Browse Curriculum

Join us at the Osher Institute for the start of a new semester! Pick up your name badge, register your vehicle for an annual parking permit, learn ways to volunteer with the Institute and enjoy our Senior Resources Fair. You can also drop in on a Technology Training Session (see description below) and a Travel Information Session to learn more about the various travel opportunities available to Osher members. Refreshments will be provided. This event is open to the public.
Date and time: Tue., Aug. 11, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Learn how to make the most of your Osher membership. This session will empower members to confidently navigate both the Osher website and their member accounts. We’ll cover how to browse the website, self-register for programs, view your personal class schedule, review your program history and access links to recorded sessions. All experience levels are welcome. Registration is required for planning purposes. PLEASE NOTE: If you need to cancel, please notify us at least two business days prior to the start of the program.
Presenter: Judy Beeson, Chair, Osher Tech Support Committee, and Jamie Frederick, Osher Staff
Date and time: Tue., Aug. 11, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership
Capacity: 60

This lecture will examine the history, evolution and importance of robotic surgery; explore its current role in the U.S. healthcare system and look toward future advances.
Presenter: Amy Cooper, MD, Gynecologic Oncology, St. Luke’s Health System
Date and time: Mon., Aug. 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Join Director Dana Thorp-Patterson for a friendly introduction to the Osher Institute and the vibrant community that powers this unique, self-sustaining lifelong learning program. Discover the many ways to enjoy your membership—from finding great classes and events to accessing recordings you can watch anytime. Pick up helpful tips for getting involved, making connections and getting the most out of your Osher experience for years to come.
Presenter: Dana Thorp-Patterson, Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Date and time: Tue., Aug. 18, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Today’s upheaval in college sports did not appear overnight. This lecture will offer a legal history of how the NCAA’s amateurism model was dismantled through a series of landmark court decisions and regulatory choices. By tracing recent developments in college sports law, we will discuss how shifting judicial attitudes toward NCAA governance helped produce the name, image and likeness (NIL) era and paved the way for direct payments from universities to athletes.
Presenter: Dr. Sam Ehrlich, JD, Assistant Professor of Legal Studies, Department of Management, Boise State University
Date and time: Tue., Aug. 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Dreams serve as portals to our unconscious, offering insights for healing and wholeness. This course will introduce dream appreciation and group dreamwork, exploring teachings from figures like Jeremy Taylor, Carl Jung and others. Through personal reflection, experiential learning and individual dream reporting, participants will engage with tools such as the Haden Institute’s 14 Steps, Color in Dreams and the Seven Magic Questions. Designed to foster discernment and group projection, this journey embraces the sacred confidentiality of dreams, inviting participants to honor their messages. A separate workshop will be held in September for participants to practice what they’ve learned.
Presenter: Dr. Kevin Laughlin, youth and adult education consultant, mentor and guide
Date and time: Wed., Aug. 19 and 26, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $25

This lecture will discuss The Peregrine Fund and its work to conserve birds of prey for more than 50 years. Addressing threats such as pollution, deforestation and human-wildlife conflict is essential to supporting the world’s 561 raptor species and the ecosystems on which we all rely. As top predators, raptors serve as indicators of ecosystem health and provide essential services, including rodent control and disease prevention through carrion removal. While science guides our conservation, the “how” is often more important than the “why” we address current and future threats.
Presenter: Chris Parish, President and CEO, The Peregrine Fund
Date and time: Wed., Aug. 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will increase awareness of the diverse roles, areas of expertise and care settings of pharmacists. The goal is to broaden public perception and encourage patients and caregivers to see pharmacists as essential healthcare providers. We will highlight the range of pharmacist specialties and practice settings, as well as showcase how pharmacists support patients beyond medication dispensing.
Presenters: Victoria Wallace, PharmD, and Lang Lemmon, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy Educators, St. Luke’s Health System
Date and time: Thu., Aug. 20, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

This documentary will follow the life of Idaho Senator Frank Church who waged a three-decades-long crusade for political and social justice while successfully balancing the needs of his conservative Idaho constituency. After opposing the Vietnam War in the ’60s, and in the wake of Watergate in the ’70s, he became chair of the Church Committee in 1975. His committee uncovered multinational bribery schemes, assassination attempts on foreign leaders and illegal surveillance of U.S. citizens. The committee’s work led to the enactment of laws limiting the power of the president, the CIA, FBI and NSA.
Presenter: James Mulryan, award-winning documentary filmmaker
Date and times: Thu., Aug. 20, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $10

Learn or refresh your lifesaving skills in this hands-on instruction and practice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults, children and infants, including compressions and breathing techniques, and how to deal with choking issues. Automated external defibrillator (AED) training also will be covered in this course.
Presenter: Joel Gunstream, Owner and Instructor, Health Solutions of Idaho
Date and time: Mon., Aug. 24, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $50
Capacity: 30

This lecture will offer an in-depth examination of today’s most pressing schemes, including current fraud trends and their evolution and warning signs that often go unnoticed. Drawing from real-world cases, this lecture will bridge theory and practice, showing how financial crimes are carried out and how they can be detected and prevented. Participants will leave with a stronger ability to recognize warning signs, assess risks and apply common-sense investigative techniques to safeguard finances from scammers.
Presenter: Brendan Kirkpatrick, Detective, Financial Crimes Unit, Ada County Sheriff’s Office
Date and time: Tue., Aug. 25, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

