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.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

(Note: Extended Class Time) A myriad of factors and geopolitical events can influence and affect an artist or an entire art form, but perhaps none more so than war and political strife. Over four weeks, we will explore several of the composers and musical styles most affected by conflict in the 20th century, often considered one of the bloodiest and cruelest centuries in history. Whether it’s American populism, the serialism of the Austro-Germans, music for Soviet propaganda, or the development of American Ballet, find out how the harrowing 20th century conflicts led to some of the most popular and controversial compositions in the history of classical music.

Justin Vibbard has worked as librarian for Joffrey Ballet, Santa Fe Opera, Mostly Mozart Music Festival (Lincoln Center), Britt Classical Festival, Metropolitan Opera, Columbia University, and Aspen Music Festival. Justin is Principal Librarian for the Sarasota Orchestra and Librarian and Faculty for Sarasota Music Festival.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

As the 100th anniversary of the end of “The Great War” approaches, we look back at the 1920s. Two of the decade’s presidents are considered to be among the worst in history. A third was popular and shocked the country by choosing not to run for re-election. We will consider the stories of these presidents as well as many major issues of the time, including: coping with the aftermath of the war, the “Red Scare,” social, racial, and religious stresses, eugenics, prohibition, changes in immigration policies, growth of media, and changes in economic policies and their consequences.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

In this course, we will revisit the lives of history makers from all walks of life. Our journey will lead to discoveries that include their unknown accomplishments and secret failings. We can expect to meet politicos, geniuses, athletes, the Hollywood elite as well as those with connections to the arts, science, literature, and more. Join us for a peek into the lives of the “Who’s Who” among the famous and infamous! • OCT. 9: Frank Sinatra: The Chairman of the Board with Tony Moon • OCT. 16: Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Ingrid Bergman, and Audrey Hepburn: Stars from the ‘50s & ‘60s with Monroe Brett • Oct. 23: Jesse Livermore: Wall Street Icon, Time Tested Trading Tactics with Houston Hill • OCT. 30: Virginia Woolf: Her Life, Her Works, Her Legacy with Karin Jones • NOV. 6: Ernest Hemingway: Film Clips from Papa’s Best Books with Jordan Shifrin • Nov. 13: President Dwight D. Eisenhower with Allan B. Schwartz

CLASS DESCRIPTION

For the majority of us, the Vietnam War was the seminal event of our generation. The war caused many to question America’s principles as well as its values, and its legacy remains with us to this day. This course will review the history of the war and the many interpretations of its significance and meaning.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

The Seven Wonders of the World is a list of remarkable constructions of classical antiquity cited by various authors in guidebooks or poems popular among ancient Hellenic tourists. Although the list, in its current form, did not stabilize until the Renaissance, the first such lists of Seven Wonders date from the 1st-2nd century BC. The new Seven Wonders were chosen in 2007 through an online contest put on by the New 7 Wonders Foundation, in which more than tens of millions of people voted. We will review these new wonders which are all UNESCO World Heritage sites.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

The Middle East is generally considered the birthplace of civilization. In this course, we will examine the archaeological and historical evidence found in this region, looking in particular at the evolution of living patterns, to understand how humankind developed. We’ll look at patterns ranging from the nomadic and semi-nomadic, through city and urban society, and from there, to communal settlements based on the Israeli kibbutz and moshav.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

The fall term will cover 1800 to 1860 where we will observe social, technical, and political advances from Napoleon to Lincoln; horse and buggy to the railroad; mail to the telegraph; and sailboats to steamboats. We will see how the United States reached coast to coast acquiring the Louisiana Territory and Mexican lands. Beyond our borders, we will see how Victoria ruled England, how the Romanov’s ruled Russia, and Europe experienced revolutions. Also included will be a look at the Civil War, The Alamo in Texas, gold in California, Edgar Allan Poe, and Harriet Beecher Stowe, adding to the texture of the 18th century.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

During the 14 years of Germany’s first attempt at parliamentary democracy, German society was roiled by revolution, defamation, anti-Semitism, political murders, hyperinflation, coup attempts, and mass unemployment, all of which led to Hitler’s rise to power. We will explore the rich detail of Germany’s short but intense historic period called the “Weimar Republic.” In doing so, we will dispel the myths and analyze the real reasons for its failure, a failure that allowed Hitler to become the despotic leader of Germany and much of Europe. Ultimately, you will be able to draw your own comparisons to contemporary populist movements.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Do you wish to have informed, intelligent conversations about what you read in the paper or see on the news? Bob Clementis leads a lively discussion/lecture on today’s political geography and the daily happenings that shape our country’s present and future. The first hour of this class is spent discussing topics raised by the students. The second hour is devoted to lecture, elaborating on the important “leitmotiv” of the topics raised during the first hour. Student participation is a must. Emphasis is on foreign policy.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

For much of the 20th century, Carl Sandburg was, if not the Voice of America, one of its significant and honored voices. How does what he said, wrote, and represented hold up in the 21st century? Where is he wise; where is he naïve; what does he say that is timeless and universal, and what has faded in the direction of marginal relevance? Is Sandburg’s standing in literary and cultural consciousness an example of Cultural Amnesia? To appreciate, and differentiate between, what is enduring and what is dated in Sandburg’s writing, we will interactively read his marathon poem “The People, Yes.” Is it still The People Yes, or has it become The People, Yes, No, and Maybe? Please bring to class The Complete Poems of Carl Sandburg, published by Harcourt, Inc., or any edition of “The People, Yes.”

