become informed and avoid manipulation by special interests propaganda.
Taught by: Charles Johnson
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
Beginning with a survey of the political, social, economic and artistic foundations of modern western civilization from the Renaissance onward, we review the historical forces and events that shaped the world in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The class also explores prospects for the future.
View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: Ann Kneavel, Charles Johnson
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
Millennia ago we selected the crow as a messenger to the gods, as demonstrated in cave art, the myths and stories of numerous cultures, and subsequent literature/art. What do we sense in crows that makes them fit for such a role? Review the myths, art, literature and recent scientific studies to discover answers.
View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: Bruce Morrissey
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
The French Empire stood at its peak from 1807 to 1812, but Napoleon made the fateful decision for a second attack on Austria, for which he needed Russian support. Not obtaining it, he invaded Russia and suffered an epic disaster. He could have survived, but the allies now knew his military methods, and defeat followed. There were continuities and changes across the years of the revolution and Napoleon. Also, major legacies played out over the next century, especially liberalism, democracy and nationalism. These are the meanings behind this era of history.
View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: John Bullock
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 8, 2025 to December 1, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
Explore the personal side of WWII from the perspective of a soldier and his family. The instructor, Suzanne Souder, shares the story of her father, John Souder, who spent most of his adult life in the Rehoboth Beach area. During WWII he was drafted, fought briefly in Italy and then became a German prisoner-of-war. Through more than 100 letters between John and his family, students learn about their experiences and love. Learn about many aspects of the war that you never knew.
Taught by: Suzanne Souder, Glenn Rill
Ocean View Community Center: September 3, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
This course, which includes ample visuals and maps, covers WWII in the Pacific theater — from the lead up to the war through the Japanese surrender. Students learn about the military campaigns between Japan and the United States and its allies.
Taught by: Donald Egan
Online: September 2, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
It has been said that little or nothing was accomplished during the Middle Ages. Aristotle was the scientific expert for 1500 years. Using him as a basis, we study how his theories were proven wrong. We also consider the Arab contribution to science and astronomy and the start of chemistry (alchemy). In short, this course reveals that a great deal of science and mathematics did, in fact, occur during this time period.
Taught by: Raymond Hain
Online: September 2, 2025 to September 30, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
More than 4.5 billion years in the making, Sussex County, first settled by Native Americans then colonized by Europeans, has been fought over by kings, aristocrats, loyalists, slavers, mariners, farmers and developers. Home to the Nanticoke Indians, it is now a destination for birders, tourists and retirees.
Taught by: Burton Cutting
Dover (Wyoming Church): September 2, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
At the close of the Civil War in 1865, the U.S. government embarked on a policy of “reconstructing” the union of the states while at the same time wrestling with the enormous task of ensuring a “new birth of freedom” for four million formerly enslaved people. The next several years saw a serious effort to create, for the first time in our history, a biracial democracy; but it ended in the abandonment and betrayal of African-Americans. This class looks back at this crucial and defining era.
Taught by: Daniel Pritchett
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): October 14, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Using lecture, PowerPoint and the Ken Burns film “Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery” we look in depth at the epic journey that was the Lewis and Clark expedition. We discuss the reason for the Louisiana Purchase, the hardships the expedition endured, the incredible land that was explored, and what happened to these men afterwards. We also look in depth at Sacajawea, the incredible teenager without whom the Voyage of Discovery would have failed.
Taught by: William Jones
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
Americans revere the founding fathers and admire the constitution, but distrust government. These attitudes are inconsistent, and they have a long history. This course covers insurrectionists like John Brown and Timothy McVeigh; vigilantes like the Ku Klux Klan, Senator McCarthy and clinic bombers; and withdrawers like Thoreau, H.L. Mencken and William Buckley and groups like hippie communes; finally, disobeyers like Martin Luther King.
View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: John Bullock
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 8, 2025 to October 13, 2025
Monday at 9:00 AM
Hollywood movies, television shows and contemporary novels present the Vikings as bloodthirsty savages who raided and killed everywhere they went. But is this picture real? With the help of the Great Courses and Professor Jennifer Paxton of Catholic University, we explore what truth and myth exists about the culture, travels and life views of the Vikings. This is a six-week course and most of the lectures are approximately 80 minutes in length.
