History   

This seminar will explore the strategies of the five key “warlords” of World War II: Winston Churchill, Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. How did their early years (including childhood) and interwar struggles influence their views on war and the greater strategic goals that drove them? How should they be ranked? Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt were the victors, but which one was the most successful? Hitler and Mussolini strategies for victory ended in disaster and defeat … but was there a time and strategy that might have brought them victory? These are the themes / questions that will be discussed.

Well-behaved women rarely make history—and the women in this course definitely did not behave! From pirate queen Grace O'Malley to poet Anne Sexton, and from pop icon Madonna to modern women under the public microscope like Karen Read, we'll explore how women who challenge expectations are labeled, judged, and sometimes punished.

Through short readings, media, storytelling, and lively discussion, we’ll connect past and present and ask: what has changed, and what hasn’t? Come ready to think, share, and maybe stir up a little trouble. An optional visit to Salem or a related local site may be suggested for those interested.

This two-part series explains how, with Churchill’s support, the British efforts at destroying the Nazi tyranny of World War Two, resulted in the victory of the Allies in 1945. In particular, we examine the formation of a very secret organization, the Special Operations Executive, SOE, and some examples of specific operations that took place in occupied Europe. This involved intelligence gathering and sabotage that gave support to the resistance in those occupied countries.

Part 1 explains the history of the intelligence services in Britain and the formation of the Special Operations Executive and Part 2 covers several of the various operations that took place during SOE’s existence.

David Barrett lived in London during the London Blitz and was 6 years old when World War Two finished.

“Despite the outpouring of books, movies, museums, and courses, a coherent explanation of the why such ghastly carnage erupted in the heart of civilized Europe in the twentieth century still seems elusive.” This a quote from Peter Hayes book, “Explaining the Holocaust.” This is the inspiration for this seminar which examines many of the questions dealing with the Holocaust. Why the Jews? Why the Germans? Why a transition from murder to genocide? Could more have been done to prevent the Holocaust? Why was Jewish resistance ineffectual? Why such limited help from the outside? Finally, we conclude with the legacy of the Holocaust and its lessons for us today. Understanding the rise of Hitler and the Holocaust is more relevant today than ever.

This course will explore the life and music of James Brown.  The Hardest Working Man in Show Biz, Mr. Please, Please, Please, The Minister of the New Super Heavy Funk, Mr. Brown is arguably one of the most important musical figures that America has ever produced and whose legacy is often disregarded and unappreciated.  This six-week course will explore his life, his music, the development of his new musical styles, and his influences on music and society both of his era and contemporary times.

Italy, a country of almost 60 million people, is the world’s 4th most visited nation thanks to its rich history and culture, and its stunning cuisine and scenery. This course will cover important aspects of Italy’s history such as the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the destruction of Pompeii, and the creation of the Republic of Venice. We’ll explore some of the country’s social and cultural norms and its contributions to art, music, and film. You’ll learn a bit about the Italian language, including some common words and phrases and how they’re pronounced. Finally, we’ll take a virtual tour of Italy’s diverse regions, discuss Italian cuisine, and explore some travel tips for those thinking about visiting the country.  

This course will cover the history of Massachusetts and Boston, in particular, from the settlement of the Pilgrims to the present day.  It will not only cover the major (and some minor) events of the last four hundred years but also discuss a number of people who lived, worked, in the state that have had an effect on our country as a whole. 

This class explores how America’s three largest Abrahamic traditions have shaped—and been shaped by—public life in the United States. Using a modern historical lens, we’ll examine immigration and demographic change, church–state debates, civil rights and social movements, interfaith cooperation and conflict, and the evolving place of religion in elections, education, media, and law. Classes will balance concise background lectures with guided discussion and case studies designed to build shared context and encourage respectful conversation across differing viewpoints. No prior background is required—only curiosity and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with a central question of modern American life: what role should faith play in a diverse democracy?

Many of the women of the Old Testament were dangerous, strategic, politically savvy, and morally complicated. This lively discussion-based course explores fascinating women whose stories shaped the culture, politics, and history of the ancient world. Through storytelling, historical context, and group discussion, participants will examine figures such as Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Jezebel, and Rahab while exploring themes of power, survival, leadership, loyalty, and rivalry. Participants may find themselves identifying with more than one of these unforgettable women. No prior religious background is required. Planned as Part I of a two-part series.

Transforming the Mediterranean Sea into an open, international waterway during the Barbary Wars (1801-1816) was driven by the United States’ refusal to pay state-sanctioned tributes for safe passage.  By employing military force, the U.S. forced North African corsairs to recognize the universal “freedom of the seas” for merchant shipping

Barbary pirates from the states of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli continually attacked merchant vessels in the Mediterranean, seizing cargo, and demanding massive annual tribute payments.

