Lifelong Learning at FAU: Enriching Minds and Fostering Community

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) stands as a testament to the enduring human desire for knowledge and social connection, particularly for seasoned adult learners. Dedicated to enriching intellectual and social lives, OLLI at FAU offers a vibrant tapestry of educational opportunities designed to broaden understanding across a spectrum of cultural, societal, scientific, and global issues. These stimulating programs are brought to life by outstanding university faculty and distinguished guest lecturers, ensuring a high caliber of instruction and engagement.

A Legacy of Growth and Expansion

The roots of OLLI at FAU trace back to 1980 on the Boca Raton campus. Its expansion into northern Palm Beach County in 1997 marked a significant step in its growth trajectory. From an initial membership of 120 individuals, the program has blossomed into a thriving community of over 8,000 members, registering for more than 30,000 classes. This remarkable expansion underscores the program's success in meeting the diverse learning needs and interests of its growing constituency.

The institute's commitment to providing a conducive learning environment was further solidified with the completion of the Elinor Bernon Rosenthal Lifelong Learning Complex in August 2005. This dedicated facility underscores the importance OLLI at FAU places on creating a welcoming and functional space for its members.

Embracing the Future: A Streamlined Membership Experience

In a continuous effort to enhance the member experience, OLLI at FAU has embraced technological advancements. The introduction of a brand-new registration system signifies a commitment to efficiency and accessibility. This upgrade is designed to streamline the membership process, making it easier for individuals to engage with the institute's offerings. A comprehensive Membership Guide tutorial is available to assist members in renewing their 2024/2025 OLLI FAU membership, and the dedicated OLLI FAU team stands ready to provide support. This initiative heralds a future characterized by greater efficiency and productivity for all involved.

A Glimpse into the Diverse Course Offerings

OLLI at FAU boasts an extensive catalog of over 70 courses and numerous one-time lectures, running from October through July. The curriculum is as diverse as the interests of its members, spanning a wide array of subjects that cater to intellectual curiosity and a desire for exploration.

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Cinematic Journeys and Historical Narratives

The world of cinema and its historical underpinnings are a recurring theme in OLLI's programming. For instance, a series delves into classic noir films, beginning with "Purple Noon" (France, 1960), a gripping adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novels that spawned an international franchise. Another cinematic exploration features "Monsieur Hire" (France, 1989), a thought-provoking film about a reclusive man suspected in a murder. The Italian thriller "The Invisible Witness" (Italy, 2018) offers a modern take on suspense, centering on a successful entrepreneur embroiled in a mysterious death.

Beyond fictional narratives, OLLI at FAU also engages with the potent influence of film in shaping historical understanding. A series led by Dr. Edward Shapiro examines World War II's history through six German propaganda films. This course provides crucial historical context, highlighting how figures like Joseph Goebbels and Adolf Hitler recognized the power of cinema to advance their nefarious goals. The crucial role films played in the history of Nazi Germany is a significant emphasis of this series.

The institute also celebrates the artistry of filmmaking by honoring cinematic greats. A course highlights actors and movie stars who transcended their craft, with Paul Muni, Katharine Hepburn, William Powell, and James Cagney being singled out for their exceptional talent. The course features specific films like "The Last Angry Man" (1959), Muni's final motion picture for which he received a Best Actor nomination, and "Sinner’s Holliday" (1930), marking James Cagney's debut. "Ragtime" (1986), adapted from E.L. Doctorow's novel, offers another cinematic experience.

Artistic Expressions and Cultural Histories

OLLI at FAU provides a platform to explore the rich landscape of artistic expression and cultural histories. The contributions of women artists, who historically faced significant gender-based barriers to recognition, are now celebrated. The program acknowledges their current prominence, commanding high prices for their work and securing major commissions across painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, fashion, and crafts. Their innovative excellence is showcased through major museum exhibitions.

A fascinating exploration into the "cosmopolitan musical textures that defined the best works of an unforgettable period" focuses on gifted young songwriters who congregated in midtown Manhattan, creating enduring entries in the Great American Songbook. This course delves into the creative milieu that produced timeless music.

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The story of Florida's Highwaymen, a group of 26 African-American artists, is brought to life by Dr. Brian McConnell. These self-taught artists demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness and creativity, developing a unique style of painting that provided them with economic independence during the Jim Crow era. Inspired by A.E. "Bean" Backus and Alfred Hair, they depicted Florida's landscapes vibrantly, using a "fast painting" technique. Their art, often crafted from memory and experience, transformed serene wilderness scenes into abstracted yet vividly recognizable images of an emerging Florida, America's last frontier.