We live in a capitalist nation, and that reality structures our society and our daily lives. We work in capitalist workplaces and cast votes for politicians with starkly different visions of how capitalism should operate. What is capitalism, how did it evolve and where is it headed next? How did America turn from a relatively minor player in the Atlantic marketplace into the world’s largest economy? This first course of a four-part program will explore how America became a “capitalist nation,” and how that transformation has fundamentally shaped our politics, culture and lives.
Presenter: Dr. Shaun Nichols, author and Associate Professor of History, Boise State University
Dates and time: Wed., Aug. 26, Sept. 2 and 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $35

This lecture will discuss gray wolf recovery in the western U.S., which spans over 40 years beginning in the early 1980s. Recovery was achieved through natural recolonization and dispersal coupled with reintroductions in 1995 and 1996 into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness. Recovery has been variable in the individual states depending on wolf recovery plans, dispersal success, illegal killings and wolf politics. Concerns about wolf predation on livestock, pets and big game species have kept wolf recovery controversial. Wolf politics prevail in many forms of wolf management.
Presenter: Carter Niemeyer, author, Wildlife Society certified biologist, and retired Wolf Recovery Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Dates and time: Thu., Aug. 27 and Sept. 3, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $25

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now prevalent in our daily lives and throughout Western medicine. This lecture will explore technologies currently being used in the field of cardiology and what is on the horizon. Will AI change cardiology from the current state of chronic management to an opportunity for prevention? What barriers inhibit cardiology and medicine in general from embracing AI?
Presenter: Frederick Costello, MD, Interventional Cardiologist and Co-Founder, High Desert Heart & Vascular
Date and time: Thu., Aug. 27, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Join other Osher members for a staff-selected documentary to enjoy and discuss. Refreshments are included, and registration is required. (Snack donations are encouraged.) The August selection is “The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski.”
Date and time: Fri., Aug. 28, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Join us for a fun and informative session that will provide information on opportunities to volunteer at the Osher Institute.
Presenters: Osher Volunteer Committee and Cherie Ellingson, Osher Staff
Date and time: Mon., Aug. 31, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will review common health risks associated with international travel and how risks vary based on personal medical history, destination, itinerary and planned activities. Participants will learn how to assess individual risk and risk tolerance to make informed decisions that support healthy travel. Topics include routine, required and recommended vaccinations; insect bite prevention; safe food and water practices to prevent traveler’s diarrhea; treatment options if illness occurs; and strategies to reduce the risk of travel-related illness.
Presenters: April Southwick, RN, NP, MPH, MSN, President and Medical Director, and Jerrimi Helmick, RN, MN, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner, both of St. Luke’s Travel and Immunization Clinic
Date and time: Tue., Sept. 1, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: included with membership

The terms “critical minerals” and “rare earth elements” are heard frequently these days, but many people are uncertain as to their precise meaning. What are critical minerals? Why are these mineral commodities more important than other mineral commodities? How are they determined to be critical, and who makes this determination? How important are these mineral commodities to the overall American economy? This course will explore these questions and more.
Presenter: Dr. Terry Panhorst, retired Professor, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, University of Mississippi
Date and time: Tue., Sept. 1 and 8, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $25

This workshop is intended for registrants of the Beginning Dream Appreciation course on August 19 and 26, and will build upon the tools and teachings covered in that course. Participants will practice their dreamwork skills with trained facilitators.
Presenter: Dr. Kevin Laughlin, youth and adult education consultant, mentor and guide
Date and time: Wed., Sept. 2, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $15
Capacity: 40

It has become increasingly clear that there is a link between inflammation and cancer progression. Proteins that normally play a protective role in your body during natural inflammation and wound healing can lead to increased tumor growth as well as metastasis. Exciting findings from previous Boise State Osher-funded research will be discussed, as will basic mechanisms for the development of therapies to combat inflammation.
Presenter: Dr. Cheryl Jorcyk, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University
Date and time: Thu., Sept. 3, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Join the Golden Eagle Audubon leaders in small groups as we wander the paved one-mile loop around Wilson Springs Ponds. Learn about the ducks of fall and other birds. Some birds we may encounter include Wood Ducks, Green-winged Teals, Northern Pintails, Redheads, Canvasbacks, Yellow-rumped Warblers and White-crowned Sparrows, among many others. Bring binoculars. (Some loaners are available.)
PLEASE NOTE: The Ponds are a 25-mile drive from Boise. Restrooms are available at the site.
Presenter: Alan Crockett and Golden Eagle Audubon leaders
Date and time: Fri., Sept. 4, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Location: Wilson Springs Ponds, 3501 Powerline Rd., Nampa
Cost: $10
Capacity: 35

This lecture will introduce AI Traveling Tools for Seniors, a practical and approachable guide created to help older adults use simple AI tools to make travel easier, safer and more enjoyable. We will explore how AI can assist with trip planning, navigation, language translation, cultural exploration and organization while traveling. We also will address common concerns around privacy, scams and technology anxiety in a reassuring, non-technical way.
Presenter: Dr. Margaret Sass, author and Faculty Associate for Service Learning and Lecturer, Center for Teaching and Learning, Boise State University
Date and time: Tue., Sept. 8, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $10

