Course Catalog

History & Political Science

Cultivate a greater understanding of ancient and modern peoples and cultures, history, philosophy, religion, film, and the arts with our thought-provoking classes. Expand your knowledge of the world in a safe and intellectually challenging environment. Discuss new ideas with your peers and instructors. Increase your understanding of the world with new frames of reference. Especially helpful if preparing for travel.

For course description, click on the course title below. Hover on instructor name for biography.

Presidential Health: Balancing the "Right to Personal Privacy" and the Public's "Right to Know" - Glenridge *NEW!*
Item: AHPG1009	Instructor: John Scibak
Sessions: 1	Glenridge Academy (opens in new tab) Rm Mac I
Tu 6/2/2026 - 6/2/2026	Location: 7333 Scotland Way Sarasota, FL 34238
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Fee: $29.00 ONE DAY CLASSES ARE NONREFUNDABLE.

ONE DAY CLASSES ARE NONREFUNDABLE

From the Bottom Up: The Role of Ordinary Americans in The American Revolution *NEW!*
Item: AHP1010	Instructor: Sharon Sweeney
Sessions: 6	STC Sarasota Bldg 3 (opens in new tab) Rm 3-114
M 7/13/2026 - 8/24/2026	Location: 4748 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34233
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fee: $109.00 NO CLASS JULY 20

The Roaring Twenties: Culture, Conflict, and Consumption *NEW!*
Item: AHP1011	Instructor: Sharon Sweeney
Sessions: 6	STC Sarasota Bldg 3 (opens in new tab) Rm 3-114
M 7/13/2026 - 8/24/2026	Location: 4748 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34233
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Fee: $109.00 NO CLASS JULY 20.

Understanding Modern Russia: Domestic Realities and Global Ambitions - Glenridge
Item: AHP1012	Instructor: Thomas Boeke
Sessions: 4	Glenridge Academy (opens in new tab) Rm Mac I
W 7/15/2026 - 8/5/2026	Location: 7333 Scotland Way Sarasota, FL 34238
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fee: $79.00

The Robber Barons: Business Tycoons of the Gilded Age
Item: AHP1013	Instructor: Alan McKee
Sessions: 4	STC Sarasota Bldg 3 (opens in new tab) Rm 3-117
Th 7/16/2026 - 8/6/2026	Location: 4748 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34233
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Fee: $59.00
This class covers the story of five men who rose from obscurity, even poverty, to become business giants. It is about visionaries; indeed, the greatest asset these men had in common was their ability to imagine the future and see how they could triumph within it. We'll learn about Cornelius Vanderbilt (railroads), Henry Ford (automobiles), J.P. Morgan (finance), John D. Rockefeller (oil), and Andrew Carnegie (steel). These men were instrumental in making America the industrial and financial powerhouse of the world. And yes, they broke and rewrote some of the rules along the way.

"The Pact of Silence": Franco's Spain & the Stolen Generations - Glenridge *NEW!*
Item: AHPG1014	Instructor: Sharon Sweeney
Sessions: 3	Glenridge Academy (opens in new tab) Rm Mac I
Th 7/23/2026 - 8/6/2026	Location: 7333 Scotland Way Sarasota, FL 34238
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Fee: $49.00

Suggested reading: Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetysl

What Causes War and Peace in the World? The Puzzle of Global Power *NEW!*
Item: AHP1015	Instructor: Thomas Boeke
Sessions: 6	STC Sarasota Bldg 3 (opens in new tab) Rm 3-117
M 8/10/2026 - 9/21/2026	Location: 4748 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34233
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Fee: $109.00 NO CLASS SEPTEMBER 7.

Exploring Perspectives: Understanding Current Issues Through Civil Discourse
Item: AHP1016	Instructor: Alan McKee
Sessions: 4	STC Sarasota Bldg 3 (opens in new tab) Rm 3-117
Tu 8/18/2026 - 9/8/2026	Location: 4748 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34233
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Fee: $79.00
Join us as we unravel the complexities of today's news and embrace the power of constructive dialogue.

A Social and Cultural History of Antebellum America Through the Life of Abraham Lincoln Class already in session...in some cases it may be possible to allow a late registration. Please call the office at 941-361-6590.
Item: AHP1000	Charles Wise
Day of the Week: Tu
Dates: 4/21/2026 - 5/26/2026

Renaissance Italy: The Social Foundations and Artistic Triumphs of a New Age Class already in session...in some cases it may be possible to allow a late registration. Please call the office at 941-361-6590.
Item: AHP1001	Sharon Sweeney
Day of the Week: Tu
Dates: 4/21/2026 - 6/2/2026
NO CLASS MAY 26.

The Great War and the Modern World: 1914 - 1918 Class already in session...in some cases it may be possible to allow a late registration. Please call the office at 941-361-6590.
Item: AHP1002	Sharon Sweeney
Day of the Week: W
Dates: 4/22/2026 - 6/3/2026
NO CLASS MAY 27

1959: The Year Everything Changed - Buddy Holly, "surf music" and much more! Class already in session...in some cases it may be possible to allow a late registration. Please call the office at 941-361-6590.
Item: AHP1003	Melvyn Hoffman
Day of the Week: W
Dates: 4/22/2026 - 5/13/2026

Understanding the Holocaust: History, Hate, and Human Behavior - Glenridge Class already in session...in some cases it may be possible to allow a late registration. Please call the office at 941-361-6590.
Item: AHPG1004	Sharon Sweeney
Day of the Week: Th
Dates: 4/23/2026 - 6/11/2026
NO CLASS MAY 21 & MAY 28

Sea to Shining Sea: America's Empire of Liberty Class already in session...in some cases it may be possible to allow a late registration. Please call the office at 941-361-6590.
Item: AHP1005	Charles Wise
Day of the Week: F
Dates: 4/24/2026 - 6/5/2026
NO Class May 1. Class extended to June 5.

Before They Were Beatles - Glenridge Class already in session...in some cases it may be possible to allow a late registration. Please call the office at 941-361-6590.
Item: AAG1001	Alan McKee
Day of the Week: Tu
Dates: 4/28/2026 - 5/19/2026

Cover-up: The Watergate Scandal Class already in session...in some cases it may be possible to allow a late registration. Please call the office at 941-361-6590.
Item: AHP1008	Alan McKee
Day of the Week: Th
Dates: 5/7/2026 - 5/28/2026

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