Taught by: William Jones
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 2, 2025 to December 2, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Embark on a journey through an amazing modern-day historical phenomenon — the awakening of the Converso, direct descendants of the Jews of the brutal Spanish Inquisition (1480-1850). Also called Crypto-Jews, Anusim, Marranos, or Chuetas, Converso are Jews faced with expulsion, torture and/or death, converted to Roman Catholicism in Spain and or Portugal in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today they are rediscovering their “lost” Jewish heritage.
Taught by: Susan Warner
Dover (Wyoming Church): September 2, 2025 to September 30, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
One encounters the name Lafayette in almost every state of the Union. What did he and his countrymen do to have left such a lasting imprint? At age 19, Lafayette disobeyed his king and secretly left France to fight alongside the revolutionaries, and he demonstrated his courage at the Battle of Brandywine where he was wounded. Was Lafayette searching for personal glory, or was he fighting for the cause of liberty? This course explores the ideas and people that influenced him.
Taught by: Alice Cataldi, Susan Watkins
Dover (Wyoming Church): September 4, 2025 to October 2, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
Delaware made extraordinary sacrifices that led to freedom from British rule. With the expertise of Delaware historians, this class explores the Delaware Continental Regiment, which had a hard-earned lasting reputation for ‘punching far above its weight.” Students learn about these ‘battle buddies’ that led their companies through 32 battles over eight years of war and hear tales about these ordinary people coping with extraordinary circumstances. This is part one of a two-part class. Part two to be held in spring 2026.
Taught by: Elizabeth Jelich, Susan Watkins
Dover (Wyoming Church): October 16, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
In the 1960s, Greenwich Village pulsed with rebellious energy. Folk music thrived in its cafes, hosting Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and others. It was a haven for artists and activists, and it embodied counterculture. Class explores the music, poetry and literature that permeated the area of New York City known as “The Village.”
Taught by: Susan Watkins, Larry Watkins
Dover (Wyoming Church): September 4, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
This class will present a series of biographies of people who made significant contributions to the development of the automobile industry in the early twentieth century.
Taught by: Larry Watkins, Susan Watkins
Ocean View Community Center: October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) was created in 1905 to organize labor across the lines of trades and crafts. Founder Bill Haywood envisioned ‘one big union’ that would represent all workers, regardless of race and gender. Twelve of the IWW’s founding members were women. The union became known for its effective organizing skills and radical ideas. Members, nicknamed “Wobblies,” such as Haywood, Eugene Debs, Lucy Parsons and Elizabeth Gurley Flynn became major targets of anti-union and anti-radical police actions.
Taught by: Thomas Kelly
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 8, 2025 to October 6, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Privateering of Spanish gold drove the Dutch to colonize in the 1600s. Set in the context of religious reformation and the Eighty Years’ War with Spain, the Dutch West India Company was chartered in June 1621 explicitly to privateer. By June 1629, Delaware recorded its first land deed. This class populates this adventure with tales of heroes and knaves and uncovers the quirky history that made Delaware a state.
Taught by: Katherine Henn
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Feudalism existed throughout Europe and endured from the 9th-18th centuries. Could we have gotten to democratic states in Western Europe without feudalism? This class examines the system of feudalism, the legendary knights, courtly love, monastic military knights and historic feudal events. Students learn how capitalism developed within feudalism and how feudalism led to representative forms of government. Topics also include the decline of feudalism as a political system and its abolition after 800 years.
Taught by: Katherine Henn
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 2, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
After the Civil War, migration to the American West increased substantially, and tribes of traditional Indian Nations resisted the encroachment on their hunting grounds. To preserve their culture and their traditions, these tribes fought to retain them and white settlers, miners and farmers were targets of their raids of resistance and survival. This course discusses the difficult years that ultimately forced the tribes to the reservations.
Taught by: Ray Glick
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 15, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
First ladies have made many significant contributions to our country during their husbands’ presidencies. This course considers the lives and contributions of these first ladies who lived in the White House from 1945 through 1974: Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson and Pat Nixon. We explore their early lives, paths to the White House, time as First Lady and lives after the White House.
Taught by: Susan Donahue
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 16, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
From the crime to exoneration, we investigate a half dozen compelling cases of wrongful murder convictions and, perhaps, wrongful acquittal. These include cases referred to as the Norfolk Four, The Cadaver King, Just Mercy, Casey Anthony and others. Class examines how factors such as police misconduct, flawed testimony, ‘fake’ science and the presumption of guilty until proven innocent resulted in wrongful convictions, and it includes lectures, videos, music and lively discussion.