Join us for an in-depth discussion of the many ways Idaho’s population is changing. We will outline the main sources of demographic data and how they relate to Idaho. We’ll also focus on the three key components of population change: births, deaths and migration. Participants will learn how these components have evolved in recent decades and how they interact to shape the state of Idaho.
Presenter: Liz Bageant, Economist, McClure Center for Public Policy Research, University of Idaho
Date and time: Wed., Sept. 9, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

Hear the story of Eva Steinwald’s journey to the top of Mount Everest and the mindset that carried her there. Her journey did not begin as an elite mountaineer, but with a fear of heights, failure and choosing an uncertain path. After the loss of her husband, grief awakened a deep hunger to fully experience life. With a plan to climb the Seven Summits by age 70 to raise awareness of global warming, she has already summited Aconcagua, Denali and Everest, with Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc planned for this year.
Presenter: Eva Steinwald, mountaineer, entrepreneur and motivational speaker
Dates and time: Thu., Sept. 10, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

Andrew Jackson, hero of the Battle of New Orleans and co-founder of the Democratic Party, served as our nation’s seventh president. Our first Populist president, he considered himself the “People’s President.” He fought Indians, barely survived a duel and, as president, stood firm against South Carolina’s threats to secede, opposed the National Bank, defied the Supreme Court and supported the Indian Removal Act. This course will explore Jackson’s fascinating life, including some interesting comparisons between him and another Populist, Donald Trump.
Presenter: Blaine Davies, retired Professor of History, Boise State University
Date and time: Thu., Sept. 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Join other Osher members for a staff-selected documentary to enjoy and discuss. Refreshments are included, and registration is required. (Snack donations are encouraged.) The August selection is “Sky So Blue.”
Date and time: Fri., Sept. 11, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Learn how to make the most of your Osher membership. This session will empower members to confidently navigate both the Osher website and their member accounts. We’ll cover how to browse the website, self-register for programs, view your personal class schedule, review your program history and access links to recorded sessions. All experience levels are welcome. Registration is required. PLEASE NOTE: If you need to cancel, please notify us at least two business days prior to the start of the program.
Presenters: Judy Beeson, Chair, Osher Tech Support Committee, and Jamie Frederick, Osher Staff
Date and time: Mon., Sept. 14, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Capacity: 60

Jazz remains foreign territory for many listeners, but the Boise Jazz Society wants to foster a passion for jazz. Musicians Sandon Mayhew and Chuck Smith will discuss and demonstrate what to listen for in jazz and highlight how jazz musicians create music in the moment, building themes in creative new ways, interacting with each other and drawing upon knowledge of theory and tradition. This musical session will enhance the listening pleasure of jazz fans and non-fans alike.
Presenters: Dr. John Ottenhoff, Board Member, Boise Jazz Society; Sandon Mayhew, professional jazz musician and educator; and Chuck Smith, retired jazz pianist and music educator
Date and time: Mon, Sept. 14, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $10

Slow-motion video allows insights into the world before us that we otherwise don’t perceive. During this lecture, videos will be captured using a high-speed camera so participants can gain a deeper understanding of common objects, such as a Slinky or a balloon. The history of high-speed photography started with Dr. Harold Edgerton’s work in 1964 that inspired today’s high-speed cameras. The story of two engineers working together to design, implement, manufacture and support a family of high-speed cameras shows how a good idea and plenty of passion creates sustained economic value.
Presenter: Todd Fischer, high-tech entrepreneur
Date and time: Mon., Sept. 14, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Learn about services provided by Ada County Noxious Weed Control and invasive species control in the City of Boise. This lecture will discuss mosquito control history, vector-borne diseases and actions the Ada County Mosquito Abatement District takes to highlight the importance of mosquito management and the scientific principles that support these efforts.
Presenters: Desiree Keeney, Deputy Director, Ada County Weed Control, Pest Control District, Mosquito Abatement District; Bethany Muffley-Ahlin, Agriculture Program Specialist, Idaho State Department of Agriculture; and Martha Brabec, Foothills Restoration Specialist, Boise Parks and Recreation Department
Dates and time: Tue., Sept. 15 and 22, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $25

What if the next decade could be your most vibrant yet? You’re invited to an inspiring and energizing Symposium at the Osher Institute, a dynamic gathering designed to help you not only add more birthdays but make every year richer, healthier and more fulfilling. Spend two days with leading experts from across healthcare, wellness and lifelong learning as they share the latest research and practical, real-world strategies for staying active, keeping engaged and—most importantly—having fun. This year’s featured sessions include Navigating Early Onset Alzheimer’s; Demystifying Cholesterol; Living Well Beyond 50 With AARP; How Nature Improves Health and Wellbeing; Integrative Medicine in Contemporary Healthcare; Top Ten Tips for Healthy Aging; Nutrition, Aging and Lifestyle; and Forever Well With the YMCA. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your mind, strengthen your body or deepen your social connections, this Symposium offers something meaningful for everyone. Come curious and leave empowered. Feel free to invite a friend, because aging well is even better together! A special registration link for guests will be featured on the Osher website.
PLEASE NOTE: Cost includes refreshments and healthy lunches catered by Zupas. (If you have dietary restrictions and preferences, you are encouraged to bring your own lunch.)
Seating is limited, so register by September 1 to reserve your space.
Dates and time: Wed. and Thu., Sept. 16 and 17, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost: $99
MEMBERS register here
NON-MEMBERS register here

