Osher Online Courses

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.

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 Wednesday, February 12 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 on March 25 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (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!

Spring 2025 Courses

Term dates: March 31 through May 24, 2025

Bella Napoli: Italy's (Other) "Eternal City"

Aimed at students and travelers alike, the course offers a virtual “grand tour” of Naples through a close examination of a dozen Neapolitan monuments/historic sites reflective of milestones in the city’s historical development from its origins through today. View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!

Bonsai, An Ancient Art in Modern Times

Learn how to maintain a healthy tree, develop your own design style, and apply essential techniques. View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!

Car Crazy: 1950s Onward

We will explore key eras of automotive history, as a way of understanding the profound impact cars have on society and culture. View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!

Crossword Puzzle Creation

This course will appeal to those who want to construct their own crosswords, those who are simply curious about the process, and those who want to be better solvers. View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!

Jinas, Jivas, & the Three Jewels: The Jain Tradition and Its Legacy of Non-violence

This course provides an introduction to Jain traditions and their historical roots in South Asia from the time of Mahavira (fifth century BCE) to the present. View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!

Revealing the Wonders of Romanesque and Gothic Architecture: An Expedition through Time, 1100 - 1500

Embark on a captivating exploration of the architectural wonders of the Romanesque and Gothic periods. View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!

Russia Beyond Russians

This course focuses on recent events in Russia and the post-Soviet space, many of which stem from enduring ethnic tensions. View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!

Science Charcuterie

This will be a six-week romp through just about anything one might imagine including a little bit of color theory, a morsel of genetic testing science, a dash of airplane physics, some lightning theory, a mouse that turns scorpion venom into a painkiller, current scientific thoughts on origins of life, and a lot of time to explore topics of interest to you. View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!

The Soundtrack of Rock & Pop in the 50s & 60s: The Magic of the Brill Building Era

This course is a journey into the melodies, stories, and vibrant personalities behind the Brill Building era of the late 1950s and 1960s. View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!

The Essential Jane Austen

In honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025, we will explore her life, works, and legacy from a fresh perspective. View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!

Women: The Forgotten "Men" in History

This course looks at nine women--three each session--whose achievements are not commonly known. View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!

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 prior to first session: Receive a refund of their course fee minus a $10.00 administrative fee for each course.
  • Less than 14 days prior to 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 will prevent 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.