Taught by: Susan McFarlane
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 2, 2025 to December 2, 2025
Tuesday at 2:30 PM
Spies, codes, Special Air Service (SAS), wonder weapons projects, secret negotiations, traitors, resistance and anti-colonialist movements — topics include all this and more. How did these things impact the course of the war and the world it produced?
Taught by: Susan Shoemaker
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 3, 2025 to December 3, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Immigration laws were first made by ports and states and later by the federal government. These laws were usually exclusionary until 1965. The 1986 law addressed undocumented immigrants. This course tells the stories of immigrant peoples: Irish, Germans, Jews, Italians, Chinese, Japanese, African Americans, Puerto Ricans and Mexicans.
Taught by: John Bullock
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 3, 2025 to December 3, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
This course covers France’s contributions to science during the revolutionary era. Topics include: Antoine Lavoisier, founder of modern chemistry and acquaintance of the DuPonts; Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, potato advocate; efforts to address blight and food preservation; and the science of gunpowder and nitroglycerin. The course also explores: weather patterns, atmospheric layers, evolutionary theory, acquired characteristics, the metric system and more.
Taught by: John Bullock
Online: September 4, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
This class covers the prehistory and history of Ireland, including the first settlers, the golden age and iron ages, Christian Ireland that saved Europe, and the British takeover by the Tudors and Stuarts. This is part one of a two-semester course. Details at http://www.udel.edu/0013097.
Taught by: Robert Ehrlich
Online: October 14, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
On Halloween eve 1938, millions of Americans were stunned and spellbound by a nationwide radio broadcast reporting an alien invasion that seemed to threaten humanity with extinction. We explore how Orson Welles’ dramatization of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds was able to terrorize Americans, touch off a nationwide panic and spur suspicions and recriminations in its aftermath,. We also review Welles’ career and circumstances that led many listeners to believe what they heard.
Taught by: Peter Harrigan
Online: September 3, 2025 to October 1, 2025
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
Required text: Subscription to The New Yorker. The class reviews and discusses various articles that appear in The New Yorker magazine. Everyone is encouraged to share summaries and opinions on various articles and offer their viewpoints for the class to consider.
Taught by: Mary McLaughlin Koprowski
Online: September 3, 2025 to October 1, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Learn about contemporary and modern poetry through close reading and discussion of poems presented in the New Yorker Poetry Podcast archive. For each class, students listen at home to a selected episode. In class we continue the discussion begun by the host and guest poet, considering matters of craft and process. The New Yorker Poetry Podcast is free and easily available on the internet.
Taught by: Linda McMeniman
Online: September 5, 2025 to October 3, 2025
Friday at 9:00 AM
It’s fascinating to learn about historical events by reading middle-grade fiction. The authors do extensive research, working hard to write a compelling tale that is both informative and easy to read. We read and discuss five historical novels that won the Newbery Medal as we travel from 14th-century England to 1934 Oklahoma.
Required text: The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman; Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes; Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson; Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse; and Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis.
Taught by: Emily Ginder
Online: October 15, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Required text: Before We Were Yours, Lisa Wingate, ISBN 9780593599006. This historical novel explores the abuses of Georgia Tann, director of the Memphis branch of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. The book centers on Rill Foss and her recollections of life on the river with her family as well as Avery Stafford and her search for answers to her grandmother’s secrets. Class encourages discussions of adoption, elder care and rights to privacy and personal history.
Taught by: Bobbi Neaton
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 8, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
Required text: The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction, 5th edition, R.V. Cassill. Instructor leads a discussion of approximately one dozen short stories that made the greatest impression on undergraduate students taught over the years. Participants find the discussions to be equally stimulating.
Taught by: William Zak
Online: September 3, 2025 to October 1, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
This class centers on books about our environment, and it is offered in two five-week sessions. The first focuses on non-fiction books about planet earth’s survival, while the second explores novels in which life forms, including animals, play the protagonists. The first session features Elizabeth Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction, Pulitzer Prize winner. For more info, check the website at: https://sites.google.com/udel.edu/lifeonearth/home.
Taught by: Rebecca Worley
Online: September 2, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Required text is any copy of Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Henry V. Years ago, a literary critic wrote that Shakespeare is the greatest writer who has ever lived and will be so forever. Let’s judge for ourselves after reading and discussing three of his plays: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Henry V.
Taught by: John Snyder
Online: October 15, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
This class centers on books about our environment, and it is offered in two five-week sessions. The first focuses on non-fiction books about planet earth’s survival, while the second explores novels in which life forms, including animals, play the protagonists. The first session features Elizabeth Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction, Pulitzer Prize winner. For more info, check the website at: https://sites.google.com/udel.edu/lifeonearth/home.