Historical Encounters and Societal Structures

The historical encounter between Islam and Christendom, and the emergence of Muslim communities in Europe, are subjects of in-depth analysis. This course utilizes an analytical and comparative methodological approach to trace these historical developments. It critically examines the implications of the growing Muslim population in Europe for both Muslims and Europeans, addressing socio-cultural, religious, and political issues such as the separation of Church and State, multiculturalism, assimilation, and the evolution of political and civil rights. Furthermore, the course scrutinizes the emergence, ideologies, and activities of Islamist and Salafist groups, and their impact on European Muslim communities, including the rise of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.

The intricate tapestry of American intelligence history is unfurled in an eight-week course that challenges popular perceptions. Contrary to common belief, the United States established a civilian intelligence service well before World War II, with roots tracing back to Washington's spies during the Revolution. The course explores the evolution of U.S. intelligence, from early agents with unique artistic and scientific talents to FDR’s private spy network, the OSS, and the eventual creation of the CIA. It uncovers lesser-known stories of espionage, diplomacy, and innovation that were crucial to the nation's survival and security, concluding with an examination of the contemporary intelligence community and its future challenges.

The dramatic and influential reign of the Tudors is explored in an engaging course that delves into England’s most famous dynasty. Each session focuses on a different monarch, from Henry VII's ascent to power to Elizabeth I's legendary rule, uncovering their personalities, key achievements, and the historical events that shaped their time. The course aims to distinguish historical fact from popular myth, examining the drama, politics, and enduring legacy of these iconic figures. The final session critically analyzes how Tudor monarchs have been depicted in film, offering insights into their lasting cultural impact.

The complex legacy of the Romanov dynasty, which ruled Russia for three centuries, is examined through the lens of its impact on Russia and its Jewish population. This course explores how political power, religious identity, and pivotal historical events shaped an era characterized by survival, persecution, reform, revolution, and resilience. Engaging stories and insightful analysis reveal the multifaceted legacy of the Romanovs, offering a rich understanding of a pivotal period in world history for those interested in Russian history, Jewish heritage, or political change.

The Art of Observation and Expression

Street photography, a fine-art medium rooted in the candid capture of fleeting moments in public spaces, is explored as both an art and a craft. This course reveals emotional, psychological, philosophical, and cultural truths about the human condition through the lens of great street photographers. Utilizing a 100% projector-driven format, the curriculum examines how tone, form, point of view, lens choice, metaphor, and composition contribute to the creation of powerful images. It also investigates how a personal philosophy of life informs this art form and imbues it with depth. Students are invited to share their own work for discussion, making it suitable for all skill levels. Leo Howard Lubow, an award-winning photographer, writer, and educator, guides participants through this exploration.

A hands-on course invites participants to discover their artistic potential, welcoming both beginners and advanced students. Led by James Warwick, an illustrator with extensive professional and teaching experience, the class provides personalized instruction in creating vibrant, professional-quality artwork. The expressive world of pastels is explored through techniques in still life, figurative, and landscape art, with expert guidance on materials. For acrylic painters, the focus is on mastering essential skills like color mixing, accurate rendering, and abstract expression. Participants are encouraged to bring their creativity and reference images to develop their individual styles in a supportive environment. New students can present previous work for tailored feedback, making this an inspiring journey into the joys of painting with pastels and acrylics. James Warwick is also an adjunct professor at Florida International University and the founder of Drawing for Longevity, a program designed to enhance memory, cognition, and hand-eye coordination.

Exploring the Human Condition Through Film and Story

OLLI at FAU offers unique courses that delve into how films tell stories, moving beyond mere plot to examine narrative structures, visual language, character development, and cultural nuances that shape the cinematic experience.

A series of films from various countries explores diverse narratives. "My Motherland" (France, 2023) tells the story of a widow who, against her family's objections, welcomes a young Afghan refugee, leading to a profound connection between two worlds. "The Source" (France, 2011) presents a comedic drama about a village where women threaten a "love strike" to encourage men to fetch water, sparking both humor and revolution. "The Owners" (Czech Republic, 2023) uses the setting of a chaotic apartment co-op meeting as a timely metaphor for failing democracy, exploring the collision of personal agendas and civic responsibility. "Another Round" (Denmark, 2023) is a touching and thought-provoking drama about four teachers who experiment with daily alcohol consumption to see its effects on their lives, exploring themes of friendship, freedom, and the consequences of indulgence.

Another cinematic exploration includes "Memories of My Father" (Colombia, 2020), a powerful reflection by Héctor Abad Faciolince on life with his human rights advocate father during a turbulent era in Colombia. These film courses offer a rich opportunity to understand storytelling techniques and cultural contexts.

Musical Masterpieces and Their Legacy

The enduring influence of Irving Berlin on jazz is a subject of lively exploration. While known for patriotic and romantic classics, Berlin also crafted rich chord progressions that captivated jazz legends. This course highlights his most beloved tunes by jazz musicians and showcases unforgettable performances by artists like Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, and Chick Corea. It demonstrates how Berlin's music served as a perfect foundation for jazz improvisation, from traditional interpretations to adventurous contrafacts, and continues to inspire today, celebrating a surprising intersection of American song and jazz mastery.

