Stay curious from just about anywhere. Explore Osher Online, which offers world-class courses and curriculum, led by engaging instructors known for deep expertise in their field. You鈥檒l learn alongside other curious Osher members across the country, all in a virtual, lively, and conversation-centered weekly session. 

An Osher Online Member Orientation will be provided on January 7 at 11 a.m. for those registered. Enroll in the Osher Online course(s) of your choice with OLLI at Pacific

PLEASE NOTE: THESE CLASSES ARE NOT RECORDED 

$65 Per Course (6 Sessions Each)

The Virtues

Date: Wednesdays, January 14 鈥� February 18, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. (90 minutes)

Location: ZOOM

Fee: $65

Instructor:  David Smith, PhD

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鈥攕uch as honesty, courage, compassion, and respect鈥攁nd consider practical ways to cultivate them in daily life. The full series may be taught as two separate courses. 

The Magic Behind Film Scores: Exploring the Role of Music in Great Movies

Date: Wednesdays, January 14 鈥� February 18, 2026

Time: 2 p.m. (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor: Mike Agron

Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles鈥攋azz, classical, pop鈥攊nto 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.

Heroes of the Holocaust: Lights in the Darkness

Date: Wednesdays, January 14 鈥� February 18, 2026

Time: Noon (90 Minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor: Howard Kerner, BA, MA

When we think of the Holocaust, we recall the horrors perpetrated by evildoers. Even in humanity鈥檚 darkest hours, courageous individuals risked everything to save lives. This course sheds light on these little-known rescuers鈥攐rdinary people who defied laws, resisted hate and acted with moral clarity and compassion. Their uplifting stories are powerful reminders of resilience, morality and hope. 

Invisible Intelligence: The Unseen Algorithms Reshaping Your Daily Life

Date: Thursdays, January 15 鈥� February 19, 2026

Time: 2 p.m. (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor: Eliot Bethke

Artificial Intelligence (AI) shapes our daily lives insubtle yet powerful ways. In this non-technical course, we will explore six case studies that reveal how AI systems work, the ethics behind machine decision-making and the impact of these technologies on our world. We will gain a deeper understanding of AI鈥檚 current influence鈥攁nd the possibilities ahead. 

How the US Immigration System (Usually) Works

Date: Fridays, January 16 鈥� February 20, 2026

Time: 8 a.m. (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor: Michele Waslin, PhD

Immigration has always been a complex and emotional issue in US 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 UnitedStates.

The American Revolution Beyond the British Empire

Date: Saturdays, January 17 鈥� February 21, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor: Rick Bell, PhD

This course reframes the American Revolution as a global event shaped by imperial rivalries and geopolitical forces. Each session focuses on a different group鈥擥ermans, French, Spaniards, South Asians and others鈥攔evealing 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. 

Japanese History through the Lens of Sh艒gun

Date: Tuesdays, January 20 鈥� February 24, 2026

Time: 4 p.m. (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor: Megan McClory

Inspired by the 2024 FX mini-series Sh艒gun, this course explores Japan鈥檚 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鈥檚 political, cultural and artistic shifts. For fans of the series or those new to Japanese history, this course offers a rich, accessible introduction.

Dealing in Futures: The Shape of Science Fiction

Date: Tuesdays, January 20 鈥� February 24, 2026

Time: Noon (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor: Gary Wolfe

From pulp origins to mainstream dominance, science fiction has evolved into a powerful storytelling form that explores new worlds, ideas and ways of thinking. This course traces the genre鈥檚 growth over two centuries, distinguishing it from fantasy and myth, and highlighting key authors who shaped its direction. We will discover how science fiction reflects cultural change and reimagines the future.

Pharmaceuticals and Poisons: Chemistry at the Edge

Date: Thursdays, January 22 鈥� February 26, 2026

Time: Noon (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor: Johnnie Hendrickson, PhD

Some substances heal, others harm鈥攁nd 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鈥檚 industrial roots to Gila monster hormones, participants will uncover the fascinating, sometimes unsettling chemistry behind what we choose to swallow.

John James Audubon and the Birds of America

Date: Thursdays, January 22 鈥� February 26, 2026

Time: 8 a.m. (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor: Eric Simon, PhD

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鈥檚 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. 

Einstein without Tears: His Theories Explained without Math and in Everyday Language

Date: Tuesdays, January 27 鈥� March 3, 2026

Time: 2 p.m. (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor: Andrew Fraknoi, MS

Explore the fascinating world of Albert Einstein鈥檚 theories鈥攏o 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鈥檚 predictions and why his work remains a source of wonder for both scientists and science fiction fans.

The History of American Television

Date: Monday, January 26 - March 2, 2026

Time: Noon (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor: Jim McKairnes

This engaging, video-rich course tells the story of American television鈥攆rom its 1920s origins to today鈥檚 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鈥攐ne broadcast, cable channel and streaming service at a time.

History of Sicily

Date: Monday, January 26 - March 2, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor:  Douglas Kenning, PhD

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鈥檚 story is rich, complex and central to Western history. This course explores its pivotal role in shaping civilization鈥攁nd why Goethe famously said, 鈥淭o have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all."

Landscape & Adventure Photography: An Introduction

Date: Monday, January 26 - March 2, 2026

Time: Noon (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor:  Jonathan Duncan

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 slideillustrated lectures, group discussions and ample time for student feedback. 

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: A Comparative Exploration

Date: Thursdays, January 29 鈥� March 5, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

Instructor:  Jeremy Fackenthal, PhD

Explore the rituals, beliefs and writings of Judaism, Christianity and Islam through a comparative lens. This course examines where these Abrahamic religions overlap and diverge, offering insights into their shared monotheistic roots and unique traditions. We will read key texts from each faith and gain a deeper understand ing of how these religions shape meaning, practice and identity. 

Osher Integrative Health: Navigating Chronic Illness in a Complex Healthcare System

Date: Fridays, January 30 鈥� March 6, 2026

Time: Noon (90 minutes)

Fee: $65

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鈥檚 increasingly complex healthcare environment. Topics will focus on wholeperson care, patient empowerment and practical strategies for managing long-term health concerns.