Taught by: Rebecca Worley
Online: September 11, 2025 to December 11, 2025
Thursday at 3:45 PM
The OLLI online book club meets monthly on the second Thursday of each month: Sept 11, Oct 9, Nov 6 and Dec 11. We read current fiction and nonfiction, voted on in the first session of each semester from a longer list composed by a group of volunteers. Discussion is led each month by a volunteer from the group. The book for the first session is The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides.
Taught by: Jane Lee
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Each class features an introduction followed by a video presentation and class discussion. Topics include Mideast realignment, climate technology and competition, science across borders, U.S.-China trade rivalry, NATO’s future, understanding Indonesia, High Seas Treaty, and pandemic preparedness. Purchase of the Great Decisions Briefing Book is recommended.
Taught by: Steven Dombchik, A. Hays Butler, Claude Faulkner
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 15, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
What might happen if other nations no longer look to America as a contributor to global peace and prosperity? This course explores the changing geopolitical landscape as the liberal rules-based international order of the past 80 years disintegrates at an accelerating pace. Students complete the course equipped to assess developments in the Great Power Competition shaping the evolution of a new global order.
Taught by: Christopher Mark
Online: October 14, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 2:30 PM
Dreams are a fascinating way to explore what’s happening in our inner and outer world. Since the time of Freud and Jung, they’ve been seen as an important aspect of modern psychology. In our class, after some basic theory and background, facilitators use a well-tested method for community sharing of dreams. And we look for how dreams help us understand our lives. We ask that everyone keep their video monitors on, and that you enter into sharing with a sense of openness.
Taught by: Gary Soulsman, Winifred Hayek
Online: October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 9:00 AM
We look at the teachings of Jesus as presented in the movie and the streaming show, The Chosen, and the Gospels. We also look at the teachings of Eckhart Tolle and compare.
Taught by: Deborah Brown
Online: September 2, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
Required text: The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage, Richard Rohr, ISBN#978-0-593-73581-7. This course is based on the latest book by Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Father retells stories of various biblical prophets while calling on each of us to “speak truth to our own time and to speak it with love.” This is a discussion, active participation course based on the themes of personal insight, change and spiritual growth. Reflections, journaling and meditations are encouraged.
Taught by: Christine Loveland
Online: October 20, 2025 to November 24, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
Calling adventurous poets! Stretch yourself. Work on honing your craft and help fellow classmates develop theirs. In this six-week class, we write two poems based on two chapters: Narrative and Meditative Poetry.
Sign up for either the Monday or Wednesday online section of this course.
Required text: Composing Poetry: A Guide to Writing Poems and Thinking Lyrically, Gerard LaFemina, ISBN 978-1-4652-9581-1.
Taught by: Betsey Cullen
Online: October 15, 2025 to November 19, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
Calling adventurous poets! Stretch yourself. Work on honing your craft and help fellow classmates develop theirs. In this six-week class, we write two poems based on two chapters: Narrative and Meditative Poetry.
Sign up for either the Monday or Wednesday online section of this course.
Required text: Composing Poetry: A Guide to Writing Poems and Thinking Lyrically, Gerard LaFemina, ISBN 978-1-4652-9581-1.
Taught by: Betsey Cullen
Online: September 4, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
For those who enjoy writing poetry or those who would like to try, this is an opportunity to read your poems to people interested in helping you improve as a poet. Specific assignments stretch you as a poet, while reading and critiquing poems can broaden your outlook and enrich your own work. Class participation and help with facilitation are encouraged.
Taught by: Charles Johnson
Online: September 3, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
As a means of preserving your personal legacy, memoirs have become one of the most popular forms of creative expression. But crafting a good memoir can be a challenge. To guide that journey, this course helps you master and practice the art of writing a good, readable memoir.
Taught by: Rae Tyson
Online: September 8, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Beginning and experienced writers practice principles and enjoy the pleasures of memoir writing. We write at home. Then in class, we read aloud our times of laughter, sorrow, fear and joy. We express our history, leave treasures for our descendants and inspire each other to chronicle memorable moments. Come! Write your memoirs! Notice: We request confidentiality. What you see, what you hear, when you leave, leave it here.
