UM's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute releases new class schedule

by Elizabeth Amore

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Miami has released its 2010 schedule of classes for the spring session. Class sessions run from February 22 to April 2.

There are more than 20 classes in creative arts, history, foreign languages, computers and lecture courses for intellectual enrichment, as well as several special interest groups. Each of the programs are designed to accommodate a relaxed learning style and make it easy for anyone who has been away from the formal learning environment for many years.

Creative arts classes include Adobe Photoshop Elements, Beginning Digital Photography and Watercolor Basics. Adobe Photoshop Elements teaches techniques to enhance digital images with Adobe Photoshop. Beginning Digital Photography will teach students how to develop photos on the computer and the different ways to adjust photos. Watercolor Basics reviews the foundations of watercolor and has students creating masterpieces in no time.

Language classes include different levels of Spanish and French. Spanish, Beginning II develops basic Spanish skills while Spanish, Intermediate is a more detailed version of the other Spanish classes available at OLLI. The Refresher French course allows students with prior knowledge of French to jump back into the language.

Computer classes allow for a better grasp on the ever-changing technology in our society. Internet Basics will teach students how to shop, research, bank, make reservations, listen to radio and watch movie clips online. Students must have experience using computers.

Peripherals and Social Networking shows students how to connect to their computers through “add-ons,” MP3 players and the various social networking options. Students with computer experience can enroll in Microsoft Office 2007 to learn how to make best use of the programs Microsoft Office 2007 offers. 

The lecture courses touch upon various areas of study including Muslims around the World, Investment and Retirement Planning for the 21st Century and Law and Disorder. Muslims around the World discusses Muslims from various regions of the world, and how they differ in culture, politics and religion.

Investment and Retirement Planning for the 21st Century will present a variety of speakers every week with different topics regarding investment and retirement planning. Law and Disorder features guest lecturers discussing various aspects of the legal, law enforcement and judicial fields and how they affect everyday life in the United States and abroad.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are classes/meetings organized and operated by OLLI students. They are created to bring together students who share a particular interest. The current SIGs are the Fun with Yiddish Lunch Group, Crafty Lunch Group, Photography SIG and Spanish Lunch Group. All students are welcome to join one of these groups or organize their own.

To register for one of these classes or for more information, contact the University of Miami’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at (305) 284-6554 or e-mail osher@miami.edu or visit http://www6.miami.edu/olli/index.html.