This lecture will explore the current landscape of science education in Idaho. Participants will experience interactive learning, examine how science teaching is evolving and consider what these changes mean for students and communities. We will highlight statewide trends, classroom experiences, student perspectives and assessment data, offering context and insight for lifelong learners interested in how science education prepares students to understand the world and tackle real-world challenges.
Presenter: Andrea Baerwald, State Science Coordinator, Idaho Department of Education
Date and time: Mon., Sept. 21, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Are you curious about integrative and naturopathic medicine but unsure how to evaluate their claims? This balanced, intellectually rigorous lecture will help you navigate the complex landscape of healthcare with clarity and discernment. We’ll explore the genuine strengths of naturopathic medicine, including its focus on prevention, lifestyle interventions and extended patient-provider time, while honestly addressing potential gaps. You’ll learn to evaluate practitioners critically, understand when integration with conventional care makes sense and recognize both red flags and green flags.
Presenter: Dr. Diana Crumrine, naturopathic physician, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Date and time: Tue., Sept. 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Rediscover the joy of travel by slowing down to document your adventures through a creative lens. Learn how to use drawing and writing to create a visual story that preserves memories and reflections long after your return. We’ll cover the foundations of sketching and watercolor painting to help you capture the sights and experiences of your journey. You’ll also learn how to use photography in tandem with your journal, what to include in your travel kit and how to prep your journal before departure. All materials are included. No prior art experience is necessary.
Presenter: Terra Feast, K-12 Professional Development Manager and Adjunct Professor of Art Education, Boise State University
Dates and time: Wed., Sept. 23 and 30, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $50
Capacity: 30

You often hear political figures claim to believe in the rule of law. But do they? This lecture will examine the role of government under our constitutional system. As we explore the often-overlooked difference between policy and law, you may even be asked to play a starring role in our cast of characters. Although it’s a long-shot, who knows…maybe your performance will get you a star on Hollywood Boulevard! At the very least, perhaps we will poke a little fun at ourselves as we discuss a serious issue in today’s world.
Presenter: Lawrence Wasden, former Idaho Attorney General
Date and time: Wed., Sept. 23, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will provide an overview of how Idaho property taxes work, are administered and have changed over the years. We will discuss the use by various governmental entities, who pays the tax and the extent or relative burden of the tax based on national and regional comparisons. Commonly used tax incentives and relief mechanisms also will be explained.
Presenter: Alan Dornfest, Property Tax Policy Bureau Chief, Idaho State Tax Commission
Date and time: Thu., Sept. 24, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

Learn about the history of the Native American flute, its construction and its healing properties. A short demonstration and musical meditation will follow the discussion.
Presenter: Nancy Haga, teacher, performer, and Founder, Solstice Flute School
Date and time: Thu., Sept. 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Cost: $10

Experience autumn in Boise with your favorite avian ambassadors at the World Center for Birds of Prey. Watch amazing raptors swoop and soar overhead in the amphitheater set in the sagebrush steppe. Humanity’s relationships with birds of prey inspire fall flights as well as the Center’s global efforts to cultivate a raptor-friendly world. The show will be followed by a self-guided tour of the World Center for Birds of Prey and The Archives of Falconry. Schedule details will be provided to registrants.
Presenter: Lily Hodgson, World Center for Birds of Prey
Date and time: Fri., Sept. 25, 11:00 a.m.
Location: World Center for Birds of Prey, 5668 W. Flying Hawk Ln., Boise
Cost: $20
Capacity: 75

The Muslim population in Russia, while a relatively small percentage (10-15%) of the overall populace, still represents a significant number (15-20 million people). Furthermore, this population is concentrated in two key regions where Muslims are the majority (North Caucasus and Tatarstan/Bashkortostan), making them important players in Russian politics, both domestically and internationally. This course will delve into these Muslim-majority areas, exploring their historical conversion to Islam; the Russian conquest of the regions; their demographic, social and cultural profiles; and the roles they play in Russian politics.
Presenter: Dr. Asya Pereltsvaig, linguist, author and educator
Dates and time: Mon. and Tue., Sept. 28 and 29, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $25

On the night of December 16, 1916, a group of conspirators murdered Grigori Rasputin, Russia’s “Mad Monk.” While meant to strengthen the Romanov dynasty, this murder brought on its downfall merely two months later. It ushered in a year of two revolutions that ended with the Bolshevik takeover of Russia and the eventual murder of the Tsar and his family. In this lecture, Dr. Asya Pereltsvaig will share the results of her latest research in British, American, French and Russian archives and will shed new light on the perpetrators of the crime.
Presenter: Dr. Asya Pereltsvaig, linguist, author and educator
Date and time: Tue., Sept. 29, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $25