Taught by: Rose Greer
Online: September 2, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
It is very clear that smartphones are now so widely used that they are assumed to be available for many vital applications such as medical monitoring, financial planning, home automation, wearables, etc. The goal of this class is to present information, with class discussion, to enhance our ability to make us more effective and efficient.
Taught by: Jerry Lucas
Online: October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
Take a deeper dive into four iPhone apps: Messages (unsend a text and group conversations), Maps (multistep route and parked car), Safari (favorites and bookmarks) and Find My (find people and lost phones). Class also reviews organizing and customizing the Home Screen and more. This class is for iPhones only, and phones should have the current operating system. Please join class on another device other than your iPhone (PC, Mac, laptop or iPad). Students need their iPhone for experimentation as this is a hands-on class.
Taught by: Barbee Kiker
Online: September 2, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 10:45 AM
Prerequisite: Ability to speak and read French at the intermediate to advanced level. Join our intermediate- to advanced-level class to refresh, refine and update your speaking skills in a relaxed environment. Authentic readings and videos in French are selected to spark lively discussions on a variety of topics, from history, the fine arts, science, social trends, current events and modern dilemmas. Class sessions are designed with participants’ interests and needs in mind. Songs, cartoons, games and quizzes round out the experience. Materials are provided weekly in advance.
Taught by: Mary Shenvi
Online: September 3, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Prerequisite: Ability to speak and read German at the intermediate to advanced level. This intermediate/advanced course is conducted entirely in German and is designed to encourage a lively exchange based on a broad range of topics. A rich variety of sources assures that students have accurate models of German as it is actually spoken for different purposes. Authentic readings, recordings, songs and games provide an immersive experience.
Taught by: Mary Shenvi
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): October 14, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 12:45 PM
Led by a language enthusiast who has studied English, German, French, Korean, Spanish and Russian, this course introduces the history of language study, various branches of linguistics, the origin of human language and what makes it unique, human language acquisition, the origin of writing, and a bit about the history of the English language.
Taught by: Trudie Thompson
Online: September 3, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Prerequisite: Four semesters of OLLI Spanish or the equivalent. This class consists of breakout room conversation, reading and discussing the stories in the textbook and singing in Spanish.
Taught by: Jeanne Hanson
Online: September 4, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
Prerequisite: Speak and read Spanish at the intermediate to advanced level. An advanced-level course designed to provide participants the opportunity to enrich their Spanish vocabulary and increase their fluency in a relaxed, friendly environment. Authentic readings on a variety of topics serve as a springboard for discussion. Materials selected with participants’ expressed interests and needs in mind are sent out a week prior to each class. Music, pictures, games and video clips round out the sessions.
Taught by: Mary Shenvi
Online: October 16, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 12:45 PM
This course aims at broadening a student’s vocabulary and understanding of the day-to-day German spoken today. The etymology of certain words is discussed, and the rules of grammar are explained on request. This semester, we read selected chapters of the instructor’s memoirs, covering his immigration to the United States of America in 1992.
Taught by: Udo Gorsch-Nies
Online: September 3, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Prerequisite: Two semesters of French. Experience the joy of language learning in this lively foundational course. Weekly assignments provide students the opportunity to practice basic vocabulary and grammar in advance, so that we can optimize class time to practice speaking and listening skills. The goal is to provide participants the confidence to interact with native speakers using authentic language. Lessons include games, videos, dialogues, music and time for conversation in small groups, with an emphasis on having fun in French.
Taught by: Mary Shenvi
Online: September 4, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
Prerequisite: Some prior exposure to the German language. German language historical docudramas with German subtitles (played at 85% speed) are tied together with short, easy-to-follow lectures in German. Course is aimed at the intermediate-level student, but students from beginner to native speaker are welcome. This semester covers the late 17th through mid-19th centuries. Topics include the golden days of Dresden, the emergence of Prussia, Frederick the Great, Maria Theresa, Germany under Napoleon, the industrial revolution and Karl Marx.
Taught by: Mary Shenvi
Online: September 8, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
In this course participants will continue to read short stories of different German writers, mostly of the post WWII period. The intention is to increase vocabulary and fluency for students with an intermediate understanding of the German language. There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion after each class. Texts will be provided by the instructor. Prerequisite: Intermediate knowledge of the German language.
Taught by: Angela Drooz
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 8, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 9:00 AM
This course continues the textbook Le Nouveau Taxi 2!. Every thematic unit focuses on clearly identified communicative goals and socio-cultural awareness. Brief practical grammar lessons provide built-in opportunities for student interaction and pronunciation practice. The exercise book aids in developing accurate writing skills for effective communication. This semester starts at unit two or three of the book.
