This spring, Odyssey participants can experience the foreign cultures of Ireland, Prague and St. Petersburg; travel back to the battles of the American Civil War, discover the mystery of time or learn what animals teach us. Among the highlights of the 65 offerings, all of which are noncredit:

A Czech Journey: Prague and Beyond traces Czech art, architecture, film, music and literature from the country's earliest beginnings to the present day using slides, lectures, film and photography. The final session is a reception and live performance at the Czech Embassy in Washington.

In What Makes Irish Literature Irish? participants trace the evolution of Irish writing from the early An Tain Bo Cuailgne to Swift, Yeats, Wilde and Joyce. The course is led by Carmel McCaffrey, author of In Search of Ancient Ireland and chief historical consultant and script adviser for a PBS television series with the same title.

The Magic of the Ballets Russes, in cooperation with the Baltimore Museum of Art; St. Petersburg: History and Culture; and Russian Symphonic Music coincide with Vivat! St. Petersburg, Baltimore's celebration on the Russian city's 300th anniversary.

Frank Shivers, author of Walking in Baltimore: An Intimate Guide to the Old Town by the Bay, gives two slide lectures on, and then leads a walking tour through, historic Federal Hill.

What Animals Teach Us offers insight into the anatomy, physiology and behavior of humans. Authors, biologists and conservationists will share research on a variety of animal species, including the rhesus monkey, pandas, bats, golden lion tamarins and house pets.

Hubble's Expanding Universe, presented in cooperation with the Space Telescope Science Institute, uncovers the universe through richly illustrated lectures by scientists from STScI and Johns Hopkins.

In The Mystery of Time, Sten Odenwald, an astrophysicist with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, explores what modern physics and astronomy contribute to the discussion of time.

In The Civil War: Seven Months in 1862, authors and historians provide insight into a critical seven-month period of the war, from the triumph of the Union in the Peninsula Campaign to the battle at Antietam, the bloodiest day of the War.

Odyssey also offers programs in environmental studies, aging, foreign languages and creative writing. Spring classes begin in March. For more information, call 410-516-4842 or go to www.odyssey.jhu.edu.