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Taboo language can reveal a culture’s ideals and history. From Roman graffiti to Clark Gable’s famous “damn,” studying cussing opens a window onto values, religion, gender expectations, and social power. “When I got my mouth washed out with soap as a kid,” says instructor Geoffrey Stacks, “I learned firsthand that taboo language is about more than words, it’s about what a culture values and fears.” As author Melissa Mohr observes, “People swear about what they care about,” so tracing taboo words over time uncovers evolving societal values.

We begin with a historical overview of swearing and how its meanings have shifted. Ancient Roman insults reveal what they prized; a medieval medical text uses the c-word before it became obscene; and Victorian prudery over piano “legs” shows how culture shapes and censors language.

Next, the course examines swearing and law. From the FCC’s obscenity rules to George Carlin’s Seven Words routine and today’s media landscape, we explore how societies regulate speech. Finally, Stacks investigates what swearing reveals about the human brain. Why do some people with Tourette’s utter taboo words? Why can people with aphasia lose speech but still curse? Through the lens of taboo language, you’ll gain insight into our biological and cultural relationship with words.

This course explores explicit language and its cultural context. Some taboo words will be referenced, but students won’t say them aloud. 

What made American Bandstand more than just a dance show? From its debut in 1952 to its final broadcast in 1989, the program shaped teen identity, influenced fashion, broke racial barriers, and launched music careers. In this lively two-part course, educators Barb Kreisman and Jack Kronser will explore the show’s enduring cultural legacy, share behind-the-scenes stories, and reflect on how Bandstand influenced them while growing up. As they recall, “Watching every afternoon, we felt connected to something bigger—Bandstand shaped our tastes, our dancing, and our sense of belonging as teenagers.”

Part one examines Bandstand as a cultural time capsule. Experience the excitement of the opening theme and vintage title cards, then revisit how the show introduced a national teen culture long before social media. We’ll discuss the program’s role in spotlighting Black performers and interracial dancing on national TV, while tracing the rise of dance crazes from the Stroll and the Twist to the Hustle and the Moonwalk. Through music clips, Rate-a-Record activities, and audience reflections, we’ll uncover why Bandstand became a symbol of American youth.

Part two takes you backstage to discover insider stories about the move from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, teen dancer fan clubs, and the controversy of lip-sync versus live performances. We’ll examine Dick Clark’s influence on the record industry, including the “payola” scandals and his reputation as a music mogul. Comparisons with Soul Train, MTV, and TikTok reveal how media culture has evolved—and what might make Bandstand work today. Add in fashion-through-the-decades show-and-tell, trivia challenges, an audience-voted Bandstand Hall of Fame, and we’ll close with a finale dance party worthy of “Bandstand Boogie.”

Glass blowing, a time-honored art form with roots tracing back to 27 BC in ancient Babylon, is experiencing a renaissance in recent times thanks to popular TV shows like Blown Away, which features artisans taking part in glass-blowing competitions. In a groundbreaking addition to the Enrichment Program, glass-blowing expert Jon Wade instructs this special hands-on course in borosilicate lampworking over two, three-hour sessions. This class is structured for the total beginner and no prior knowledge or experience is expected. Wade helps you develop a basic understanding of the torches and tools used to shape glass as well as some fun, artistic techniques. The course also covers the history of glass, shop safety, proper kiln usage, and creating both hollow and solid objects.

With your own torch, you complete multiple projects that include a pendant depicting a reflective space scene, a beautiful blown holiday ornament, as well as some fun surprises. Plus, learn how to add color to the clear glass using crushed pieces of colored glass called frit. You’re given a vibrant spectrum of colors of glass frit to mix and match for your project as well as silver powder for your space pendant. All torches, safety equipment and other required materials are provided courtesy of the course’s sponsors.