Prerequisite: At least a full academic year of French. Required texts: Le Nouveau Taxi 2!, Robert Menand (textbook); Cahier d’exercices Le Nouveau Taxi 2!, Laure Hutchings and Nathalie Hirschsprung, ISBN 978-2-01-155552-6 (exercise book).
Taught by: Charlotte Mulleman
Online: September 8, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 9:00 AM
Required text: Learn German With Stories – Sturm auf Sylt – 10 Short Stories For Beginners, Andre Klein. Native German instructor use André Klein’s Learn German with Stories series to expose students to cultural and historical facts about cities where German is spoken today. The emphasis is on learning German the fun way.
Taught by: Christiane Shields, Lorena Meunier
Dover (Wyoming Church): September 2, 2025 to September 30, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
The goal of this course is to provide information and practice in order to improve communication in French. Participants will learn the basics of French phonetics. They will practice the sounds of French in meaningful contexts. They will compare and contrast the sound system of English and French, as well as the rhythm and intonation of both languages.
Taught by: Alice Cataldi, Susan Watkins
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
The biological processes that determine how our bodies age has become a major area of research. We review the current science, as summarized in Dr. Michael Greger’s recent book, How Not to Age, and ideas that we can use to slow the processes of aging and remain healthier for longer.
View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: Linda Kellogg, Reid Kellogg
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 3, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Prerequisite: (Re)Learn Intro or other Feldenkrais class. This is a continuation of the introductory Feldenkrais class, designed for those who would like to learn more about themselves and to continue enhancing movement. Students should have completed any introductory Feldenkrais class, PT/PTA training or yoga instructor training, to participate in this class.
Taught by: Claire Brown
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 8, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Walk with leading experts through studies showing the value of a plant-based lifestyle for vitality and longevity. Lectures also include pertinent studies of chronic disease management. Discussion reveals food facts and fiction with tips for putting your knowledge into practice for tasty meal planning.
Taught by: Reid Kellogg, Linda Kellogg
Online: October 14, 2025 to November 11, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
Live healthy longer. Spend less on housing and healthcare. The secret is identifying and acting on opportunities early. Students learn the biology of aging, lifestyle keys proven to slow aging and preserve brain health, and tips for building a successful housing strategy. The course foundations include: mind, environment, diet, activity and community. Instructor provides content and leads discussions to help students design the future they look forward to living.
Taught by: Scott Fulton
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
A heart attack at age 70 turned the instructor’s life upside down and led her to study and teach about her experience. With a Cornell Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition, this retired clergywoman has created this online course and the book Go Veg with Class and blogs about her journey. This on-demand course gives students the tools and knowledge to embrace plant-based eating for personal and planetary health. Recipes are included as well as a comprehensive interview with longtime local practitioners of plant-based eating, Barbee and John Kiker.
View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: Dorothy Greet
Online: September 5, 2025 to November 7, 2025
Friday at 10:30 AM
This course follows the 1979 program by Jon Kabat-Zinn, which consists of an orientation, then eight weekly classes of 2.25 hrs each. There is also a six-hour online retreat on Friday, Oct 24 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Each weekly class consists of presentation of ideas, group discussion and mindfulness meditation practice. This course requires a commitment to both regular class attendance and home meditation practice. No prior meditation experience is necessary and no text is required.
Taught by: Genie Floyd
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 3, 2025 to October 1, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
This course looks at the evolution of ancient to modern medicine by examining the fascinating lives and times of key medical thinkers, philosophers and scientists. We review how they arrived at their insights and how those revelations and discoveries changed the world. This is intended to be a fun, engaging and interactive course.
Taught by: Sheldon Scheinert
Online: September 3, 2025 to October 1, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
Ancient philosophical traditions can be influential in the way one lives. This class stresses the importance of living a reflective, intentional life guided by one’s philosophical view of a good life. Instructor provides students with a few practical tools to infuse mindfulness as a way of life, known as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Behavioral Therapy.
Recommended texts: Philosophy as a Way of Life, Pierre Hadot; The Perennial Philosophy, Aldous Huxley; Full Catastrophe Living, Jon Kabat-Zinn, ISBN 978-0-345-53693-8; Minding Closely, B. Alan Wallace, ISBN 13-978-1-55939-369-0.