Whenever you use mapping apps to plan a route, examine maps to understand current events or consider how people and nature interact, you are practicing geography. Drawing on a dozen examples ranging from the local to the global, two experienced geographers will expand your appreciation of how geographic perspectives, principles and tools can help you consider some of the most important issues facing our communities, our country and our planet.
Presenters: Tom Baerwald, retired Program Director and Senior Science Advisor, National Science Foundation, and Alec Murphy, Professor Emeritus of Geography, University of Oregon
Date and time: Wed., Sept. 30, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Immunization is a challenging and constantly changing science with new recommendations each year. This lecture will review currently available immunizations for adults and why they are recommended by various professional organizations and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We also will examine considerations of cost, availability, side-effects and benefits.
Presenter: Christine Hahn, MD, Epidemiologist and Medical Director, Idaho Division of Public Health
Date and time: Thu., Oct. 1, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will discuss the 1135 Program that is authorized under the Continuing Authorities Program, Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act for Project Modifications for Improvement of the Environment. The purpose of the program is to accomplish ecosystem restoration in areas where historic U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activities have significantly degraded native ecosystems and habitats. Boise State University is the official sponsor of the 1135 Project on the Boise River in Barber Pool.
Presenters: Brandy Wilson, Water Practice Lead, Merrick & Company; Greg Kaltenecker, Executive Director, Intermountain Bird Observatory; and Christen “Marve” Griffith, Planner/Project Manager, USACOE
Date and time: Thu., Oct. 1, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This course will explore the rich and often turbulent encounters among Europeans, Native Americans and Africans from the era of 1492 through the early colonial period. We’ll uncover what happened when cultures first met—how people adapted, resisted and reimagined their lives in unfamiliar and challenging circumstances. We’ll examine the beginnings of race slavery in the 17th century; the spiritual and political life of Native communities; and the fears and hopes that fueled phenomena like witch-hunting and the Great Awakening.
Presenter: Dr. Richard Bell, Professor of History, University of Maryland
Dates and time: Fri., Oct. 2, 9 and 16, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $35

Out of the ashes of World War II, the United Nations was tasked with preventing another holocaust. Eleanor Roosevelt assembled lawyers, philosophers and scholars from around the world to create the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a code of conduct that could bind both the socialist bloc nations and the so-called free world. Its foundation is the dignity and worth of everyone, everywhere. This course will trace the arc of the UDHR’s triumphs, failures and its unfulfilled hopes.
Presenter: Dr. Charlie Clements, author, public health physician and former President, Physicians for Human Rights
Dates and time: Mon. and Tue., Oct. 5 and 6, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $10

What is Pueblo pottery? We will explore the places, people and styles that elevated Pueblo pottery to the artistic excellence and the prominence it has achieved today. As we look at the Hopi Kachina through the lens of art, we will delve into the meaning of Kachina in Hopi culture. We will learn about its traditional and ceremonial significance, artistic influence and explore other art forms inspired by the Kachina.
Presenter: Linda Friedman, docent, Tohono Chul and Tucson Museum of Art
Dates and time: Wed., and Thu., Oct. 7 and 8, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $25

American Prairie is an ambitious effort to conserve a piece of the Northern Great Plains—one of the world’s least protected biomes—by restoring native wildlife, ecological processes and resilient prairie communities. This lecture will introduce American Prairie’s rewilding model, emphasizing how ecological restoration and human well-being are mutually reinforcing. Drawing on examples from Montana and global rewilding efforts, we will explore conservation enterprise, community partnership and socio-ecological resilience as essential components of durable rewilding.
Presenters: Daniel Kinka, Director of Rewilding, and Corrie Williamson, Director of Community Outreach, both of American Prairie
Date and time: Wed., Oct. 7, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

As the world redefines itself with each turn of the globe, these are challenging times for journalists — particularly public broadcasting journalists. This lecture will take attendees through the process of starting with a pre-dawn blank slate and putting together a “broadcast of record.” George Prentice will talk about giving “Morning Edition” guests the confidence and safety to tell their story. He’ll also share some unique stories and discuss his love for film and how it intersects with his other journalistic pursuits.
Presenter: George Prentice, Host, Morning Edition, Boise State Public Radio
Date and time: Thu., Oct. 8, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

There are many attributes that define a “diva,” and this course will include clips of the multi-talented, larger-than-life divas of motion pictures. We’ll watch and dissect some of the performances of Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Ruby Keeler and many more.
Presenters: Sam and Candy Caponegro, lecturers
Dates and time: Mon., Oct. 12, 19 and 26, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $35

Evolution is the foundation of modern biology, but to many it means the Galapagos, Charles Darwin and perhaps dusty dinosaur skeletons in a museum attic. This course will bring evolution to life by discussing time and evolution in Idaho and the western United States rather than standard textbook examples. We will cover rapid adaptation in salmon; adaptation and speciation in red crossbills; genetic changes in cheatgrass; speciation in salsify and western sunflowers; climate change and squirrels; famous fossils and more. Through local examples, we can better see how evolution helps us understand modern life.
Presenter: Dr. Eric Yensen, Professor Emeritus of Biology, The College of Idaho
Dates and time: Tue., Oct. 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $45

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative motor disease, which is primarily characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta in the midbrain and the formation of intraneuronal inclusions called “Lewy bodies” which contain alpha-synuclein as their major protein component. This lecture will discuss the pathological mechanisms of PD to reveal potential therapeutic targets and the development of novel applications, including cellular senescence as potential therapeutic targets.
Presenter: Y. Hwan Kim, Professor and Neuroscience Program Director, Boise State University
Date and time: Wed., Oct. 14, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Idaho voters often see the mailers, ads and campaign messages—but not who is paying for them. This lecture will break down how “dark money,” PACs and special interest funding operate in Idaho’s campaign finance system. Participants will learn how money moves through campaigns, how influence can be hidden from voters, what Idaho law requires (and doesn’t require) for disclosure and how citizens can better understand who is trying to shape their vote.
Presenter: Chenele Dixon, educator, author, former Idaho legislator, and Executive Director, Idaho Solutions
Date and time: Thu., Oct. 15, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

