Courses

Take an Unlimited Number of Courses at the Osher Campus

Peer-led courses form the core of our program and are offered in four terms: fall, winter, spring, and summer.  Our 50+ course offerings per term, in areas such as the arts, mathematics and finance, film, history, current events, government, language and literature, and science and technology, are presented in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where there are no tests or other “measurement” criteria. We encourage interaction and discussion in every class. Your membership fee allows you to take as many courses per term as you would like, at no additional charge. With three class periods per day, you could take as many as 14 classes per week if you were so inclined!  Click the button below to view our current course catalog that contains the schedule and detailed course descriptions.

Do you find lectures and videos difficult to follow, or are you hard-of-hearing? We have an Assistive Listening System with both headsets and around-the-neck loops (for those of you with hearing aids equipped with T-switches). Stop by the front desk and ask about how we can help you hear better in your classes.

Check out our current course catalog

You are sure to find something that engages, informs, and inspires.

Spring 2023 Course Catalog

Audit Unlimited RIT Undergraduate Courses on the Main Campus

Full-Year members can audit eligible* RIT undergraduate courses for free as part of your membership (but you do not earn college credits). The cost of auditing just one 3-credit course at RIT is more than $750 so this is an amazing Osher member benefit!  

Search the RIT online course catalog for available undergraduate courses. Make sure to choose "RIT Main" as the campus.

When you have found a course(s), complete the auditing form (coming soon).

*Courses that are full, have a waitlist, and/or have associated labs/studios are not eligible for auditing. 

Lead an Osher Course

Some people say teaching is the best way to learn. At Osher, courses are developed and peer-led by fellow members as it fosters a sense of community in, and ownership of, the program. No previous teaching experience is required, just a desire to share with others your knowledge or passion for a topic. Class members are energetic, curious, and have a lot of life experience to bring to the discussion. In keeping with our mission, course topics are primarily academically oriented. Prior to each term, course proposals are submitted to and reviewed by the Course Offerings Committee. Course proposals include the course title and description, the text or materials that will be used, the type of instruction planned (i.e. lecture, discussion, seminar) the length of the course, and other pertinent information. Leading a short, one-session class gives you the opportunity to "try out" course leadership to see if it is for you! Mentoring for new course leaders is available.

Go to the Resources page to fill out the Course Proposal Form. Mentoring for new course leaders is available.