History   

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.