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Politics From the Front Row MODERATOR: SUSAN MACMANUS, PH.D Florida’s Most Quoted Political Scientist Susan MacManus is a Distinguished Emerita of Government and International Affairs at the University of South Florida-Tampa where she taught 30 years prior to her retirement. She has appeared on every major broadcast, television, cable, and radio network in the country and been interviewed by major newspapers in Florida, the United States, and internationally. MacManus is known in the media and in her classroom for her analysis of political issues on a nonpartisan basis. It’s that unbiased examination, combined with her ability to connect with everyday audiences, that has led to her being sought out for her political analysis. With both hindsight and foresight, she’ll discuss what happened in November 2018 and how things are shaping up for the 2020 elections.

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Florida’s rich and colorful history is due in part to its role as a major conduit for contraband. Booze, guns, and drugs are just part of the story which stretches from conquistadors to cocaine cowboys. If it is illegal to possess, it’s been smuggled through Florida including human beings, endangered species, cigars, animal hides, invasive plants, and much more. The role of money laundering and the disposition of profits in this all-cash business will also be examined.

Stan Zimmerman is a longtime news reporter and recreational sailor. He has awards from the National Press Club, the U.S. Naval Institute, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Florida Press Association. He is the author of four nonfiction books.

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(No Class on Jan. 21; Holiday) Join us as we focus on the four most important leaders of World War II—Churchill, Roosevelt, Hitler, and Stalin. Additional lectures will be centered on the background of World War II and this complex period in history that almost destroyed the civilized world.

Ernest “Doc” Werlin has taught courses and lectured in finance and history for over 20 years. He currently writes a biweekly business column for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He spent 35 years working on Wall Street in a number of executive positions. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas, a master’s in economics and an MBA from the University of Michigan, and later did postgraduate research at Oxford University (UK).

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No Class: Feb. 26 The recent comment by the rapper, Kanye West, characterizing slavery as a choice, highlights the misinformation and deliberate falsehoods that impede our understanding of American slavery. Inadequate, and in too many cases, non-existent instruction in American classrooms can be faulted for some of these shortcomings. Revisionist historians and Confederate apologists who have sought to minimize the brutality of American slavery and to challenge its racist underpinnings bear even more responsibility for our distorted view of this foundational part of American history. This course seeks to present an accurate view of American slavery.

David G. Wilkins retired from The Dow Chemical Co., in March 2014, after 25 years as a lawyer and human resources leader. He holds a bachelor’s magna cum laude from Illinois Wesleyan University (IL) and a J.D. degree from the University of Illinois School of Law.

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Quirky, off-beat stories about our U.S. presidents are well-known. But, what about some of our vice presidents? There have been 48 vice presidents since 1789. Two were not even elected to that office. One had taken up arms against the United States! Three have won the Nobel Peace Prize, and one had been accused of murder. All have fascinating and interesting stories coloring their lives. Over this six-week course, we will highlight something about each one.

Theodore Russell is a retired attorney from Chicago with a passion for U.S. history. He received his bachelor’s from Marquette University (WI) and his MBA from the University of Chicago and his J.D. degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

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How were the 11 countries of Southeast Asia (Myanmar to Timor Leste) formed? What is their ethnic and religious composition? How do those formations impact the chance for democracy to succeed in each? Do you wonder what the impact of colonialism was on these countries? What is the historic influence of China and India on their societies? This course will attempt to answer these questions, and others, by examining the history of these countries with emphasis on the period after colonialism arrived and the dynamic changes that have occurred in the region up to about 1970.

Paul Sarno is a retired trial lawyer. He has taught courses on Southeast Asian history and political science at OLLI at Ringling College and other locations in Sarasota. In addition to wide-ranging readings, his most recent visit to the region was to Thailand and Myanmar in 2018.

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This course will examine world leaders and what influences their secret illnesses had on history, politics, and wars. Course discussions will include Joe McCarthy, Indira Gandhi, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Antonin Scalia, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Ronald Reagan. Other discussions to include U.S. Senate Hearings and Meetings; Civil Rights; the U.S. Army; Supreme Court liberals vs. conservatives; India vs. Pakistan; the Indian Congress; the Indian rupee; World War II; Korea; Vietnam; the Cuban Missile Crisis; Communism; Russia and the Cold War; and the Berlin Wall.