Taught by: Balu Athreya
Online: September 3, 2025 to November 12, 2025
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
This course is an introduction to mindfulness and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) meditation practices as covered in Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book Full Catastrophe Living. Practices include sitting meditations, the body-scan meditation, walking meditations and mindful movements. Class time is divided equally between presentation of ideas, mindfulness meditation practice and group discussion. Prior meditation experience is not necessary. No text is required.
Taught by: Genie Floyd
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 8, 2025 to December 1, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
This course follows the life and career of Richard Feynman using his lectures, videos and documentaries. His genius enabled him to introduce us to fields of science and technology years before they became mainstream. Feynman’s diagrams simplified physics problems. He predicted the importance of nanotechnology, while scientists were still figuring out the macro world. His work on quantum electrodynamics earned him the Noble Prize. And, yes, he played the bongos!
Taught by: Saul Reine
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 5, 2025 to December 5, 2025
Friday at 9:00 AM
Each class will have a different lecturer addressing topics across a broad spectrum as diverse as renewables energy and solar power to old growth forests and teaching nature to preschool children. Our lecturers hail from UD, Technical University of Darmstadt and the Native Tree Society. All new lectures.
Taught by: Pam Meitner
On-Demand (online viewing is on your own schedule)
The Big Bang model and cosmological observations indicate that the universe contains about 5% ordinary matter (atoms, stars and galaxies), 25% dark matter and 70% dark energy. The existence of dark matter explains observed gravitational effects. The accelerating expansion of the universe could be due to dark energy. Scientists have not been able to directly detect dark matter or dark energy experimentally. This course explores why we think the dark side exists and what it could be.
View this class on your own schedule. Viewing link is emailed to participants prior to the semester start.
Taught by: Charles Carter
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 8, 2025 to December 1, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
Explore the nature and flow of time from both a scientific and philosophical prospective. The course explores latest research about time, its role in relativity and quantum mechanics, and its connection to cosmology. Topics include Richard Muller’s expanding time, the thermodynamic and psychological arrows of time, and possibilities of time travel. From ancient timekeeping to atomic clocks, learn how our understanding of time has evolved and what physics says about its fundamental nature.
Taught by: Charles Carter
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 5, 2025 to December 5, 2025
Friday at 10:45 AM
Required text: Raptor Red, Robert T. Bakker, ISBN 978-0-553–57561-3. In grade school we were taught that dinosaurs were dull-colored, unintelligent lizards. Some even thought that the largest of the dinosaurs had to have a separate brain in their tails. Discoveries have shown that dinosaurs had intelligence and emotions similar to animals today. With the help of the Great Courses, Paleontologist Kristi Curry Rodgers, and an intriguing novel, we investigate what has been discovered and hypothesized about dinosaurs in the past 60 years.
Taught by: William Jones
Online: September 3, 2025 to October 1, 2025
Wednesday at 12:45 PM
This course is about achieving breakthroughs in trading and investing, 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.
Taught by: Anil Parikh
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 4, 2025 to December 4, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
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.
Taught by: Peg Stanford, Nancy Hannigan, Jeff Ostroff
Online: September 4, 2025 to October 2, 2025
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Estate planning organizes your affairs to accomplish long range goals for yourself and your family. We 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.
Taught by: Michele Procino-Wells
Online: September 3, 2025 to December 3, 2025
Wednesday at 9:00 AM
This is a continuing class to assist retired or near-retirement investors to 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, dividends, etc. 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 posted on a class website at http://udel.edu/~diyinvst.
Taught by: Rajeev Vaidya, Ron Materniak
Online: September 3, 2025 to December 3, 2025
Wednesday at 10:45 AM
Prerequisite: Prior investing experience or coursework. Members interested in investment 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.
Taught by: Bruce Crawford, Genie Floyd
Online: September 4, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 10:45 AM
This course is designed to guide students as they prepare their homes for sale, focusing on optimizing financial returns in support of their retirement plans. Students receive valuable insight regarding managing personal possessions and guidance on transitioning into retirement living. Topics include prudent decision-making regarding property enhancement and effective ways to address home inspections, appraisals and more. Students receive a free copy of the instructor’s published course book.
Taught by: David Harrell
Wilmington (Arsht Hall): September 3, 2025 to December 3, 2025
Wednesday at 2:30 PM
Topics include stock and bond analysis, exchange traded funds, behavioral finance, international investments and economic indicators and their relationship to the financial markets. Course also covers discussion of current trends in the world financial markets.
