OLLI at Ringling College Announces its Fall Semester: Sept. 26-Nov. 17

Registration is open for the 2023 fall semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College, which offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives. The semester, which runs Sept. 26-Nov. 17, 2023, features more than 50 courses, workshops, lectures, and special presentations covering a wide variety of topics, including arts and entertainment, history, music appreciation, health, literature, philosophy, religion, and science. Semester highlights include ChatGPT and the Rise of AI (Artificial Intelligence); Opera is for Everyone; Managing Stress in Troubled Times: Increasing Resilience; and a special presentation, Electric Bass-ics. Classes are offered at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; and online via Zoom. To register, or for more information about becoming an OLLI member, visit www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111.

Course highlights of the fall 2023 semester include:

Civic Literacy: The Key to Democracy – The state of American civic literacy has contributed to the erosion of American democracy. This workshop will define civic literacy, trace its decline, and evaluate how that decline has negatively impacted democracy and our political economy. Policy prescriptions on how civic literacy can be improved in schools, journalism, the economy, and in lifelong education will be explored.

ChatGPT and the Rise of AI (Artificial Intelligence) – We are on the verge of the biggest technology breakthrough since the onset of the internet in the 1990s. There are great benefits for those who embrace the technology and dangers from its abuse and misuse. Class discussions will explore the implications of new technology for each of us.

Opera is for Everyone – Opera has been captivating audiences for more than 400 years. Stage director Martha Collins believes this is because opera tells compelling stories through beautiful, timeless music by thrilling, emotional singing. Known for her lively and engaging talks, Collins leads this exploration of the extraordinary and compelling world of opera and the reasons for its enduring popularity.

Managing Stress in Troubled Times: Increasing Resilience – The last few years have presented challenges to our health and well-being in unpredictable ways, creating unease, and amplifying stress in our lives. This workshop will define stress and stress responses, explain the relationship between stress and chronic conditions, help participants identify the effects of stress in their lives, provide techniques for coping with stress, and teach ways for calming body responses to stress through relaxation.

Understanding Aging and Dementia: Challenges and Opportunities – Aging is largely responsible for most fatal and disabling diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. This course examines the biological changes responsible for aging, specifically those that underlie cognitive deterioration. Exploring these processes helps us better understand and intervene with effective treatments and lifestyle modifications.

China: History and Politics – This course will examine traditional Chinese history, culture, society, and politics to better appreciate how Beijing looks at the contemporary world.

Florida Gardening Series for Plant Lovers – This course will cover correct gardening techniques in Florida, including how to garden on a patio, lanai, condo, courtyard, inside, and everything in between. Learn how to choose the best plants for your spaces, create a pollinator/butterfly garden, build a container garden, how working with plants provides mental and physical benefits, and more.

CONNECTIONS, the popular documentary film series, returns for the fall term. Audrey, Oct. 10, 2:30-4:30 pm, is an intimate portrait of legendary Hollywood actress, fashion icon, and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, who became a superstar overnight when cast in William Wyler’s Roman Holiday. Sam Now, Nov. 7, 2:30-4:30 pm, examines what two film-obsessed brothers do to solve a family mystery. Stitching together 25 years of home videos, Sam Now is a mosaic of love, longing, and loss, as well as an attempt to heal intergenerational trauma. Both films will be shown at the Ringling College Museum Campus; general admission is $15 each.

OLLI at Ringling College offers three lectures during the fall semester: Italian Iconic Design & La Linea Italiana, on Sept. 29, 10:30 am-12 pm; The Real Reason for the Loss of the USS Scorpion, on Oct. 19, 2:30-4 pm; and Exploring Florida’s Historic African American Homes, on Nov. 6, 2:30-4 pm. General admission is $15 each.

Electric Bass-ics, on Oct. 18, 3-4 pm, is a special presentation exploring how the electric bass has done more to change the sound of music than any other instrument in the last 70 years. How did the acoustic bass’s electric offspring become a major musical influencer? What is the unique electric bass sound? How did it evolve from the acoustic bass and the electric guitar? Professional bassist Paul Gormley will cover all the bass-ics and demonstrate the versatility of the electric bass.

Additionally, OLLI presents three free special presentations during the fall semester: a Travel Information Session, on Sept. 19, 11 am-12 pm; Understanding Medicare: What You Need to Know, on Sept. 28, 2:30-4 pm; and Empowering Dementia Caregivers: Tips for Effective Communication, Coping, and Self-care, on Nov. 9, 2:30-4 pm. Pre-registration is required.

To register, or for more information about becoming an OLLI member, visit www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111.