Allan B. Schwartz has been a professor of medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine (Philadelphia) and served as vice chair of the Department of Medicine and Clinical Service Chief, receiving “Outstanding Clinician” and “Outstanding Teacher” awards. He earned his M.D. from Hahnemann Medical College (later Drexel University College of Medicine).

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NEW SP19-36 EGYPT: RISE OF AN EMPIRE Wednesdays: 1-2:20 pm 6 Sessions: Mar. 13-Apr. 17 TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM David Miano The New Kingdom period of Egyptian history (16th to 11th centuries BCE) was the time during which the Egyptians created an empire. A succession of extraordinarily capable pharaohs, covering the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties, laid the foundations of a strong state and pushed the control beyond the traditional borders into Palestine and Nubia. The Egyptians entered into a period of unprecedented wealth, cultural achievements, and success in international affairs. We will examine the Egyptian power, creative pursuits, artistic accomplishments, and way of life. The great figures considered will include: Thutmose III, Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Ramesses the Great. Silver Member: $90; Gold Member: $81.

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After France fell to the Nazi war machine in June 1940, Adolf Hitler turned his sights on the island nation across the Channel. Thus began the epic Battle of Britain. For many long months, the British people stood alone as the bombs fell, with only their courage and stamina to sustain them as they fought back. Tested as never before, it was indeed their finest hour and richly deserves to be revisited in this course, which will combine political, military, diplomatic, and above all social history.

Alfred Jones taught American history to college and university students for more than 30 years. When he retired to Sarasota some 10 years ago, Alfred discovered a new student body of adult learners at OLLI at Ringling College. He says they keep him on his toes with their probing questions and wide reading.

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NEW SP19-38 UNDERSTANDING THE GREAT DEPRESSION: FROM CRASH TO RECOVERY Wednesdays 1:2:20 pm 3 Sessions Apr. 3-Apr. 17 TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM Spence Hilton Join us as we examine what economic research reveals about the Great Depression. What developments and policies precipitated the economic decline in 1929? What caused the ensuing contraction to be so prolonged and severe? What was responsible for the subsequent recovery? Topics include the stock market crash, the Gold Standard, price deflation, monetary policy and the Federal Reserve balance sheet, fiscal policy, and New Deal programs. Key findings from articles published in mainstream economics journals and books on the Depression will be presented; however, we will discuss all technical issues at an introductory level. Silver Member: $60; Gold Member: $54.

Spence Hilton worked as an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for over 30 years, first in its Research Department and then in its Open Market Operations Group. Spence holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Wisconsin. (p. 41)

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Once upon a time, getting there was just as exciting as being there—whether you were headed east or west across the Atlantic Ocean. Every ship had its own personality, and each sailing was an event—although sometimes, alas, a tragedy. In this course, we will study and discuss seven ocean liners that made history during the 20th and 21st centuries, concluding with the only passenger ship still in regular transatlantic service today.

Alfred Jones loves teaching history and sailing on ocean liners. Al has offered 23 courses at the OLLI at Ringling College and crossed the Atlantic 16 times on various ships, including the fabulous Queen Mary 2.

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W19-SCF-103 MEDICAL ILLNESSES OF THE U.S. PRESIDENTS Thursdays: 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m. 6 Sessions: Jan. 24-Feb. 28 Gene Ginsberg This course will cover the medical illnesses of every U.S. president and how their illnesses impacted our history. Particular emphasis will be placed on the case histories of FDR, Wilson, and Lincoln. We will also discuss medical illness trends among the presidents (i.e., those with cancer, heart disease, the average age of death, etc.), the 25th Amendment and presidential succession, and the physicians who indirectly influenced world events. Presidents and their medical illnesses are just the tips of the proverbial iceberg; there are also cover-ups and secret illnesses. Join us for the facts and some trivia. Silver Member: $90; Gold Member: $81.

