Two of Time Sifters presenters are teaching classes at Lifelong Learning Academy this spring. Dr. Steven Derfler is teaching “The Human Experience: Rome” and “Historical Geography of the Biblical World”, while David Miano is teaching “Egypt: Age of the Pyramids” and “The Dawn of Civilization”. The first three classes are held at their campus at Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota the other at the campus at Westminster Towers & Shores. “Ringling College – Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA)” offers continuing studies and lectures on various topics including History.
RCLLA’s schedule is based on the four seasons and each is packed with interesting topics. Visit them on line at www.RCLLA.org for their complete catalog.
W18-03 AMERICAN REVOLUTION – Jerry Frost
Jan. 8-Feb. 26; Mondays: 9-10:20 a.m. – 7 Sessions: TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM
The history of political, social, military, and economic issues after 1755 that lead to the American Revolution will be the focus of this course. Topics for discussion will include the French and Indian War, British attempts to reorganize the empire, taxation, and resistance, the debate on independence, a successful revolution, and winners and losers in the new nation.
NOTE: There is no required reading for this course. However, the instructor will provide suggested readings.
Course Fee: $109; Member Fee: $98 – (includes boxed lunch).
W18-SCF-51 THE AGE OF NAPOLEON – Daniel Stephens
Jan. 9-Feb. 27 – Tuesdays: 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m. – 8 Sessions: ACADEMY EAST (STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA, LAKEWOOD RANCH)
Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the most controversial figures of the 19th century. More has been written about him than any other historical figure. In this eight-week course, we will explore Napoleon’s humble beginnings, his rise during the French Revolution, and his reign as Emperor of the French. We will look at his military strategies, victories, and defeats and the undeniable mark he made on the world and history.
Course Fee: $95; Member Fee: $85.50.
SP18-25 THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE: ROME – Steven Derfler
Mar. 6-22 – Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1-2:20 p.m., 6 Sessions – Note: Class Meets 2x a Week for 3 Weeks. TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM
The Roman Republic was the era of ancient Roman civilization traditionally dated from 509 BCE, and ending in 27 BCE with the establishment of the Roman Empire. It was during this period that Rome’s control expanded from the city’s immediate surroundings to hegemony over the entire Mediterranean world. The Roman Empire was among the most powerful economic, cultural, political, and military forces in the world of its time. It was one of the largest empires in world history. The first two centuries of the empire’s existence were a period of unprecedented political stability and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.
Course Fee: $90; Member Fee: $81.
SP18-20 HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE BIBLICAL WORLD – Steven Derfler
Mar. 6-22 – Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m., 6 Sessions. Note: Class Meets 2x a Week for 3 Weeks. TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM
Although it is one of the smallest areas of the world, the geographical region of Syria/Palestine has some of the greatest variations in climate and topography found anywhere on earth. This region is a land bridge 350 miles long and only 60 miles wide. It is situated between Africa to the southwest, the Arabian Peninsula to the southeast, Asia Minor to the northwest, and Mesopotamia to the northeast. Understanding the historical geography of this region, the heart and soul of Western religious tradition can help us better understand our collective past.
Course Fee: $90; Member Fee: $81.
SP18-62 EGYPT: AGE OF THE PYRAMIDS – David Miano
Mar. 7-Apr. 11 – Wednesdays: 1-2:20 p.m., 6 Sessions. TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM
This course provides a study of the history, geography, literature, art, religion, and culture of ancient Egypt from the origins of Egyptian civilization to the end of the Middle Kingdom. We’ll cover the unification of the country under Narmer, the building of the pyramids under Snefru, Khufu, Khafre, and others, and the fascinating literary remains of the Middle Kingdom.
The course will appeal to everyone with an interest in Egypt or ancient history in general. Students will gain a general knowledge of the ancient Egyptian world from a historical perspective and will learn to interpret primary documents and their ideas.
Course Fee: $90; Member Fee: $81.
SP18-WMT-64 THE DAWN OF CIVILIZATION – David Miano
Mar. 13-Apr. 17 – Tuesdays: 1-2 p.m., 6 Sessions. WESTMINSTER TOWERS & SHORES
In this series of six lectures, we will study the emergence of 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.
Registration starts: February 13, 2018. There are three ways to register for classes at the Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy: Online, by mail, or in person. See their website www.RCLLA.org for more details.