In this lecture, Dr. Charles Hunt and Dr. Jaclyn Kettler will tell the stories of political scandals throughout American history and chase them with a healthy dose of political science. They will analyze some political scandals and their outcomes, and also will discuss their creative process for the podcast and their collaboration with Boise State Public Radio.
Presenters: Dr. Jaclyn Kettler and Dr. Charles Hunt, both Associate Professors of Political Science, Boise State University
Date and time: Thu., Oct. 15, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will give an overview of the establishment and distribution of Federal Public Lands in the West. We’ll discuss the establishment and early history of the U.S. Forest Service; the primary laws that govern National Forests; and the evolution of the programs and management of the U.S. Forest Service over the past 120 years. We’ll also explore the past and future challenges to National Forests and federal public lands in general.
Presenter: Richard Smith, retired Supervisor of the Boise National Forest, U.S. Forest Service
Date and time: Tue., Oct. 20, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will explore how medical standards of care have changed in Idaho and across the nation. We will examine how laws limit the provision of vaccinations and reproductive medicine, and how other standards of care are preventing the delivery of safe healthcare. Learn more about the physicians who founded the Idaho Coalition for Safe Healthcare, as well as community members who supported its creation.
Presenters: Caitlin Gustafson, MD, Board President, and Amber Nelson, Executive Director, both of Idaho Coalition for Safe Healthcare
Date and time: Wed., Oct. 21, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will discuss how creative embodied practices, such as dance and movement therapy, can unlock deeper learning, build empathy and forge powerful human connections in the humanities and cultural studies classroom. We will focus on how different storytelling methods empower individuals to tackle difficult subjects in a shared space and enable transformative experiences for both students at Boise State and inmates at the Idaho State Medium Security Men’s Prison.
Presenter: Dr. Reshmi Mukherjee, Associate Professor, Department of Humanities and Cultural Studies, Boise State University
Date and time: Wed., Oct. 21, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Idaho’s waters cover a majestic landscape, spanning from Boundary Creek in the Panhandle to Bear Lake on the Utah state line. These waters are inhabited by a fascinating group of fishes. This lecture will provide a basic understanding and appreciation for fish diversity in Idaho. We will discuss fish observation and study; species distribution in Idaho; fish form and function; and a short review of fisheries management and research, focusing on Idaho’s salmon and steelhead populations.
Presenter: Dr. Tim Copeland, Program Coordinator for Wild Salmon and Steelhead Monitoring, Idaho Fish and Game
Date and time: Thu., Oct. 22, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

How do leaders manipulate the masses, forge unlikely alliances and escape justice? This course will explore the power of Nazi ideology through three case studies: Joseph Goebbels, the propaganda chief who shaped public opinion; Hitler’s meeting with the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the surprising Nazi-Islamist connection; and Adolf Eichmann’s flight to Argentina and eventual capture. Together, these stories reveal how ideology influences politics, war and memory.
Presenter: Anette Isaacs, Historian, Public Educator and former Director, Osher Institute at Florida International University
Dates and time: Thu., Oct. 22, 29 and Nov. 5, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $35

In this course, we’ll explore the social, economic and political tensions that transformed colonies into a nation. From the realities of slavery in both the North and South to the experiences of immigrants building new lives, participants will gain insight into how inequality and opportunity coexisted in 18th-century society. We’ll delve into aspects of daily life—family, gender roles and social expectations—to see how power shaped even the most personal decisions. We’ll also examine the conflicts that changed everything, including the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.
Presenter: Dr. Richard Bell, Professor of History, University of Maryland
Dates and time: Fri., Oct. 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $35

Join other Osher members for a staff-selected documentary to enjoy and discuss. Refreshments are included, and registration is required. (Snack donations are encouraged.) The October selection is “My Octopus Teacher.”
Date and time: Fri., Oct. 23, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

The 2026 midterm elections have attracted sustained interest among voters and commentators since President Donald Trump’s election to a second term, revolving around constitutional, democratic and structural changes in the United States. Voters have expressed deep-seated concerns about the future of democracy. This course will address these concerns, providing glimpses of what political and policy changes lie ahead.
Presenter: Dr. David Adler, President and CEO, Alturas Institute
Dates and time: Tue. and Wed., Oct. 27 and 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $25

This lecture will offer an update on the status of civil rights and civil liberties in light of recent Supreme Court rulings, congressional legislation and executive orders. What can be said, at this juncture in American history, of the strength of First Amendment freedoms of speech and press, 14th Amendment freedoms, voting rights and other fundamental rights?
Presenter: Dr. David Adler, President and CEO, Alturas Institute
Date and time: Wed., Oct. 28, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $25