Gene H. Ginsberg, F.A.C.P., is board certified in both geriatric and internal medicine. He earned his bachelor’s from Muhlenberg College (PA), and his M.D. from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University (PA). In addition to caring for patients, he taught medical and pre-med students, interns, and residents. (pp. 45, 59)

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(Note: Extended Class Time) This course offers an examination of German society and political events during the Weimar Republic era and the Third Reich as depicted by Hollywood and European filmmakers. Among the films to be screened and discussed are: “Little Man, What Now?,” “Three Comrades,” “Address Unknown,” “Mephisto,” “The Mortal Storm,” and “The Seventh Cross.” Powerful screen performances are portrayed by Spencer Tracy, James Stewart, Paul Lukas, Margaret Sullivan, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Signe Hasso, and Robert Taylor.

Mark Gladstone was an assistant professor and film lecturer at Upsala College (NJ), a film programmer and lecturer, and is the author of books and numerous articles on film. He holds a bachelor’s in fine arts from New York University’s Institute of Film and Television, a master’s in communications and technology from New York University, and a master’s in library science from Rutgers (NJ).

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Most studies of history are limited to a specific geographical area or time period. The brief duration of human life tends to limit our perspective on long-term change. This course will address a wider and multidisciplinary view beginning with the origins of life and following the major trends of human adaption and progress.

Alan Grindal is a neurologist, a consultant at the Memory Disorder Clinic at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and is on the clinical faculty of Florida State University Medical School. He has taught numerous courses at OLLI at Ringling College on brain science and history.

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Around 1580 in Italy, the Baroque style began to replace the Late Renaissance. To young artists, it seemed that everything that could be achieved was already achieved. No more difficulties, technical or otherwise, remained to be solved. They would create a new style based on the new world order—elongated proportions, highly stylized poses with no sense of optical perspective. The new scientific approach to the world gave new understanding to art. We will get a historical glimpse of this important time.

Steven Derfler has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology/ archaeology/Jewish studies from the University of Minnesota and Tel Aviv University, and a doctorate in classics and archaeology from the University of Minnesota. He has been researching and teaching about ancient civilizations for more than 40 years. A recently retired professor, he is the director of Educational Resources, Inc., a consulting firm.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Viewed from the perspective of “a letter written to each of us,” the Hebrew Bible can be seen as a work outlining an incredible history, geography, spirituality, and cultural identity. However, there are many passages that remain enigmatic to this day. In this course, we will use the literary and archaeological record of the ancient Near East to help explain some of the enigmas that have confronted scholars for millennia. We will explore such questions as: Was there a Garden of Eden, and if so, where was it? How accurate are the accounts of Joseph and his amazing coat of many colors? Were there one or two Egyptian pharaohs involved the exodus tradition? Do we know what happened at Sinai, and where it was located? Join us as we go looking for answers

Steven Derfler has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology/ archaeology/Jewish studies from the University of Minnesota and Tel Aviv University, and a doctorate in classics and archaeology from the University of Minnesota. He has been researching and teaching about ancient civilizations for more than 40 years. A recently retired professor, he is the director of Educational Resources, Inc., a consulting firm.

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The southern shores of Tampa Bay in Manatee County possess unique ecosystems found nowhere else on earth. In this course, you will learn about the ecosystems of Manatee County, the plants and animals that call them home, and how we connect with them in the interdependent web of life on Earth. Coastal dunes, pine and mangrove forests, oak hammocks, and seagrass flats will be discussed and their relationship to your backyard. Course topics will include: • Jan. 29 Native American Cultural Heritage • Feb. 5 First Encounters with European Explorers • Feb. 12 Mangrove Migration and Sea Level Rise—Coastal Connections • Feb. 19 Planting for Wildlife: Considering the Birds and the Bees • Feb. 26 Challenges of the 21st Century

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W19-SCF-95 HISTORY OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE: THE RENAISSANCE Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m. 6 Sessions: Feb. 7-Feb. 28 (Note: No Class Feb. 12) Steven Derfler From the 14th to the 17th century, the Renaissance was regarded as the cultural bridge between the Romanesque/ Gothic Age and modern history. The Renaissance started as a cultural movement in Italy during the Gothic Age and later spread to the rest of Europe, thus marking the beginning of the Modern Age. The Renaissance signified a new age of humanism, disputation, and dialog and ushered in a new era of art, architecture, politics, science, and literature. We will examine why this era was crucial in bridging the gap between the Middle Ages and modern-day civilization. Silver Member: $90; Gold Member: $81.

