KU, Ottawa University announce spring courses in Ottawa

LAWRENCE — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Kansas will again partner with Ottawa University to offer courses in Ottawa for adults 50 and older. 

“The Golden Age of Television” and “Explaining Thomas Jefferson” will be offered in the Ward Science Building on the campus of Ottawa University starting March 4.

“The Golden Age of Television” takes an insider’s look at the rapid growth of comedy-variety shows and original and classic dramas produced for live television for the period between World War II and the 1960s. These programs were a training ground for up-and-coming writers, producers and actors. Participants will enjoy clips from “I Love Lucy,” ”Camel News Caravan with John Cameron Swayze," Jack Benny, Ed Sullivan, “Playhouse 90,” “The Lone Ranger,” Howdy Doody and Captain Video.

Instructor David Wilson, former director of the Osher Institute at KU, received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in TV and film and spent 40 years in public broadcasting. The course will be 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Mondays from March 4 to March 18 in Room 101 Ward Science Building, 1001 South Cedar St., Ottawa.

“Exploring Thomas Jefferson” examines some of the third U.S. president’s idiosyncrasies. Participants will learn of his self-indulgences, puzzling contradictions between his successes and failures, his not-so-secret lifelong relationship with slave Sally Hemings, and a host of other details.

Instructor Norm Ledgin has a master’s degree in political science from Rutgers University and is author of the scholarly book “Diagnosing Jefferson” and recently released book about Sally Hemings, “Sally of Monticello: Founding Mother.” The course will take place from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays April 9-23 in Room 101, Ward Science Building, 1001 South Cedar St., Ottawa.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at KU, in partnership with Ottawa University, develops programs for people 50 and older but welcomes lifelong learners of all ages who can enroll in courses and special events for as little as $10. In addition to Ottawa, courses are offered in Lawrence, Topeka, Olathe, Lenexa and Overland Park.

For more information on courses at all locations or to register, visit www.osher.ku.edu or call toll free (877) 404-5823 or (785) 864-5823.