Osher Online Courses
New in 2025! Osher Online courses are open to all members of any Osher Lifelong Learning Institute! Your active membership grants you access to these offerings. Scroll down for more info!
About Osher Online Courses
Osher Online offers fully online courses for the enjoyment of Osher members across the country! These courses were created by the Osher National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University and are delivered by that program. Their staff will provide moderators and technical assistance.
Each course is six weeks in duration, with 1.5-hour sessions every week. The cost is $75 per person, per course. Sessions take place via Zoom. Sessions are not recorded, so live attendance is essential. An Osher at Dartmouth membership is required to register for any of these courses.
After registering for Osher Online courses, students will receive a welcome email from Osher NRC that includes an Osher Online username and password, as well as a link to the Osher Online website. The website holds the class Zoom link, syllabus, discussion board, and Customer Care contact information. Students will also receive an invitation to a pre-class orientation with information on accessing courses (see the "Before Your First Class!" section below).
Registration opens Monday, November 24 at 12:01 AM. Space is limited; be sure to register early!
Support for Courses
While registration is processed through Osher at Dartmouth, support for Osher Online courses is provided by the Osher Online Team at the Northwestern University School of Professional Studies. For assistance, call them at (312) 503-5555 or email osheronline@northwestern.edu.
Before Your First Class!
Once you register for any Osher Online course, we strongly encourage you to attend their orientation session (date to come) (a registration link will be provided after you register for one of the courses below). You can also watch their Member Orientation recording to ensure you are fully prepared for your first day of class. Afterwards, practice logging in at www.osheronline.net!
Winter 2026 Courses
Term dates: January 14 through March 6, 2026
The Magic Behind Film Scores: Exploring the Role of Music in Great Movies
Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles—jazz, classical, pop—into powerful cinematic impressions. We will discuss how composers shape emotion across genres like drama, romance, comedy, sci-fi, and westerns. From The Jazz Singer to James Bond, we will trace the evolution of film scores, spotlighting legendary composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams. Celebrate the artistry of film music and its lasting emotional impact.
The American Revolution Beyond the British Empire
This course reframes the American Revolution as a global event shaped by imperial rivalries and geopolitical forces. Each session focuses on a different group—Germans, French, Spaniards, South Asians, and others—revealing how their experiences intersected with the collapse of British rule in North America. By viewing the Revolution through a global lens, participants will uncover new perspectives on its causes, course, and consequences.
Landscape & Adventure Photography: An Introduction
This workshop will introduce participants to the skills and techniques used to create professional-quality images of their adventures in the natural world. Topics will include controlling exposure, using depth of field, motion effects, the principles of visual communication, and the qualities of natural light. The course will incorporate slide-illustrated lectures, group discussions, and ample time for student feedback.
Einstein Without Tears: His Theories Explained Without Math and in Everyday Language
Explore the fascinating world of Albert Einstein’s theories—no math or science background required. This course introduces key ideas like time travel, warped space, black holes, and gravitational waves, all in accessible terms. We will discover how modern science continues to confirm Einstein’s predictions and why his work remains a source of wonder for both scientists and science fiction fans.
Pharmaceuticals and Poisons: Chemistry at the Edge
Some substances heal, others harm—and some do both. This chemistry-rich (but non-technical) course explores the fine line between pharmaceuticals and poisons. We will examine drug development, venom-inspired medicine, and the history of FDA regulation shaped by scandal and reform. From aspirin’s industrial roots to Gila monster hormones, participants will uncover the fascinating, sometimes unsettling chemistry behind what we choose to swallow.
Milestones in Medicine
This course highlights transformative milestones in medicine from the 18th century to today, beginning with Jenner’s smallpox vaccine. We will explore key medical and public health advances, the innovators behind them, and the profound effects these breakthroughs have had on longevity and quality of life. The course offers a compelling look at how science and clinical care have worked together to reshape health outcomes over the past two centuries.
The Noir Novel: Three American Classics
Explore the noir novel through Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon, Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep, and Sara Paretsky’s Indemnity Only. From hardboiled detectives navigating gritty cityscapes to Paretsky’s feminist reimagining of the genre, this course traces the evolution of noir fiction. Film clips from classic adaptations will highlight the genre’s impact on both literature and cinema.