Pining for Paris? Jonesing for a bite of good art (along with a fresh pain au chocolat)? Take an imaginative journey to the great museums of the French capital with art historian and Denver Art Museum educator Molly Medakovich. For centuries, Paris has been a cultural darling of Europe and an international center for art, and its famous museums house some of the most treasured masterpieces in the world. Explore the backstories of the Louvre’s Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa (how’d they get there, anyway?), Monet’s water lilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie, the dazzling “unicorn tapestries” at the Musée Cluny, and other must-see paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts housed in the city’s museums. Brush up on the long, fascinating history of the Louvre (did you know it served as the palace of the French kings for centuries?) and jump head-first into the once-shocking Centre Pompidou, a center for modern and contemporary art whose radical design was pejoratively described as an “oil refinery” by some critics when it debuted in the l970s. Discover some of the hidden gems on Paris’s map of museums with virtual visits to the Musée Rodin and its verdant gardens, the intimate environment of the Musée Jacquemart-André, a wonderland of 18th-century decorative arts and painting, or the new kid on the block in the Bois de Boulogne, La Fondation Louis Vuitton. In addition to savoring these art historical highlights, learn how Paris’s museums shed light on the rich, layered history of this dynamic city of art and culture.

If there was ever a moment to sharpen your understanding of global affairs, today is that time. Around the world, geopolitical pressures are reshaping economies, alliances, and the daily realities of nations and people. In this course, Scott McLagan, emeritus professor of management and Amanda Cahal, Director of Global EMBA Programs at DU’s Daniels College of Business, offer a clear, engaging, and practical look at the forces driving global change in 2026.

The class features three, two-hour sessions where we explore the big-picture macro trends of globalization—from shifting power dynamics and demographic pressures to energy transitions, technological competition, and new patterns of trade. Participants will learn a geopolitical analysis framework that provides a structured lens for interpreting global events, assessing risk, and understanding the interdependence between politics, markets, and national interests.

We will then apply that framework to today’s most consequential hotspots. Topics include the evolving trajectory of the Russia–Ukraine war, the humanitarian and regional implications of the Gaza conflict, the strategic competition surrounding China and the Indo-Pacific, political and economic instability in Venezuela, and the worldwide ripple effects of tariffs and protectionism.

Whether you follow world events regularly or want to deepen your global fluency, this course delivers the insights needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Dance is Healing is an inclusive movement workshop, founded by Paige Fraser-Hoffman. This program blends ballet and modern dance with a deep focus on awareness and wellness. Participants will learn the foundations of Modern dance technique, while also prioritizing breath work, mobility, and alignment.

Participants can expect a supportive space where and personal expression are prioritized over perfection. Ms. Fraser brings together her contemporary dance training and her perspective as a scoliosis advocate to create a class that’s inclusive of all bodies and movement abilities. Whether you’re returning to dance or stepping into it for the first time, this class offers an opportunity to move with freedom, awareness, and care.

You will learn foundational modern dance techniques while incorporating breath work, alignment practices and mobility exercises. Rather than seeking perfection, this class emphasizes self-expression, body positivity and creative engagement. Drawing from her extensive professional training (at The Alvin Ailey School) and her journey as a scoliosis advocate, Fraser-Hoffman designs each session to meet the needs of all bodies and movement levels.

Participants will engage in visual modeling, verbal cues and real-time feedback. A complete warm-up, guided movement phrases, and a calming cool-down are included. Journaling prompts will be offered to deepen personal insight and integration—so please bring a journal along with a yoga mat. Wear clothing that allows ease of movement. No dance experience is required—just a willingness to explore and connect.

Discover or rediscover the joy of movement in a vibrant, expressive and embodied way. Come as you are. Move how you feel. Let’s dance toward deeper connection—in body, breath, and community.

Participants should wear comfortable athletic clothing or sweats and bring a yoga mat and journal for note-taking; you'll be barefoot for this class. Please ensure you have enough clear floor space to lie down on your back and move side to side comfortably, removing any furniture or objects that could pose a safety hazard. This session includes a complete warm-up, guided movement phrases, and cool-down, with the instructor demonstrating all movements and providing both visual and verbal cues throughout, along with regular check-ins to ensure everyone is comfortable and following along.

We invite you to join us for a preview of the 2026 and 2027 Pioneer Journeys alumni travel portfolio. In this Zoom webinar, we will walk you through a curated collection of small-group adventures—from the Norwegian fjords, Alaska, Madagascar, Cuba, Costa Rica, Antarctica and more. These programs, traditionally offered to DU alumni, parents and friends, are now being introduced to OLLI Enrichment as an exciting new travel option.

