A Little of This and That: Beyond the Fringe: Flappers and the Jazz Age

Beyond the Fringe: Flappers and the Jazz Age

This class examines the flapper as a bold cultural figure of the 1920s, emerging in the wake of World War I and after the enactment of the 19th Amendment. In many ways, flappers symbolized women’ s expanding freedoms, flaunting their disdain for what was considered “acceptable behavior.” Through narrative and videos, we will explore how flappers redefined fashion, gender roles, and social norms. We will also consider shifts in music and literature and reflect on both the glamour and contradictions of this transformative era.

Beverly Marshall has led a wide range of courses at Osher since 2019, including movie series such as “From Cinderella to Easy Rider,” “Is that My Face in the Mirror?,” “No Shrinking Violets,” “Once is Not Enough,” and a presentation about Coco Chanel and the making of Chanel No 5 (Les Fleurs de Chanel). She was also a contributor to the “First Ladies” series and “A Festival of Summer Films.” Beverly enjoys having meaningful conversations at Osher about culture and social change.

Note: This course is part of Osher's "A Little of This and That" series. We’ve gathered some of our finest Study Leaders from across the fields of science, religion, culture, literature, music, and hands-on crafting. If you’ve never taken an Osher class, try us out and discover what makes the Osher experience so rewarding. If you’re already a member, this is a perfect opportunity to explore new ideas, reconnect with friends, and continue to challenge and delight your mind.

We look forward to seeing you this spring.