History of Sicily
Sicily has been a mythic crossroads of heroes, conquerors, and culture for over 3,000 years. From Odysseus and the Arabo-Norman Golden Age to the Mafia and modern mythmakers like Garibaldi and Coppola, Sicily’s story is rich, complex, and central to Western history. This course explores its pivotal role in shaping civilization—and why Goethe famously said, “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all.”
Heroes of the Holocaust: Lights in the Darkness
When we think of the Holocaust, we recall the horrors perpetrated by evildoers. Even in humanity’s darkest hours, courageous individuals risked everything to save lives. This course sheds light on these little-known rescuers—ordinary people who defied laws, resisted hate, and acted with moral clarity and compassion. Their uplifting stories are powerful reminders of resilience, morality, and hope.
Using Google Workspace Tools with Confidence
This beginner-friendly course introduces Google Workspace tools like Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. We will learn core features, basic navigation, and practical applications for personal and professional use. With guided instruction and real-world examples, the course builds confidence and foundational skills to boost productivity and collaboration.
Brain and Behavior in the Era of Digital Technology
Explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence affect the brain, behavior, and mental health. This course examines the impact of modern devices on attention, memory, emotions, and decision-making, while addressing ethical concerns like privacy and tech-based addictions. We will learn how neuroscience and psychology offer tools to support well-being in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Japanese History Through the Lens of Shōgun
Inspired by the 2024 FX mini-series Shōgun, this course explores Japan’s transition from civil war to peace between the 15th and 18th centuries. We will examine the rise of key unifiers, the roles of diverse social groups (like merchants, peasants, women, and outcasts), and the era’s political, cultural, and artistic shifts. For fans of the series or those new to Japanese history, this course offers a rich, accessible introduction.
The History of American Television
This engaging, video-rich course tells the story of American television—from its 1920s origins to today’s streaming era. We will explore decades of iconic shows, genres, and cultural moments that shaped the medium and its audiences. From sitcoms and dramas to news and sports, we will rediscover how TV evolved, adapted, and transformed American culture—one broadcast, cable channel, and streaming service at a time.
John James Audubon and the Birds of America
In the 1820s, John James Audubon set out to document every bird species in the US, resulting in The Birds of America, a landmark collection of 435 hand-painted prints. This course explores Audubon’s life, artistic methods, and legacy, highlighting how his work bridges art and science. We will examine selected prints and consider his lasting impact on American natural history.
The Virtues
Virtue theory asks not just how to do good, but how to be good. This course explores timeless questions of character through the lens of thinkers like Aristotle, Jesus, the Buddha, and Confucius. We will reflect on key virtues—such as honesty, courage, compassion, and respect —and consider practical ways to cultivate them in daily life. The full series may be taught as two separate courses.
How the U.S. Immigration System (Usually) Works
Immigration has always been a complex and emotional issue in U.S. history. This course explores how the immigration system has evolved and how it works today. We will examine key questions about identity, belonging, and national responsibility while engaging in thoughtful, constructive conversations about the future of immigration policy in the United States.
Post Impressionism and the Birth of Abstraction
This course explores Post-Impressionism’s bold departure from naturalistic light and color, focusing on the expressive use of form, symbolism, and vivid, often unnatural color. Through the work of Cézanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, Seurat, and Matisse, we will trace the movement’s challenge to artistic norms and social values—laying the foundation for modern art and redefining the artist’s role in society.
Osher Integrative Health: Navigating Chronic Illness in a Complex Healthcare System
This course, presented in partnership with the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Health, features expert speakers from their upcoming national conference, Navigating Chronic Illness in a Complex Healthcare System. Through engaging presentations and discussions, participants will explore how integrative health approaches can address the challenges of living with chronic conditions and help individuals make informed choices within today’s increasingly complex healthcare environment. Topics will focus on whole-person care, patient empowerment, and practical strategies for managing long-term health concerns.
Refund Policy
Participants may request or receive a refund of their course fees for the following reasons:
- Course cancelled by Osher at Dartmouth or Study Leader(s): Receive a full refund of their course fee.
- Course Withdrawal/Drop/Transfer by Registrant:
- At least 14 days before the first session: Receive a refund of their course fee minus a $10.00 administrative fee for each course.
- Less than 14 days before the first session: Not eligible to receive a refund of course fees or special fees related to the course.
- Transfer: No administrative fee.
Exceptions to this policy:
Exceptions may be made if the member’s health prevents participation in their course. In such cases, a written refund request must be submitted to the Osher at Dartmouth office. A $10.00 administrative fee per course will be applied to this type of refund request.