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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute announces courses for summer 2026

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The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt invites the community to explore new ideas and connect with fellow lifelong learners through a wide-ranging lineup of summer courses for adults ages 50 and older.

This summer’s offerings span history, literature, film, photography, wellness, gardening, religion and the arts. Participants can examine storytelling in film and theater, study influential moments in world and American history, explore cultural traditions and discover creative outlets through courses in calligraphy, improv and landscape photography.

Being a member of OLLI at Vanderbilt means being part of an ongoing learning community built around curiosity, conversation and connection beyond the classroom. Members have access to a variety of benefits, including free parking, Lunch and Learn programs, Vanderbilt Library privileges, bookstore discounts, educational events and special programming opportunities across the university community. Learn more about membership benefits, costs and registration information on the .

Whether participants are revisiting a familiar subject or exploring something entirely new, offers opportunities to continue learning and engaging with others throughout the summer term.

REGISTRATION

Registration for summer classes is open June 1–28. Classes begin July 6. Visit to register.

Vanderbilt faculty and staff are eligible for a discount on course registration. Contact oshervu@vanderbilt.edu to learn more.

COURSES OFFERED

History, politics and global affairs

  • Discovering Portugal
  • Canals and the Making of the Modern World
  • Revolutionary Echoes in Washington, D.C.
  • The Indispensable Founder: George Washington
  • How Hitler Came to Power
  • Tennessee During the Era of the American Revolution

Arts, literature and performance

  • How Films Tell Stories
  • Children’s Literature: The Development of a Genre
  • On Good Authority: Poetry and the Majesty of the Will
  • Broadway Musicals: A Fascinating History
  • From Page to Stage: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  • Improv Theater

Creative arts and design

  • Landscape Photography
  • Basic Strokes in Calligraphy
  • Women Architects and Designers

Science and nature

  • Horticulture A–Z
  • Oddity Geology
  • Garden Ready: Planning, Planting and Growing in Tennessee

Society, culture and religion

  • Endless Grounds: Coffee’s Social, Economic and Cultural Life
  • Hindu Traditions: Ritual, Knowledge, Devotion
  • History of Signs: How Signs Tell America’s Story
  • The Digital Shift: How Computing Remade Media

Health, wellness and practical living

  • Gentle Yoga
  • Elder Law in a Nutshell
  • Protecting Yourself as a Patient

For complete course descriptions, instructor information and registration details, visit . The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is part of Vanderbilt’s Division of Government and Community Relations.