You’ll see how each itinerary is crafted for curious travelers, with rich educational content, well-located hotels and ships, built-in free time, and chances to connect with your travel companions. We’ll also outline pricing basics, what’s typically included, how faculty hosts enhance the experience, and what kind of traveler is the best fit for each departure.

Bring your questions; there will be time for Q&A, plus guidance on how to choose the right journey, when to book, and how you can sign up and find detailed itineraries on the Pioneer Journeys website. If you’re thinking about a big trip in 2026 or 2027, this is where you start.

Just about everywhere you look today you can see artificial intelligence (AI) in products and services, from cars to cameras, TVs to shopping and crafts to education. But once you’re done with the demos, the question remains: How can AI actually improve your daily life? In this course, tech expert and DU professor Dave Taylor shares how you can use AI to improve almost everything in your life. The class is broken down into four areas: texting with AI, talking to AI, creating images with AI and using AI for creative writing. If you attended this course in a previous session, you’re encouraged to join us again—there will be new tools, examples and hands-on practice to deepen your skills.

If you’re worried about AI and privacy, Taylor covers that too, along with ethical implications of using AI for creative work. “Our primary focus is on how to continue with your regular daily activities, but have them be AI infused, smarter and more streamlined,” Taylor says. “One key skill you learn is how to use AI to fact check your own communications, whether text messages, email or articles. Join us to go beyond demos and master AI in no time.”

Please note: Students are asked to sign up for a ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini account prior to class. “There are hundreds of AI systems, but those are the tools we focus on in this course,” Taylor says.

How did Denver’s Japanese-American community take root, and what lies ahead for its future? Join Cody Walizer, PhD, assistant teaching professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, and civic leader Derek Okubo for an on-site exploration of history, culture and identity at Sakura Square in downtown Denver. Through storytelling, historical analysis and guided experiences including a walking tour, food tastings and cultural exchange, you’ll encounter the layered past and evolving future of this vital community.

Together we’ll explore the lived experiences of pre-war migrant workers, the wartime incarceration of Japanese-Americans and the resilience of post-war generations. Walizer brings academic depth and lived perspective on Japanese-American identity and cultural belonging, while Okubo shares community-based insights drawn from his decades of civic engagement and leadership. The course also looks ahead to pressing challenges and preserving sites like Amache, while reflecting on how Asian-American voices are situated in today’s civic landscape. Along the way, participants will gain opportunities to connect historic struggles with contemporary conversations about race, belonging and civic participation. Come away with a deeper appreciation for the Japanese-American community’s enduring influence in Colorado and an understanding of how its traditions, struggles and contributions shape the future.

Please Note: Sakura Square is currently under construction, and some areas might involve tight space or uneven ground. The classroom space is on the second floor and is only accessible by stairs. Parking will be provided at the onsite parking garage.

Prairies, forests and wetlands at our latitude come alive in April and May with a rich diversity of birds that only weeks earlier were wintering in habitats ranging from the southern United States and Mexico to Central America and northern South America. Who are they? Join Colorado birding expert Ted Floyd for two evening lectures and two field sessions covering the whys and wherefores of one of nature’s grandest spectacles: the spring migration of birds. Start your birding journey in the classroom where Ted discusses the questions we’ve all asked since childhood: Why do birds migrate in the first place? How do they know where to go? He’ll also explore birds’ amazing physical feat of flying hundreds or even thousands of miles in a relatively short time. Discover modern resources for enjoying bird migration that contribute to basic science about avian biology, including digital recorders and cameras, smartphones, apps, and software such as eBird and iNaturalist. In the field, at destinations within a 60-minute drive of campus, experience direct contact with scores of bird species, many of them on migration layovers or in the process of actually migrating. In addition to watching and listening, record your sightings and upload your data to global databases used by scientists to monitor and protect bird populations. Come away with a new understanding of one of nature’s most magnificent and mind-boggling annual spectacles.

The Saturday field trips involve walking several miles on level, well-maintained trails.

There are 18 species of penguins in the world. We will explore 7 species that have accepted the frigid waters and icy shores of the Antarctic region as home. What life strategies have made them successful in this harsh and unforgiving environment? How do they find their mates, secure enough food to raise their chicks and protect themselves from predators? These penguins, and a host of other birds and animals have relied on the environment, food supply and protection of Antarctica to survive for millions of years. Man discovered Antarctica barely 200 years ago. In that short time man’s presence on this remote continent has affected the penguin population as well as the other creatures that call Antarctica their home. How has climate change, commercial fishing, large scale hunting, and ocean pollution contributed to stress on the population and existence of these Antarctica natives? What will their future be like? Lots of fun stories and recent research findings will be presented to help answer these questions.