Join us for a lively evening celebrating the Osher Institute while raising funds for the Excellence Fund! Imagine “Antiques Roadshow” meets Sotheby’s with a playful, social twist. You’ll team up by table to guess the identity, era and purpose of historical objects before experts reveal all. Between rounds, browse the Osher Silent Auction and bid on unique items and experiences—perfect for treating yourself or finding a memorable gift. All this plus cocktails, delicious bites and great company. Bring your curiosity, competitive spirit and a little extra cash to support Osher. It’s a night out you won’t want to miss!
PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited; the deadline to register is October 8.
Date and time: Thu., Oct. 29, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Yanke Research Park, 220 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise
Cost: $65 (includes drink ticket)

This course will examine the evolution of the American political system from its revolutionary beginnings in the 18th century to the arguably stressed and dysfunctional system of governance we see today. We will then present some possible scenarios of how political order may evolve in the United States through the course of the next few decades based on long held political traditions, as well as the current trajectory of ongoing economic, societal and technological changes.
Presenter: Ralph Bild, retired CIA Intelligence Analyst and high school economics and history teacher
Dates and time: Tue., Nov. 3 and 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $25

Views of Russia often collapse the time between the Revolution in 1917 and the onset of Stalinism in 1929. But even though signs were present in the violence of the Civil War (1917-1921), the 1920s were a time rich with creativity, connections to Europe and idealistic visions. This course will consider the Bolsheviks’ radical social experiments, the dynamic art scene and the diverse literary landscape while assessing how and why Stalin’s policies revised them or made them impossible. A final glance ahead at the 1930s will reveal the later fates of key figures.
Presenter: Dr. Megan Dixon, Lecturer on Environmental Studies, The College of Idaho
Dates and time: Wed., Nov. 4, 11 and 18, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $35

Travel amid the Andes mountains from Lake Titicaca toward the Cusco valley through the sacred origin myths of the Inca. With art as our guide, we will meet gods, mummies and weavers who will introduce us to phenomenal textiles and the fusion of symbolism within painting practices before and during colonization. Join holy dance processions that blend belief systems, and travel through modern mine shafts where contemporary Catholics incorporate elements of pre-colonial practices. Finally, as we ascend a mountain, we will witness the past and present merge, offering insights into humanity’s future.
Presenter: Hugh Leeman, artist, lecturer and Managing Editor, Roborant Review
Dates and time: Wed., Nov. 4, 11 and 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $35

This course will explore the discovery, chemical composition and long struggle to uncover the three-dimensional configuration of DNA. We will examine the role of DNA and RNA in gene expression and its timing during the development of an organism. We also will discuss the revolutionary application of DNA to forensic analysis of crime scenes.
Presenter: Dr. Dennis Hafemann, retired Professor of Chemistry, UCLA, Marquette, and Milwaukee School of Engineering
Date and time: Thu., Nov. 5 and 12, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $25

This lecture will increase attendees’ public awareness of the unique physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs that may arise for veterans at end of life, and how veteran-centric hospice agencies respond to needs that have been shaped by military culture and service-related trauma. Standard hospice models can overlook how critical factors like survivors’ guilt, exposure-related illnesses, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and suppressed memories impact a peaceful passing. Participants will feel empowered to know why veterans deserve customized care at end of life and how it should be delivered for those who served.
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Sandra Weinberg, author and Interfaith Chaplain, St. Luke’s Hospice
Date and time: Mon., Nov. 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Step into the mind of Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime, and unlock the secrets behind her timeless mysteries. Whether you’re plotting your first whodunnit or perfecting your next spine-tingling tale, this workshop will offer practical tips, insightful analysis and inspiration drawn from one of history’s greatest storytellers. Master the art of misdirection, create red herrings that delight and learn how to keep your readers utterly captivated.
Presenter: Sherry Briscoe, author and Director, Writers at Harriman
Date and time: Tue., Nov. 10, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $15
Capacity: 40

Join other Osher members for a staff-selected documentary to enjoy and discuss. Refreshments are included, and registration is required. (Snack donations are encouraged.) The November selection is “The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo.”
Date and time: Fri., Nov. 13, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

In the last decade alone, tremendous advancements have been made into prostate cancer surveillance and treatment options for benign enlargement. This lecture will discuss the role of the prostate; dietary, lifestyle and medication options for urinary symptoms; how prostate-specific antigen monitoring discovers cancer and when it’s worth treating. State-of-the-art procedural options also will be explored.
Presenter: Austen Slade, MD, HoLEP specialist
Date and time: Mon., Nov. 16, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will explore how intentional engagement with scientists and naturalists transforms travel into a richer learning experience. Drawing on decades of living and working in polar regions and collaborating with researchers and naturalists, the presenter will discuss practical ways to connect with wildlife specialists, field scientists and research communities while traveling. Participants will walk away with actionable ideas on how to infuse scientific curiosity in their travel experiences.
Presenter: Michelle Pratt, polar expedition specialist and Travel Advisor, Pursuing Seven Travel Advisors
Date and time: Tue., Nov. 17, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

In the popular imagination, lethal injection is a slight pinch and a swift nodding off to forever-sleep. It is performed by well-qualified medical professionals, regulated and carefully conducted. The story of lethal injection, however, includes stories of law-breaking and cover-ups, fake science and torturous drugs, gross incompetence and a stunning indifference to the way prisoners die. Most Americans have no idea what states are doing, but it’s time they found out.
Presenter: Corinna Lain, George E. Allen Chair in Law, University of Richmond School of Law
Date and time: Tue., Nov. 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Dr. Jaclyn Kettler and Dr. Jeffrey Lyons will provide analytical commentary and lead a discussion on the results of the 2026 elections. They will give special focus to Idaho elections, including state-wide races, ballot measures and the Idaho political landscape. They also will discuss historic similarities and what the future likely holds.
Presenters: Dr. Jaclyn Kettler and Dr. Jeffrey Lyons, both Associate Professors of Political Science, Boise State University
Date and time: Thu., Nov. 19, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