Steven Derfler has a bachelor’s in anthropology/archaeology/ Jewish studies from the University of Minnesota and Tel Aviv University, and a doctorate in classics and archaeology from the University of Minnesota. He has been researching and teaching about ancient civilizations for more than 40 years. A recently retired professor, he is the director of Educational Resources, Inc., a consulting firm. (pp. 44, 57, 58)

CLASS DESCRIPTION

W19-SCF-99 THE BYZANTINE WORLD Tuesdays & Thursdays: 1-2:20 p.m. 6 Sessions: Feb. 7-Feb. 28 (Note: No Class Feb. 12) Steven Derfler Rome’s influence in the Mediterranean Basin began to wane at the start of the 4th century CE. The Byzantine Empire was founded when the capital of the Roman Empire was transferred from Rome to Constantinople. In 330 CE, Constantine moved the seat of the empire to Constantinople, which he founded as a second Rome on the site of Byzantium, a city well-positioned astride the trade routes between the East and West. It existed in the eastern Mediterranean area until the 15th century when it fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. Join us for an examination of the cultural and political importance of the once-great Byzantine Empire. Silver Member: $90; Gold Member: $81.

Steven Derfler has a bachelor’s in anthropology/archaeology/ Jewish studies from the University of Minnesota and Tel Aviv University, and a doctorate in classics and archaeology from the University of Minnesota. He has been researching and teaching about ancient civilizations for more than 40 years. A recently retired professor, he is the director of Educational Resources, Inc., a consulting firm. (pp. 44, 57, 58)

CLASS DESCRIPTION

DISCOVERY OF KING TUT’S TOMB Tuesday: 1-2 p.m. • Mar. 5 Steven Derfler One of the greatest archaeological discoveries and subsequent mysteries emerged on Nov. 26, 1922, when archaeologist Howard Carter identified the tomb of the New Kingdom Pharaoh, Tutankhamun. Over the next few years, more than 3,500 objects were excavated, along with his intact sarcophagus and mummy. Of 62 tombs discovered in “The Canyon,” as Carter called the King’s Valley, this was the only royal tomb fully intact, with all of its funerary goods. However, further analysis seemed to reveal a dark side—possibly an assassination. Join us for a discussion about the forensic evidence that offers new clues into the death of the boy-king.

Steven Derfler has a bachelor’s in anthropology/archaeology/ Jewish studies from the University of Minnesota and Tel Aviv University, and a doctorate in classics and archaeology from the University of Minnesota. He has been researching and teaching about ancient civilizations for more than 40 years. A recently retired professor, he is the director of Educational Resources, Inc., a consulting firm. (pp. 44, 57, 58)

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Much of our modern world was developed and shaped by the events of the second half of the 20th century. The stories of men and women, politicians, artists, inventors, scientists, authors, and many everyday people will be told and discussed this term. Course topics include: the Civil War; the assassinations of Lincoln and the Archduke of Austria; the sinking of the Maine and Titanic; Alexander Bell’s telephone and Thomas Edison’s light bulb; George Eastman’s Kodak; Impressionist art (Monet and Cézanne); modern Olympics; Clara Barton’s Red Cross; Susan B. Anthony; Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn;” oil in Pennsylvania and the Standard Oil of Ohio; and Tuskegee University and the Supreme Court case of Plessy v. Ferguson.

Monroe Brett holds a bachelor’s in history and a master’s in secondary social studies education from George Washington University (DC). He taught U.S. history, world studies, and advanced placement economics at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Beltsville (MD), where he was selected as the school’s best teacher in 2001.

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NEW SP19-28 1968: TRIUMPHS AND TRAGEDIES Wednesdays: 11 am-12:20 pm 6 Sessions: Mar. 13-Apr. 17 TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM Monroe Brett Nineteen sixty-eight has been described as “The Year That Changed America.” The country experienced a tumultuous upheaval in political, military, racial, and cultural matters. Two shocking assassinations left the country reeling in disbelief drastically altering both the political and racial atmospheres. The Tet Offensive in Vietnam ushered in the bloodiest year for American troops as well as a new realization of the American role in Vietnam. Civil rights came to the forefront as black gloves were worn by medalists at the Mexico City Olympics, “Hair” opened on Broadway, and Johnny Cash sang at Folsom Prison. Bring your memories and opinions—especially if you spent the summer in Haight-Ashbury! Silver Member: $90; Gold Member: $81.