Taught by: Theodore Zak
Online: September 4, 2025 to October 2, 2025
Thursday at 2:30 PM
How do you make retirement as amazing as you want it to be? This course will guide you through a simple, systematic process of thinking strategically about who you are, and how you spend both your time and money. The Life/Money System provides the framework to empower your choices in retirement so that you truly maximize your enjoyment while experiencing amazing fulfillment.
Taught by: Leonard Hayduchok
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 8, 2025 to October 6, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Our world continues to evolve; your financial plan and investments should as well. A financial plan should be a living/breathing document, updated regularly for taxes, inflation and more. The markets are bigger than ever, with more choices. Does buy and hold still work? What about AI and bitcoin—are they good options for a retiree? This class is for all interested in the markets and investment planning, but we discuss advanced concepts as well.
Taught by: Michael Loftus
Ocean View Community Center: October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 10:45 AM
Our world continues to evolve; your financial plan and investments should as well. A financial plan should be a living/breathing document, updated regularly for taxes, inflation and more. The markets are bigger than ever, with more choices. Does buy and hold still work? What about AI and bitcoin—are they good options for a retiree? This class is for all interested in the markets and investment planning, but we discuss advanced concepts as well.
Taught by: Michael Loftus
Online: October 20, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 12:45 PM
Who’s reading or watching ‘the news’ anymore? Where do people get their news? Why are people so uninformed? Who ‘owns’ the news media? Is ‘news’ still a public service? Is anyone proofreading or fact-checking for truth? Are there generation or gender gaps in news consumption? Does ‘the news’ make money? What role is played by artificial intelligence? What’s happening to local news? We’ll explore these and other questions about the contemporary news environment.
Taught by: Ralph Begleiter
Online: September 5, 2025 to November 14, 2025
Friday at 9:00 AM
With testing the limits of the Constitution and Executive power in the news, we review constitutional doctrines and the legal and political culture that surrounds the U.S. Supreme Court. We spend time reviewing noteworthy and influential decisions emanating from the current term. In addition, we revisit the civil jury system and the law of torts, considered one of the most popular first-year law school subjects.
Taught by: Eric Grayson
Online: September 2, 2025 to September 30, 2025
Tuesday at 9:00 AM
This class focuses on the causes of war and conflict and the sensibility of peace. Why is peace so difficult to achieve and is peace possible? Explore roots of conflict, power, economic drivers, predation, laws and religion as well as how to promote peace in our time. The instructor leads with a lecture, which is followed by 45 minutes of class discussion.
Taught by: Boyd Sorenson
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 2, 2025 to September 30, 2025
Tuesday at 2:30 PM
When approaching Medicare eligibility or already enrolled in Medicare, enrollees are encouraged to exam their current coverage due to policy and market changes. Doing so ensures coverage designed to meet both needs and budget. This course helps you explore options available during the upcoming annual enrollment period, whether you have retiree health benefits, Veterans Affairs coverage, traditional Medicare, Medicare supplement with separate prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Taught by: John Lopez
Lewes (Trinity Faith Education Building): September 12, 2025 to September 12, 2025
Friday at 10:00 AM
In this session, attendees will learn how to take control of their legacy by organizing and safeguarding essential documents, personal memories, and end-of-life wishes. We’ll cover the risks of disorganization, what key materials families need in times of crisis, and how to avoid common pitfalls that lead to delays, disputes, and unnecessary costs. By the end of the class, participants will leave with a clear, practical roadmap to ensure they and their loved ones are prepared, protected, and at peace when it matters most.
Taught by:
Online: September 8, 2025 to November 17, 2025
Monday at 2:30 PM
Informal gathering of knitting and crocheting enthusiasts sharing their creativity and helping each other, with instruction on various knitting techniques. New knitters welcome, and should bring worsted weight yarn and size 8 needles.
Taught by: Sheila King, Margaret Love
Online: September 4, 2025 to November 13, 2025
Thursday at 3:30 PM
Meet with fellow genealogy enthusiasts and family history buffs in an informal, collaborative setting to share our genealogy successes and to give and get help in solving some of the “brick wall” mysteries in our family trees. Each week, there is a general theme and an informal presentation to get us started, followed by group discussion. The only prerequisite for this course is an enthusiasm for genealogy. All levels of experience are welcome.
Taught by: Barbara Hamming
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Delaware
OLLI is an academic cooperative for adults 50 and over to enjoy classes, teach, exchange ideas and socialize together, with no exams or educational requirements for participation. OLLI welcomes you.
Kent/Sussex | Wilmington