Most major European powers—including Great Britain, France, Spain, and others—paid regular tributes to the Barbary States. President Thomas Jefferson decided to stop making tribute payments and dispatched the newly established U.S. Navy to the Mediterranean. This culminated in the First Barbary War (1801–1805) to force Tripoli and other regimes to end their attacks. Piracy resumed during the War of 1812, prompting the Second Barbary War (1815) under President James Madison.

Join me for a six-week exploration of the two wars that established the Mediterranean Sea as an open international waterway. There will be slides, handouts and the second half of the class will be devoted to questions and discussions with reference to events in the Strait of Hormuz.

A continuing series of six lectures meant to bring to light the role of both famous and lesser-known women who transgressed gender stereotypes, rose to positions of power, and shaped history in substantial ways. The first lecture will provide a brief introduction of the unique features of World History (as a distinct field/approach of History) that serves as an ideal framework to explore the lives of these extraordinary women throughout history. This course emphasizes coverage of historical women from non-Western Areas who have traditionally not received adequate attention. Session 1: Class Intro: What is World History? How to assess historical women in power in the past/today? Session 2: Elisabeth I (1533-1603) Session 3: Catherine the Great (1729 - 1796): Session 4: Roxelana - Hürrem Sultan (1505- 1558) Session 5: Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) Session 6: Angele Merkel (1954-

Learn and discuss the US involvement in space exploration from its beginnings to how far we are going in the future. The class will discuss the technical details of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions. We remember seeing these missions; but did not understand why, I will discuss the why and reasoning behind all these missions. What were these missions to accomplish and their final goals? Show the science and engineering advancements we have made in the Shuttle and International Space Station programs. When will we return to the Moon and how far are we willing to travel into space? Is SPACEX the answer? The big question, “are we alone?” will be discussed. Math and science backgrounds are not required.

This course delves into the complex dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression within various societal structures. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will critically examine the intersections of identity, social systems, and historical contexts that contribute to the perpetuation of inequality. The power, privilege, and oppression course will delve into various societal structures, aiming to foster a deep understanding of how these forces shape our world. We will explore a diverse range of societal structures, including but not limited to, the education system, criminal justice system, media representation, healthcare, and economic institutions. Expect to look at how race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability intersect in surprising ways.

 Throughout the course, we will develop and foster critical thinking skills and empathy. Key questions we’ll tackle include: How do power dynamics show up around us? What historical events are still affecting us today? And most importantly, how can we make a difference? Join me for a thought-provoking, brave space to promote fairness and justice.

This course traces the dramatic changes in women’s lives in the United States from the postwar era to today. Through major turning points in politics, work, family life, education, and popular culture, we’ll explore how expectations of femininity and “the good life” evolved—and how women challenged, reshaped, and sometimes defended those expectations. Topics include second-wave and third-wave feminism, civil rights and women’s activism, reproductive politics, Title IX, changing workplaces and family structures, media and consumer culture, and contemporary debates over equality and identity. Classes blend accessible historical context with lively discussion and primary sources. No prior background required—just an interest in how social change happens and who drives it. 

Analysis of Warfare since World War II An exploration of the evolution of warfare from 1945 to Putin’s disastrous invasion of Ukraine. We will examine counter insurgency struggles to full blown conflicts. Selective conflicts include the wars decolonization (1947-1975), the Vietnam War (1964-1975) the Iraq War (2003-2011), Afghanistan War (20001-2021), and Putin’s disastrous War in the Ukraine. The focus is NOT on a detailed history of these wars but to focus on the strategies and goals of the opposing sides and the lessons learned or not learned. How did generals and statemen adapt to various new weapons systems, theories and strategies? Noted military and civilian historians will be utilized to examine strategies- some which have been successful while some strategies reflect critical mistakes that have often been repeated time and again.

This course will cover how the election process and power of the office of the President has developed over the years. Included will be the role of the President in the original Constitution, the Electoral College, and the evolution of the office through the years. Specific elections will be highlighted to show the issues in electing the President. Also, a number of Presidents will be discussed in detail to show how they have influenced and changed the office.This course will cover how the election process and power of the office of the President has developed over the years. Included will be the role of the President in the original Constitution, the Electoral College, and the evolution of the office through the years. Specific elections will be highlighted to show the issues in electing the President. Also, a number of Presidents will be discussed in detail to show how they have influenced and changed the office.

This course will examine the difference between assassination and murder and the unique categories of American assassinations and their ramifications, It will look at both assassination attempts and completions.  Topics/subjects will include Jackson, Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, T. Roosevelt, F. Roosevelt, Truman, JFK, Ford and Reagan.  We will also look at MLK, RFK, George Wallace and John Lennon.

The course will begin with the aftermath of the JFK assassination and the effect on the remaining Kennedy siblings, focusing on the political careers of RFK and Ted, the tumultuous year 1968, RFK's assassination and Ted Kennedy's role as father figure to his nieces and nephews.  It will conclude with the 3rd generation, giving special emphasis to Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, JFK, jr. and RFK, jr.