The multitude of conflicts that exist worldwide today include Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, Mali, Ukraine, Syria, Ethiopia, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This list is not comprehensive; many other "less major" conflicts are also ongoing which involve barbarism, torture, and the outright slaughter of large swaths of populations.
We are delighted to announce that two longtime OLLI faculty members — Beverly Crawford and Bruce Elliott — are this year's recipients of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute's Excellence in Teaching and Learning award. Please join us in honoring these two stellar scholars on Wednesday, May 22, from 12:15–12:45 PM, in person at Freight & Salvage in downtown Berkeley or online.
Dr. Crawford, professor emerita of Political Science, has opened our eyes and minds to subjects of critical importance, from global conflicts and the refugee crisis, to the perniciousness of disinformation.
Dr. Elliott, an instructor in European History, has expanded how we view great works through the ages, most recently in "Experiencing Nature through the History of Art."
“Our connection to campus gives us access to world-class faculty, and it’s one of the great strengths of our program," explains OLLI Director Susan Hoffman. "We instituted this award as a way to formally recognize the contributions that UC Berkeley faculty make to OLLI. Both Beverly and Bruce have taught with us for more than fifteen years, each deepening our understanding of the world in their own unique ways. We are grateful to them for sharing their passion for lifelong learning with our members."
Berkeley professors Linda Rugg, Darren Zook, Alex Saragoza, and Daniel Kammen are past recipients.
Light refreshments and sparkling beverages will be served in the lobby immediately following the ceremony.
Well, that went by fast! Join us for an End-of-Term Happy Hour on Thursday, May 23, 3:30–6 PM, at Zino (2086 Allston Way, Berkeley) in the Hotel Shattuck. Come meet and mingle. All are welcome! This is a no-host (but yes-fun!) gathering organized by OLLI's Member Services Committee. No need to RSVP. Hope to see you there!
Join us for a new season of learning and discovery in in-person and online courses, plus in Summer Shorts — one-time livestreamed and recorded events open to members and non-members. Classes run through June. Video recordings and all course materials will remain available to view and enjoy through Aug. 31.
Delivered from Jordan, this lecture offers a take on current realities in the Middle East as experienced both in daily life and in news media representations. What does the view from Jordan look like, and how does it differ from that view which Americans are receiving? How does the war in Gaza impact not just Israelis and Palestinians, but the wider social and cultural fabric of the Middle East, and the sociopolitical realities of the wider world?
Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, Marwan Hanania received his Ph.D. in History from Stanford. He teaches history at Santa Clara University. His research interests and areas of focus include the modern Middle East, urban history, refugees and migration, Christian-Muslim relations, the history of Islam, the late Ottoman period, and European empires.
Summer Shorts are one-time livestreamed and recorded seminars open to OLLI @Berkeley members and non-members. Just $30 a Short. Shorts take place on Fridays in June, from 10–noon.
This Summer Short explores the phenomenon known as Conspiracy Theory in culture and history. Here, we’re not concerned with particular conspiracy theories; we’re looking at Conspiracy Theory as an archetypal structure around which particular stories form. On the one hand, we’ll examine the psychological mechanisms that give this type of narrative its seductive appeal. On the other, we’ll look at when and where in history this type of narrative has flared up most aggressively; we’ll ask what those periods had in common; and we’ll consider what this implies for the metastasizing Conspiracy Theory of our own times.
Tamim Ansary writes about history, culture, identity, and the issues that arise in zones where civilizations overlap. His books include Destiny Disrupted, A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes, and The Invention of Yesterday, which explores world history as an interaction among global narratives.
Summer Shorts are one-time livestreamed and recorded seminars open to OLLI @Berkeley members and non-members. Just $30 a Short. Shorts take place on Fridays in June, from 10–noon.
Throughout her career, Beyoncé has celebrated the women who have shaped her growth, thus engaging in the Black feminist tradition of citation. Bianca C. Williams reminds us that “[Black feminist] citational practices not only concern an individual knowledge-making journey but also connect to mentoring and community-building.” We will explore this practice in three of Beyonce’s masterworks: Lemonade, Homecoming, and Renaissance. How might we think about Beyoncé’s shout outs as an act of resistance that highlights the unrecognized work of Black women artists? What are the limits and possibilities of such gestures? And how might Beyoncé’s citational practice model new approaches to creating counternarratives that center Black women?
Sarita Cannon is professor of English at San Francisco State University, where she teaches 20th-century U.S. Literatures. She is the author of Black-Native Autobiographical Acts: Navigating the Minefields of Authenticity (Lexington Books, 2021).
Professor Cannon is an extraordinary teacher. Her discussions, videos and passages read aloud were thought provoking and insightful.
Summer Shorts are one-time livestreamed and recorded seminars open to OLLI @Berkeley members and non-members. Just $30 a Short. Shorts take place on Fridays in June, from 10–noon.