CLASS DESCRIPTION

From the heart and mind, we will embark upon a multimedia experience of the life and creative passion of Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky. Aiming for enriched musical and historical awareness, our explorations will encompass psychological/developmental perspectives, biographical resources, Tchaikovsky’s remarkable letters, and both cinematic and musical recordings. Primary texts will be Tchaikovsky—His Life and Music, by Jeremy Siepmann, and “Beloved Friend”—The Story of Tchaikowsky and Nadejda von Meck, by Catherine Drinker Bowen and Barbara von Meck. If these books prove hard to find, we will share books until you obtain your own copy.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

This is a seminar aiming for enriching self-knowledge and remediating cultural amnesia! As sources we will draw from two highly divergent yet prolific writers, as their thoughts interact with our own life experience. Please bring to class, for interactive reading, “Letters From a Stoic,” by Seneca (Penguin Classics, 2004) and “Cultural Amnesia: Necessary Memories From History and the Arts,” by Clive James (W.W. Norton & Company, 2007).

Please bring to class, for interactive reading, “Letters From a Stoic,” by Seneca (Penguin Classics, 2004), and “Cultural Amnesia: Necessary Memories From History and the Arts,” by Clive James (W.W. Norton & Company, 2007).

CLASS DESCRIPTION

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Do you wish to have informed, intelligent conversations about what you read in the paper or see on the news? Bob Clementis leads a lively discussion/lecture on today’s political geography and the daily happenings that shape our country’s present and future. The first hour of this class is spent discussing topics raised by the students. The second hour is devoted to lecture, elaborating on the important “leitmotiv” of the topics raised during the first hour. Student participation is a must. Emphasis is on foreign policy.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

From the heart and mind, we will embark upon a multimedia experience of the life and creative passion of Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky. Aiming for enriched musical and historical awareness, our explorations will encompass psychological/developmental perspectives, biographical resources, Tchaikovsky’s remarkable letters, and both cinematic and musical recordings. Primary texts will be Tchaikovsky—His Life and Music, by Jeremy Siepmann, and “Beloved Friend”—The Story of Tchaikowsky and Nadejda von Meck, by Catherine Drinker Bowen and Barbara von Meck. If these books prove hard to find, we will share books until you obtain your own copy.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

CLASS DESCRIPTION

This course explores the life and spiritual quest of Siddhartha Gautama (the “Buddha”) and his core teachings, known as The Four Noble Truths. We will follow the historical development of the sangha (Buddhist community) and its three main divisions: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. We will also look at the key teachings of the Buddhist worldview.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Do you have goals and dreams that you keep pushing back year after year? Do you wonder how other people get what they want easily and effortlessly? Do you want to master a powerful tool to help you clearly organize your goals and accelerate their achievement? Joy Cony will help you make sense of what you really want. She will not only help you to create a meaningful vision for your future, she will guide you through the process of bringing to life your goals for relationships, career and finances, home, travel, health and personal growth. After you create your vision board you will have a solid, well-defined image of your desired future. Your vision board will actually work, because Joy will teach you how to activate it when you bring it home. Joy will also tell you about the SoulCollage®, a process for accessing your intuition and creating an incredible deck of cards with deep personal meaning that will help you with life’s questions and transitions.

Bring scissors, glue stick, mat board and old magazines.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

CLASS DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to meet the needs of two possible groups of Ancestry.com users: 1) those who have started doing genealogy research and are curious about what information they can locate, and 2) Those who already subscribe but want to learn how they can get more from researching this site. This is a hands-on class where the students will have guided online research instruction. Topics to be covered include navigating the website, searching tips and tricks, printing tips, and how to use the various records once they have located them. Although it’s not a prerequisite, the instructors strongly recommend that students take the courses Absolute Beginners Genealogy and Build a Family Tree on Ancestry.com before this one. Students MAY bring their own laptop (Mac or Windows).

Students may bring their own laptop (Mac or Windows).

CLASS DESCRIPTION

In this workshop the website Familysearch.org will be explored at length. Students will learn to use the free databases the website has to offer from locations in the United States as well as the world. Also, students will learn to use other resources such as digitized family histories and the exceptional instruction material the site contains.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to meet the needs of two possible groups of Ancestry.com users: 1) those who have started doing genealogy research and are curious about what information they can locate, and 2) Those who already subscribe but want to learn how they can get more from researching this site. This is a hands-on class where the students will have guided online research instruction. Topics to be covered include navigating the website, searching tips and tricks, printing tips, and how to use the various records once they have located them. Although it’s not a prerequisite, the instructors strongly recommend that students take the courses Absolute Beginners Genealogy and Build a Family Tree on Ancestry.com before this one. Students MAY bring their own laptop (Mac or Windows).

Students may bring their own laptop (Mac or Windows).

CLASS DESCRIPTION

In this workshop the website Familysearch.org will be explored at length. Students will learn to use the free databases the website has to offer from locations in the United States as well as the world. Also, students will learn to use other resources such as digitized family histories and the exceptional instruction material the site contains.