Monroe Brett holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in secondary social studies education from George Washington University (DC). He taught U.S. history, world studies, and advanced placement economics at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Beltsville (MD), where he was selected as the school’s best teacher in 2001. (p. 43)

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Today’s news abounds with reports about critical situations in the Middle East. This course will focus on the historic, economic, demographic, and religious aspects of the numerous conflicts occurring there. You will get an understanding of events as they unfold and the United States’ options in the region. Silver Member: $90; Gold Member: $81.

James Aaron has a bachelor’s in finance and computer science from Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ). He worked in the Middle East for a high-tech company and was responsible for the Middle East and North Africa regions. He also participated in multiple government initiatives, both domestic and foreign. (pp. 38, 59)

CLASS DESCRIPTION

W19-SCF-104 LIFE IN THE ARAB COUNTRIES Thursdays: 1-2:20 p.m. 7 Sessions: Jan. 17-Feb. 28 James Aaron This course will explain the religious, economic, and historical influences shaping the modern Arab Middle East. Class discussions will focus on social and political practices such as marriage, family, language, veiling, and civil rights. We will explore how and why Arab countries embrace Islam as a religion and a way of life. Silver Member: $90; Gold Member: $81.

James Aaron has a bachelor’s in finance and computer science from Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ). He worked in the Middle East for a high-tech company and was responsible for the Middle East and North Africa regions. He also participated in multiple government initiatives, both domestic and foreign. (pp. 38, 59)

CLASS DESCRIPTION

(No Class on Jan. 21; Holiday) This course explores Germany’s development from a collection of multiple small states in 1814 into continental Europe’s powerhouse by 1914. We will review the stages of revolutionary struggles of the German people longing for unification, which was finally achieved by von Bismarck in 1871. We will examine the reasons for Germany’s uneasy fit into Europe and why it struggled to find its place among the European powers.

Jens M. Albiez is a financial advisor with United Planners Financial Services, Inc., and has an MBA from Cologne University, Germany. Motivated by his family’s history, Jens developed a lifelong fascination with Germany’s history of the 20th century.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

(No Class on Jan. 21; Holiday) Join us as we focus on the four most important leaders of World War II—Churchill, Roosevelt, Hitler, and Stalin. Additional lectures will be centered on the background of World War II and this complex period in history that almost destroyed the civilized world.

Ernest “Doc” Werlin has taught courses and lectured in finance and history for over 20 years. He currently writes a biweekly business column for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He spent 35 years working on Wall Street in a number of executive positions. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas, a master’s in economics and an MBA from the University of Michigan, and later did postgraduate research at Oxford University (UK).

CLASS DESCRIPTION

(No Class on Jan. 21; Holiday) This course explores Germany’s development from a collection of multiple small states in 1814 into continental Europe’s powerhouse by 1914. We will review the stages of revolutionary struggles of the German people longing for unification, which was finally achieved by von Bismarck in 1871. We will examine the reasons for Germany’s uneasy fit into Europe and why it struggled to find its place among the European powers.

Jens M. Albiez is a financial advisor with United Planners Financial Services, Inc., and has an MBA from Cologne University, Germany. Motivated by his family’s history, Jens developed a lifelong fascination with Germany’s history of the 20th century.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Florida’s rich and colorful history is due in part to its role as a major conduit for contraband. Booze, guns, and drugs are just part of the story which stretches from conquistadors to cocaine cowboys. If it is illegal to possess, it’s been smuggled through Florida including human beings, endangered species, cigars, animal hides, invasive plants, and much more. The role of money laundering and the disposition of profits in this all-cash business will also be examined.

Stan Zimmerman is a longtime news reporter and recreational sailor. He has awards from the National Press Club, the U.S. Naval Institute, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Florida Press Association. He is the author of four nonfiction books.