That moment when a spark of curiosity ignites—Osher at Towson University gets it. That’s why we’re launching SPARK—a new evening series that explores fun and intriguing topics. SPARK is the perfect opportunity for curious minds, empty nesters, and retirees to gather with friends and significant others to explore topics in a relaxed environment.

The series is hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Towson University, which provides adults opportunities for continued learning, along with programs and activities for social and cultural enrichment.

Quick Details

SPARK runs March 22–May 5 and is divided into four courses. Each course meets once per week on TU’s campus for a total of six sessions per course. See course info below for complete details

Each course is $125 per person. Osher members pay $90 per course.

Classes are taught by some of Baltimore’s top subject matter experts, including TU faculty.

Parking is included and located in adjacent parking garages.

Course Information

Baltimore History

Begins Monday, March 28, 6:30–8 p.m.

Instructor: Jack Burkert, senior museum educator, Baltimore Museum of Industry

Location: College of Liberal Arts

Change has come frequently throughout Baltimore’s history, affecting its people, their lives, and their work. At no time was change more dynamic than in the hundred-fifty-year period that first made Baltimore an industrial giant. Learn about the rise and fall of industry and the prosperity that came with it. This course examines Baltimore from the Industrial Age through its time as a thriving metropolis and offers a chance to reflect on where the city is today.

The Forensic Sciences—Thinking Outside the Box

Begins Wednesday, March 30, 6:30–8 p.m.

Instructor: Dana Kollmann, clinical associate professor of anthropology

Location: College of Liberal Arts, including the Forensics Lab

Have you ever wondered how realistic those true crime dramas are when it comes to the forensic crime scene processing? This course gives insight into typical real world forensic science principles—and some that are not so typical. Learn how pacemaker data, rubber bands, seed pods, and atmospheric carbon-14 have solved crimes and how forensic science applications impact other scientific disciplines including art, history, and archaeology.

Wonders of the Universe

Begins Thursday, March 31, 6:30–8 p.m.

Instructor: Jennifer Scott, professor, Dept. of Physics, Astronomy & Geosciences

Location: Science Complex, including the planetarium

From its ancient roots to its most modern developments including the recent launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, this course will have you seeing stars—and other astronomical wonders. Topics include: the history of human understanding of the cosmos; the formation and evolution of stars and planets inside and outside the solar system; the structure and properties of galaxies; and the origin of the universe. Students will have the opportunity to engage in telescope observing and other hands-on activities, and to visit the planetarium in TU’s new Science Complex.

Course Cancellation Policy

Courses that do not have adequate registration numbers may be subject to cancellation. In the event that a course has to be cancelled, you will be notified prior to the beginning of the course. You will receive a full refund for any course that we must cancel.

Refund Policy

To withdraw from a course, please contact osher@towson.edu to make your request in writing. If received prior to the first day of class, a full refund will be given. No refunds will be given once the course has started.