Across Colorado, gardeners are saving water, supporting biodiversity and beautifying their yards with native plants. But what does it really mean to garden for pollinators and wildlife? In this two-session course, you will explore the growing “native plant” movement and how to be part of it.

In our first session, we’ll debunk common myths about pollinator-friendly gardening and discover why native plants are essential to local ecosystems. We’ll also review flowers, shrubs and trees you can add this spring to provide three seasons of blooms and year-round habitat. In our second session, we’ll dig deeper into landscaping practices that sustain the full life cycles of bees, butterflies and birds. Along the way, you’ll meet some of the common—and not so common—species you might encounter in your own garden. Time permitting, we’ll also discuss how to elevate your practices by participating in citizen-science projects that contribute to broader conservation efforts.

As both a gardener and sociologist, Jared Del Rosso believes that what we cultivate matters—to other species, our communities, and the future of biodiversity. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning, you’ll come away with practical, inspiring strategies for creating a thriving, sustainable yard. While the course focuses on CO native plants, much of what it covers is adaptable to other places.

Are supplements essential for good health, or are many simply marketing hype? In this engaging two-hour workshop, Registered Dietitian Jessie McGinty helps you make sense of the confusing supplement industry by providing clear, evidence-based guidance. Designed for adults of all backgrounds, this session is especially valuable for those looking to take a more proactive and informed approach to lifelong wellness.

“With so much conflicting information online and in the media, it’s easy to feel unsure about which supplements are truly beneficial, which may be unnecessary and how to tell the difference”, says McGinty. We’ll cut through the noise to examine commonly used supplements such as vitamin D, B12, calcium, omega-3s and magnesium. We’ll also explore when supplementation can be helpful, when a balanced diet may be enough, and what red flags to watch for in marketing claims.

This workshop blends expert explanation with interactive discussion and Q&A so that you can apply what you learn directly to your own choices. Along the way, you’ll gain practical strategies for evaluating products, identifying credible information sources and making decisions that align with your individual health needs. Whether you currently take supplements, are considering them or simply want to stay informed, you’ll leave with greater clarity, confidence and the ability to make smart, personalized decisions about your health.

Can people really talk to the dead—or have séances simply offered one of the most enduring illusions of the last 150 years? In booming Western cities like Denver, spiritualist mediums, lecturers, and stage magicians turned “spirit circles” into both a source of comfort and a profitable public spectacle, drawing believers, doubters, and outright debunkers into the same candlelit rooms.

In this class, explore how the séance emerged from the 19th-century spiritualist movement and spread across the American West, including Colorado’s own lively culture of mediums, spirit guides, and “spook exposers” working the newspapers and theaters of Denver. Trace key moments in American and Colorado history when people turned to séances—from post-Civil War grief to Gilded Age showmanship—and consider why the idea of speaking with the dead has remained so compelling.

Together, you’ll examine famous séance participants and scandals, analyze how performers blend psychology, technology, and stagecraft to create “otherworldly” effects, and discuss the ethical line between comfort, entertainment, and exploitation. Then, participate in a demonstration séance in a Denver venue with its own stories of “spirits and spirits,” using your new knowledge to decode what you’re experiencing in real time.

Please note: The class will meet at Broderick Bar, 1080 Gaylord St., Denver. You must have a valid 21-plus government issued ID.

Imagine if you could persuade family, friends and even acquaintances to consider your perspective in an election year. What if you could change their minds? Persuasion is both an art and a science; more importantly, it can be learned. Join Denver Post columnist and communications specialist Krista Kafer as she unveils the secrets of how to converse with others on religion, science, public policy, even 2026 politics and candidates. Gain an understanding of the psychology behind persuasion and influence. See how stories and humor persuade better than facts. Practice pivoting to gain common ground. Learn how to spot the difference between facts, spin, and deceit. Discover how advertisers and other influencers get you to buy their products and adopt their ideas. What can we learn from them? Get the scoop on concepts like psychological reactance, confirmation bias, motivated reasoning, and cognitive dissonance. See how trust impacts influence. Kafer pulls from communication masters of past and present: Jonathan Haidt’s moral reasoning; Robert Cialdini’s six principles of persuasion; Vance Packard’s compelling needs; Robert Reich’s cultural parables, and Aristotle’s insights on the art of persuasion. Feeling persuaded?

