Lifelong Learning Academy: Fall 2017

We all continue to discover new things about the past and are always looking for ways to increase our knowledge of the history of our world. In Sarasota there is a group called “Ringling College – Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA)” that offers continuing studies and lectures on various topics including History. Their Mission statement: “The mission of the Academy is to enrich the lives of mature adults in Sarasota and Manatee counties by providing affordable and outstanding educational and social interaction programs that cover a broad spectrum of topics and are rich in intellectual stimulation, often interactive in scope, and worthy of academic consideration”.

RCLLA’s schedule is based on the four seasons and each is packed with interesting topics. We are only highlighting the Fall classes for the History lover. All of these will be presented at Temple Beth Sholom (1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Building #1 Sarasota, FL 34237) 
Registration starts: August 29, 2017. There are three ways to register for classes at the Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy: Online, by mail, or in person. Visit them on line at www.RCLLA.org for their complete catalog. 

We hope you find something you like.

FA17-44 THE DAWN OF CIVILIZATION
Presenter - David Miano
Wednesdays: 1-2:20 p.m. 
6 Sessions: October 4-November 8

In this series of six lectures, we will study the emergence of the our planet’s first complex societies in the ancient Near East, beginning with the first settlements in the Mesolithic Period (about 10,000 years ago) and finishing with the development of the world’s first empire in the mid-third millennium B.C. We will pay special attention to how societies evolved across the expanse of time—from fragmented and primitive agricultural communities to more advanced and consolidated civilizations. To do this, we will rely upon primary source documents, material remains, and art to illuminate the unique features of Near Eastern societies.

Course Fee: $90; Member Fee: $81.

FA17-20 THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS
Presenter - Steven Derfler
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
4 Sessions: November 7-16

Since their discovery in the desert caves of Qumran in 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls have been a source of fascination and debate. What are the Scrolls? Who wrote them? Learn about the isolated, ascetic community that created and secreted these documents, as well as the cloak-and-dagger exploits of the archaeologists who recovered them. Then explore what these rare documents tell us about the emergence of Judaism and Christianity in the ancient world. The War Scroll, Copper Scroll, and Temple Scroll (which provides blueprints for the rebuilding of the Temple of Jerusalem) will be included in our discussion.

Course Fee: $70; Member Fee: $63.

FA17-23 ARCHAEOLOGY & THE WORLD IN JESUS’ DAY
Presenter - Steven Derfler
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1-2:20 p.m.
4 Sessions: November 7-16

Herod became the Roman-backed king of Judea in 40 BCE and imposed changes upon his subjects that resulted in a “world turned upside down.” Excavations at Jerusalem and Caesarea reveal that Judea was both a rich and troublesome province for the Romans. Jerusalem became Judea’s Jewish capital, attracted the ministry of Jesus, and grew to rival the splendor of the city built by Solomon a thousand years earlier. We will virtually tour these and other ancient sites of Herod’s kingdom and see how the literary and archaeological records tell the stories of both the rulers and the ruled in King Herod’s Judea.

Course Fee: $70; Member Fee: $63.

FA17-65 HISTORY OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE, MESOPOTAMIA
Presenter - Steven Derfler
Friday: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.,
1 Session: November 3 

This workshop surveys the history of the ancient Near East from the Neolithic period (through the Persian Empire—circa 10,000) to 331 BCE. We will discuss the rise of civilization in the Tigris-Euphrates river valley and the subsequent history and society of Mesopotamia, the Mediterranean coast, Asia Minor, and the Iranian plateau (including Sumer, Akkad, Babylonia, Assyria, Syria, Phoenicia, Canaan, Persia, and the Hittites). We will explore the formation of the different cultures as revealed in their texts and archaeology and combine written documentation with material evidence.

Course Fee: $109; Member Fee: $98. (Incl. lunch).