Extremophiles are recently discovered life forms that exist in environments that previously were thought impossible for survival. This lecture will discuss how the tree of life has had a major work-over in the last few decades because of these discoveries. We’ll also explore how these findings affect the search for life elsewhere in the universe.
Presenter: Paul Nelson, retired Senior Engineer, DRAM Research and Development, Micron Technology
Date and time: Thu., Nov. 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Learn how to make the most of your Osher membership. This session will empower members to confidently navigate both the Osher website and their member accounts. We’ll cover how to browse the website, self-register for programs, view your personal class schedule, review your program history and access links to recorded sessions. All experience levels are welcome. Registration is required.
PLEASE NOTE: If you need to cancel, please notify us at least two business days prior to the start of the program.
Presenters: Judy Beeson, Chair, Osher Tech Support Committee, and Jamie Frederick, Osher Staff
Date and time: Tue., Dec. 8, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Capacity: 60

Celebrate the end of another successful fall semester and the holiday season with the Osher Institute! Mingle with friends and make new ones while enjoying refreshments, a short program and live music. Our special guest emcee, Lisa Hamilton, AVP of Brand Engagement at CapEd Credit Union, will join us for this event.
PLEASE NOTE: Register by November 20 to secure your seat.
Date and time: Wed., Dec. 9, 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Location: Boise State University Student Union Building, Simplot Ballroom, 1910 University Dr., Boise
Cost: $5 members; $10 non-members/guests
MEMBERS register here
NON-MEMBERS register here

Join other Osher members for a staff-selected documentary to enjoy and discuss. Refreshments are included, and registration is required. (Snack donations are encouraged.) The December selection is “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Date and time: Fri., Dec. 11, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are member-led opportunities for learning and engagement outside of the classroom.

Come socialize with other Osher members before the start of class on Thursday mornings at the Yanke building. This SIG is for Osher members only, and registration is required.
Facilitator: Mark Eubank
Meetings: Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Location: Yanke Building
Capacity: 30

This SIG will educate its members on the world of craft beer, including various styles of craft beer to enjoy. Social connectedness happens naturally; archaeologists have evidence that beer has been bringing people together for 13,000 years. Members will sample various craft beers at Treasure Valley breweries and taprooms. The beer is at each member’s own expense, but the learning, community, and discovery are included at no charge. Information on the venue, address, date, time, and links will be provided in advance.
Facilitator: Steve Easley 
Meetings: One Wednesday or Thursday a month, times TBD
Location: TBD
Capacity: 35

Explore Boise’s Ridge to Rivers trail system on moderately strenuous hikes of one-and-a-half to two hours in duration. Start from a different trailhead each week to experience the beauty of the open space surrounding our city. Hikes can be lengthy and challenging. Information with details on date, time, and location will be emailed to registrants in advance of the planned hike.
Facilitator: Dennis Hynes
Meetings: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Location: TBD
Capacity: 120

This SIG is a group of Osher members that meets every month in a seminar. Each member, in rotation, presents a topic they have researched to the group. Topics cover a wide range of subjects such as literature, history, sociology, and technology. New members are encouraged to bring a list of questions they have about a topic to spur conversation, if that feels more comfortable.
Facilitators: Gail Robb 
Meetings: Second Friday of each month, 12:30-3:00 p.m.
Location: Smoky Mountain Pizza, 1805 W. State St., Boise
Capacity: 20

Join Osher members who enjoy films — both foreign and American — by gathering at The Flicks, Boise’s premier independent movie theater. Following each film, members will have the opportunity to meet in the theater for a short discussion. The Flicks utilizes best practices for social distancing and safety issues.
Please note: Due to robust interest in this SIG and the limited size of the theater, the film may sell out.
Facilitators: Bob and Toni Fontaine
Meetings: One Monday a month, around 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Flicks, 646 W. Fulton St., Boise
Capacity: Theater capacity

Join Osher members who explore various forms of personal writing, including memoirs, family histories, personal reflections, essays, letters to the editor, flash fiction, short stories, and fables. This SIG is peer-led, with a different member responsible for each session. Members normally write 250 words (or a little more) in response to a prompt circulated almost two weeks before each session. During the session, they read what they’ve written as well as text composed in response to one or more additional prompts. The SIG helps participants expand, refine, and improve their writing by sharing it with others and by listening to and learning from the ways others write. No prior writing experience is necessary.
Facilitator: Tom Baerwald
Meetings: Fridays, Aug. 21, Sept. 4, Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, Oct. 30, Nov. 13, Dec. 4, and Dec. 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Yanke Building
Capacity: 25

Take part in the beauty of the Boise River Greenbelt with other Osher members who want to get exercise while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Moderate to brisk walks that begin and end at the Yanke building will be at the core of this SIG.
Facilitators: Diane Ronayne and Sharon Bixby
Meetings: Fridays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet on the east side of the Yanke building
Capacity: 45