From the early days of DNA testing in the 1980s to the advanced investigative tools used today, Denver has played a pioneering role in shaping forensic science. Join two of Colorado’s leading experts, Greggory LaBerge and Mitchell Morrissey, for an insider’s view of how DNA technology transformed criminal justice and changed lives. Through two interactive sessions, explore the evolution of DNA analysis—from its courtroom debut and early scientific challenges to the development of national databases such as the Combined DNA Index System. Discover how these innovations revolutionized the investigation of violent crimes including homicide and sexual assault. In the second session, delve into new frontiers such as familial searching and Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy, which have helped solve decades-old cold cases. Learn how Denver became a national model for applying cutting-edge science to public safety and engage directly with professionals who built that foundation. This course combines lecture and roundtable discussion, inviting participants to ask questions, analyze real examples and better understand how science, law and ethics intersect in modern criminal investigation.

The early '60s witnessed the explosion of a charming social phenomenon—a guitar-strummed sing-along known as the hootenanny, inspired by such folk singers as the Kingston Trio, Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary, Pete Seeger and some kid from Minnesota named Dylan. But let's also remember the pioneers: Woody Guthrie, Cisco Houston, Leadbelly, Ramblin' Jack Elliott and others. Centered in New York City's Greenwich Village, this craze soon led to a rash of guitar and banjo sales here and in England. Everyone wanted to learn to play and add their voices to old standards and hip new songs from such young singer-songwriters as Donovan, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell. Even the Beatles and Stones would add acoustic-guitar songs to their albums. Folk was in and it produced more than laid-back campfire ditties. It gave us influential protest songs, Top 40 hits, legendary artists (many still with us!) and who knows how many guitars still being played in American homes. In this fun participatory class, led by Marc Shulgold (armed with his 6- and 12-string guitars) we'll revisit the music and musicians of that era through videos and recordings, as we learn about the role that folk music has played in pop and world culture.

Opera isn’t all tragic sopranos and bombastic baritones. Sometimes, it’s a light-hearted, danceable blend of singing and spoken dialog. Welcome to operetta! More than just light opera, it’s an art form of its own: predecessor of modern musical theater.

In late April, DU’s Lamont School of Music will present the most popular of all classic operettas. J. Strauss Jr.’s Fledermaus (1867) blends flirtation, song and dance, practical jokes, and much champagne, all leading to an ebulliently happy ending. Frequent DU Enrichment instructor and music historian Betsy Schwarm celebrates the occasion with a three-session course on operetta and Fledermaus. One session is a live performance of the Lamont production.

First, we’ll consider operetta before Fledermaus, then delve into Strauss’ most popular work. Next comes the performance itself. In the final session, we’ll share impressions of the experience, as well as explore where operetta went as it entered a new century. Strauss Jr.’s work anticipated what Stephen Sondheim would be doing a century later.

Across the U.S., city streets are dominated by cars—but what if we reimagined them for people instead? This course explores the growing "War on Cars" movement, which seeks to reclaim public space, reduce car dependence and prioritize community over congestion. Join Jill Locantore, Executive Director of the Denver Streets Partnership, to examine how limiting vehicular traffic, reducing parking availability and encouraging alternatives like walking, biking and transit can help create safer, healthier and more equitable urban environments.

More than a critique of cars, this class is a hopeful look at what’s possible when we center courage, inclusiveness and joy in our public planning. Learn how cities are fostering authentic relationships between residents and urban space by emphasizing shared streets and vibrant public life. Consider the health, environmental and social impacts of current transportation norms—and what a bold, human-centered future might look like instead.

Learn ways that we (you!) can help make Denver more pedestrian-, bike-, transit-, and micromobility-friendly. We don’t have to get rid of cars, we just need to put them in their place and make the other options safer and more efficient. Whether you’re a city planner, cyclist, curious urbanist or concerned citizen, come explore how your community can move forward—together.