The profound legacy of Giuseppe Verdi is explored in a two-part course. Part two offers a lighter, behind-the-scenes look at Parma, the city where Verdi's spirit thrives, complementing Part 1's focus on his crucial role in shaping modern Italy and the timeless themes in his operas. August Ventura, a passionate advocate for traditional opera, uses multimedia presentations, lectures, and documentary film to explore opera’s role in social and political change.

The enchanting program "Fantasia of the Isles: A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration" by the Astralis Chamber Ensemble features Celtic-inspired works for flute and harp. This acclaimed ensemble presents a rich program showcasing award-winning musicians.

Understanding Human Behavior and Communication

An engaging course delves into the lives and behaviors of our closest animal relatives: chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and various monkey species. With a striking genetic similarity to chimpanzees, these primates offer profound insights into human behavior, emotion, and social structures. The course explores their habits, communication methods, habitats, and intricate social interactions, utilizing captivating visuals, compelling stories, and the latest scientific research. The journey spans diverse continents, encountering primates in Africa, Asia, South and Central America, and even Europe. Bonnie Koppelman, a wildlife conservation advocate, brings these intelligent creatures to life.

Powerful communication tools drawn from FBI crisis negotiation tactics are introduced to help navigate high-stakes conversations in various settings. This presentation emphasizes the Behavioral Change Stairway Model, focusing on active listening, rapport-building, and influence to de-escalate conflict. Participants learn key techniques such as tactical empathy, emotional labeling, mirroring, and strategic pausing to manage emotions, build trust, and foster open dialogue. Real-world examples from hostage negotiations illustrate how these methods, developed for life-or-death scenarios, can be adapted for business, personal relationships, and conflict resolution. William S. “Scott” Owens, a retired FBI Special Agent with extensive experience in crisis negotiation and counterterrorism, leads this insightful session.

Critical Legal and Constitutional Examination

In response to significant Supreme Court decisions and Presidential Executive Orders in 2025, an important course examines the evolving legal and Constitutional landscape. Long-standing principles, such as "no person is above the law" and the concept of three coequal branches of government, are subjected to further scrutiny. The course addresses frequent Supreme Court "split" decisions, reflecting fundamental challenges between liberal and conservative viewpoints and uncertainty regarding the adherence to established precedents. Drawing on a distinguished legal career, the instructor provides expert analysis of these critical legal developments.

Historical Resilience and Resistance

The remarkable story of the French Resistance, an extraordinary network that defied Nazi occupation and the Vichy regime during World War II, is explored. This movement played a vital role in aiding the Allies and protecting vulnerable citizens through espionage, sabotage, rescue missions, and intelligence gathering. Lyon, once the Nazi headquarters, became a hub of Resistance activity. The course examines the diverse composition of this underground movement, which included students, clergy, aristocrats, communists, and a notably large number of Jews. It highlights how the Resistance supported the D-Day invasion, influenced France's future, and embodied courage in the face of tyranny.

The clandestine world of Los Alamos, New Mexico, during World War II, where the world's first atomic bomb was developed, is brought to life. Drawing from extensive research for her historical novel "Hill of Secrets," author Galina Vromen illuminates the hidden lives of scientists, families, and military personnel who lived behind barbed wire while making history. The lecture also explores the complex and agonizing considerations that led to the decision to use the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Enduring Impact of Jewish Comedians

Over the past fifty years, a select group of Jewish comedians has profoundly shaped and reflected society. This course initiates a conversation focusing on four legends: Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Joan Rivers, and Jerry Seinfeld, highlighting their remarkable bodies of work, lasting impact, and influence on subsequent generations of comic artists. Their humor offers unique insights into the Jewish experience while resonating broadly within contemporary culture. The session encourages participants to consider their own favorite comedians and the broader landscape of comedic influence.

Maintaining Health and Independence Through Exercise

Muscle strength and balance are critical for maintaining health and independence in later life. Without regular strength training, older adults risk losing muscle tone, which can negatively impact balance and mobility. Vivo offers a solution through live, online, interactive classes specifically designed for older adults. These small-group sessions are led by certified personal trainers who tailor exercises to individual fitness levels, focusing on strength, balance, and cognitive health. The program begins with a one-on-one assessment to establish a baseline and includes follow-up sessions to track progress. Whether new to exercise or already active, Vivo aims to help participants feel stronger, steadier, and more confident in their daily lives. Vivo classes meet twice a week, and participants can select schedule options during registration. Registration for this course closes on January 15, 2026. A live introductory webinar is scheduled for November 19th at 11:30 AM for those interested in learning more about this unique opportunity.

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