Registration is Open for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College’s Fall Semester
Classes run September 28-November 18, 2022
The fall semester features nearly 60 classes, lectures, and special programs covering a wide variety of topics. Course highlights include “Improv Brain Games,” “Democracy and the Electoral College,” and “Living Green and Helping the Environment (A Walking Tour).”
(September 22, 2022) — Registration is open for the 2022 fall semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College (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 September 28-November 18, 2022, features nearly 60 courses, lectures, and special presentations covering a wide variety of topics, including arts and entertainment, history, music appreciation, health, literature, philosophy, religion, and science. Course highlights include “Improv Brain Games,” “Democracy and the Electoral College,” and “Living Green and Helping the Environment (A Walking Tour).” Classes are offered in-person on the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, and online via the Zoom platform. 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 2022 semester include:
Democracy and the Electoral College: This course will objectively define democracy, review the history, operation, and effects of the electoral college in the political system of the United States and evaluate the extent to which the electoral college and American democracy are compatible. The course will be non-partisan and encourage student participation.
Improv Brain Games: This cognitive fitness workshop will help build a more dynamic mindset by challenging students to create characters and scenes on the spot, with exercises that will teach them to think differently while operating within a space of humor and fun. Students will learn to use their instincts, creativity, and spontaneity as they work together to create improvisational theater.
The Aging Eye: Aging changes occur in everyone’s eyes. Some changes are expected and normal, whereas others are abnormal and impact vision and quality of life. This two-session course will discuss the latter group, with the first lecture devoted to age-related macular degeneration and the second to glaucoma, cataract, and retinal vascular diseases.
For the Love of Opera: A Listener’s Guide: Are you someone who likes opera, but finds it a little intimidating or confusing? This course will expand your knowledge of and appreciation for all things opera, from familiarizing you with the parts, types, structure, and styles of opera while showing you the beauty of those high notes, low notes, and everything in between.
50 Things You Didn’t Know Your iPhone Could Do: Do you know there are dozens of features hidden in your iPhone that can make your life easier and more enjoyable? We’ll explore how to take full advantage of these useful, entertaining, productive , and sometimes even quirky abilities of the iPhone. You’ll leave this class with tips, tricks and helpful hints and have great fun along the way.
Living Green and Helping the Environment (A Walking Tour): Explore some of Sarasota County’s bays, parks, ranches, and farms, and learn about energy, food, water, and nature. Find out where there are fresh and healthy local food sources that also support birds and pollinators. Plus, learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint and mitigate climate change.
In addition to a host of courses, OLLI at Ringling College offers five lectures during the fall semester. General admission is $15 each.
Having Fun, Wish You Were Here! Illustrated History of the Postcard in Florida, September 30, 10:30-11:30 am: Take an exciting trip back to the days when Florida was a backwoods swamp in the 1900s through its transformation into a vacation paradise in the 1950s. Join veteran postcard collector Liz Coursen as she uses museum-quality postcards to tell the tale of how Florida progressed from alligator-infested waterways to bathing beauties cavorting on the beach.
Franklin Roosevelt – Peacetime and Wartime President, October 17, 2:30-3:30 pm: From the attack on Pearl Harbor to the European invasion on D-Day and up until his death, Franklin D. Roosevelt guided the U.S. and its Allies in World War II. This lecture will focus on FDR’s leadership during that tumultuous time.
The Second Mrs. Ringling, November 10, 2:30-3:30 pm: How many people are aware that there was a second Mrs. Ringling, and just who was Emily Haag Buck who married John Ringling in 1930? This lecture blends historical facts gleaned from court transcripts of their divorce proceedings with a healthy dash of “what if?” It follows John and Emily from their elegant Park Avenue apartment to the sun-drenched terrace of Ringling’s mansion, Ca’ d’Zan, and peeks behind the closed doors of this celebrated couple of the 1930s.
The lecture series also includes “Born to Be Soldiers: Those Plucky Women of World War II,” on October 14, 2-3 pm. This lecture takes place online via Zoom. The last lecture for the term is “Eyewitness to Dachau” on November 11, 2-3 pm. This lecture is free and open to the public. Pre-registration required.
CONNECTIONS, the popular documentary film series, returns for the fall term. The critically-acclaimed Lives Well Lived, October 10, 2:30-4:30 pm, celebrates the incredible wit, wisdom, and experiences of people aged 75 to 100 through their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories. 100 Days with Tata, November 7, 2:30-4:30 pm, is a heartwarming and joyful Spanish film about a young actor who moves in with his beloved 95-year-old relative to care for her night and day during the pandemic. Both films will be shown at the Ringling College Museum Campus; general admission is $15 each.
What You Should Know about Medicare is a free, three-part Medicare information program held on Fridays, 1-2:30 pm, September 30-October 14 at the Ringling College Museum Campus. These sessions are open to the public and will provide an understanding of how Medicare works including who is eligible, what it covers, how to choose a plan, your rights, and protecting your information. Pre-registration is required.
For more information and to register, visit www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111.
About Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College, or OLLI at Ringling College, offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives. Courses cover a wide range of stimulating topics and are taught by scholars, retired faculty members, and professional practitioners in an engaging, collaborative manner. Visit www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org for more information.
About Ringling College of Art and Design
Since 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in eleven disciplines and the Bachelor of Arts in two. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers. For more information visit www.ringling.edu and follow the College on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
