OLLI–UO in Portland
Find a group that fits your interests.
The following study and discussion groups meet weekly unless otherwise specified. All members are welcome to attend these sessions. Past participation is not required. For questions, study materials or more information on these groups, please call the OLLI-UO in Portland office at 503-412-3653.
Tuesdays
A History of Hitler’s Empire [DVD discussion group]
10:30 a.m.–noon
“How could Adolf Hitler and the Nazis come to power in such a highly educated, industrially developed country at the very heart of Western culture and civilization? What did Germans think they were getting when they voted National Socialist? Why was there apparently so little resistance? What made the regime popular at home? How were the Nazis able to seize control of the press, the radio, the courts, and the police with so little trouble?” (http://bit.ly/j5e0AH)
Lectures in this course will be devoted to the rise of the Nazis between 1919 and 1933, the repercussions of the Versailles Treaty in Germany, the Third Reich in power, and his conduct of foreign policy from 1933–1939.
Coming in August: The Story of Human Language
Wednesdays
World’s Greatest Paintings [DVD discussion group]
10:30 a.m.–noon
“Embark on a compelling tour of some of the most significant paintings in Western art. Distinguished art historian and Professor William Kloss reveals a group of works that span the fourteenth century to the twentieth and that—in his expert judgment—rank among the greatest paintings ever made. As you explore one of the supreme legacies of human life, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable encounter with daring and sublime works of art.” (http://tinyurl. com/3ar6t3s) Facilitator: Jean Baker.
Potpourri Programs
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Lectures, discussion groups, and short series on a variety of topics will be held on Wednesday afternoons.
July 6: Social Media Through the OLLI Blog [lecture/discussion]
This presentation will provide a brief introduction to the idea of social media and the ways in which we can engage in it. Laptop computers will be provided. UO Digital Designer Skipper McFarlane will lead this interactive session.
July 13: Cleopatra, the First Woman of Power [DVD study group]
Her brilliant strategy and strong leadership will be examined. Facilitator: Lynn Hingson.
July 20: The Latest in Urban Architecture—Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF) Architects [lecture/discussion]
Using PowerPoint slides, ZGF architect Craig Briscoe will lead OLLI-UO members through their headquarter design project and talk about the hottest trends in architecture: sustainability and design, as well as discuss the current climate of Portland architecture.
July 27: Author Event—Portland’s Goose Hollow [lecture/discussion]
Historian Dr. Tracy J. Prince will speak about her new book, Portland’s Goose Hollow. In her presentation, Prince will show slides of Goose Hollow, one of Portland’s oldest neighborhoods, through its amazing transformation as well as answer definitively how Goose Hollow got its name.
Thursdays
Extra Innings, 10:30 a.m.–noon
As “third agers,” we are experiencing, for the first time in human history, thirty additional years of healthy life.
This experimental discussion course will utilize emerging findings from the science of gerontology as well as gerogogy, defined as self-directed learning using life experience as a platform. This discussion course is not a life-review course. Class discussion will not only allow participants to look back on past experiences, but will encourage participants to look ahead as they travel through their third age.
Film Group, 12:15–2:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Phil Silverman. Selected films explore a particular topic or theme chosen by OLLI members.
- July 7: Raise the Red Lantern by director Yimou Zhang (125 minutes)
- July 21: Eat Drink Man Woman by director Ang Lee (124 minutes)
Literati, [see times below]
In July, Literati will tackle one novel as well as view a film that compliments the selection. Facilitator: Andy Raubeson.
- July 14, 1:00–2:30 p.m. Discussion of Our Kind of Traitor by John le Carré
- July 28, 12:15–2:30 p.m. Viewing of The Constant Gardener (129 minutes)
Leaving a Trace: Writing About Your Life, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
“Lou Willett Stanek, Ph.D. says in her book; ‘writing from memory allows you to time-travel, to zoom back to people and places you have not seen in years. Buckle your seat belt. This trip could be the exhilarating escapade you’ve been itching for. Learning to see when you have moved to near to Narcissus’ pool, you will show how you have learned from highs and lows, changed and grown. Prepare for having fun in the process.’
“This group is an opportunity to encourage yourself to write to explore what it means, to tell others and to enjoy the adventure. A journey into your past. It will also be a chance to put down all of those stories that you want your children and grandchildren to remember, and chance to tell your story your way. A gift to leave to your family.
“You will go to the store and see shelves of beautiful covered journals, and just plan black covered ones, it is your choice. My personal style includes, drawings and scraps of things collected, like tickets from theater in London, matchbook from a ship, photos. Your journal and your process is yours, no rules. The important thing is to enter into this adventure, look back, stay in the present, but write it down.
“I hope this will be a fun time for all as we write and sometimes share, telling our stories.” Facilitator: Judi McGavin.
