July 29, 2025 — Did you know your brain craves certain types of exercise? And music? And play! Gerontologist Kelsey Uyeda will explore the science of brain health with “The Brain And…,” one of 13 courses offered during the Fall I session of CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).
Registration for the Fall I Session begins Aug. 4, with three and six-week courses running from Aug. 18 through Sept. 26. Discover timely topics ranging from mind and body to current events, as well as a selection of art, history and topics just for fun.
Included in the realm of mind and body is “Qigong Breathwork” by BJ Fan, Ph.D., who
will familiarize participants with the ancient Chinese practice that combines stretching,
meditation and breathwork to support overall health. 
Current events and the history that seeded them will be covered with classes such as “Exploring Past and Present: Presidencies of Jackson and McKinley,” taught by Professor Emeritus of Political Science at California Lutheran University Herbert Gooch, Ph.D., and “Ring of Fire: The Emerging Crisis in the South China Seas” taught by former Carnegie Mellon University History instructor Jared Day, Ph.D.
CSU San Marcos Associate Professor of Middle East History Abrahim Al-Marashi, Ph.D., will look at a topic on the other side of the world with “The History of Iraq and Iran,” while historian and native German Anette Isaacs will cover a nation farther north that also has a turbulent history with “Germany at a Crossroads: 35 Years after Unification.” Former Special Assistant to President Reagan for Defense and Foreign Policy Linas Kojelis will explain the nuts and bolts of foreign policy with “U.S. Foreign Policy Formation - 1789 – Present,” including the opportunities and obstacles the U.S. faces in terms of foreign policy in the 21st Century.
CSUCI adjunct History instructor Cliff Wilcox, Ph.D., will discuss the dynamic nature of history in “Key Controversies in American History: Interpretation, Politics and Revisionism Part I,” through an examination of historical events including such as the Salem Witch trials, the evolution of the Thanksgiving holiday and Christopher Columbus sailing to America—a discovery for Europeans, but not the native people already living there.
CSUCI Assistant Professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies Bridget Groat, Ph.D., will introduce OLLI participants to the rich variations inside Native American communities from spirituality to geography to language and more with “Diversity in Native American Communities.”
“An Introduction to Latin American History” taught by former CSUCI History lecturer Michael Powelson, Ph.D., will cover the rich tapestry that is Latin America with a comprehensive look at the history of our neighbor to the south from pre-Columbian to present day.
Explore art from various perspectives through courses including “The History and Mystery of Color,” taught by Distinguished Instructor of Design History at UCLA Extension Eleanor Schrader, and “Divine Collectors and Devious Dealers,” taught by art and art crime specialist Christine Maasdam.
The Fall I session also ventures out of this world, as CSUCI lecturer and planetary scientist Renee French, Ph.D. invites OLLI members to “blast off” with her and explore the galaxy in “Introduction to the Solar System.”
But there’s more…OLLI is offering two bonus classes at the end of the summer.
“If they are so ordered, can the military fire on demonstrators?” Find out from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on July 31, when retired Rear Admiral and 30-year military veteran/physician Dr. Michael Baker presents “The Role of the Military in Domestic Law Enforcement” via Zoom for $15. To register, visit the OLLI Events Page.
As fire season approaches, OLLI is offering a free seminar on August 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. To join “Get to Know Your Fire Department with Division Chief Nick Cleary” in person at Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo, visit: In person. To join via Zoom: visit Zoom
OLLI’s Fall I courses are offered in-person, on Zoom or a hybrid combo of both, with locations in Camarillo, Ventura, and Thousand Oaks. OLLI members can also register for 17 additional six-week Zoom courses through Osher Online. Classes cost $36 for each three-week course and $72 for each six-week course. Take unlimited OLLI at CSUCI courses for $180 for individuals and $270 for couples. The $20 Annual Membership fee for the 2025-2026 Academic Year is due for all individuals taking classes in Fall I. To register, visit: Fall I OLLI.
The University encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, events and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the respective area below as soon as possible, but no later than seven (7) business days prior to the event/activity: CSUCI Students: accommodations@csuci.edu; CSUCI Employees and members of the public: angela.portillo@csuci.edu