World History   

This course will introduce the world of ancient Rome by using its coins to tell the story of its history, culture and language. The basic coin units, their images, as well as their inscriptions will be used as a way of discussing Roman civilization. Participants will learn how to identify and interpret ancient Roman coinage as well as gain insight into the world of Ancient Rome.

Examine this controversial theory from Gavin Menzies' best seller, 1421, THE YEAR CHINA DISCOVERED THE WORLD. First, hear the story behind Menzies' theory; then a strong rebuttal using Menzies' own facts and charts. In the end, it remains for you to decide if Menzies' book was fact, fiction or historical fraud?

The discovery and charting the boundaries of the huge Pacific Ocean is filled with true stories of good and evil men, shipwrecks, heroism, murder, and even cannibals. Come hear how these stories helped shape history.

With the 1945, August 6 and 9th, A-Bombs, Emperor Hirohito had a momentous decision to make, continue to fight as his military advisers desired or accept Unconditional Surrender. Was the Emperor a hero for accepting surrender or a traitor to do so?  An answer from the lecturer he hopes will be persuasive.  

A history of treasures lost, the treasures found and hidden treasures still waiting to be discovered and the true stories about past treasure hunters who received jail time, injuries and even death for their efforts.

This presentation tells the story of the ten-year search for Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda and mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, and Operation Neptune Spear that ended in his death.  It will detail the massive intelligence operation that went into locating bin Laden, the debates of the CIA analysts who tracked him, the training of the SEALs who killed him, and a detailed account of the carrying out of Operation Neptune Spear.

When Rome ruled the world, olive oil was the liquid gold that fueled the economy of all the countries of the Mediterranean Basin. Learn its history, how the oil is processed, its ancient traditions, beauty secrets, and the health benefits olive oil provides.

 

Dec. 7, 1941, Sunday morning in Hawaii. All was peaceful and serene. Base personnel were going about their business. Then, the unthinkable happened. The greatest military catastrophe in American history. In this class, we will explore in-depth not only the attack, but just as important, the reason behind the Japanese decision to go to war. Everyone has seen the horrific films and photos of that morning. What many do not know is the backstory behind what happened that day. It involves not only Japan's role, but also the mistakes and lack of proper action by some American personnel which contributed to this tragedy. Please join us as we seek to unravel what happened that day, and why.

This course will provide a survey of the history, archaeology and folklore of Britain from Antiquity through the Early Middle Ages. Rulers, legends and mythology will blend to paint a fascinating picture of how British history developed and how these ancient times still influence our popular culture to this day.

The topic is based on a book entitled "The 600 m.o.l. - Black Helicopter Pilots in Vietnam" written by Dr. Joe Ponds. It is aimed at sharing information about a population of men who engaged in military service to this country with duties involving aviation. The era that this book addresses is one during which there was considerable racial turmoil in America. So, these were stalwart men who entered into a career field dominated by white males who did not readily embrace them. They were very well-trained, determined, and highly motivated professionals. More specifically, the book is about the black helicopter pilots who experienced combat duty in Vietnam, some making the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives, and who certainly have a place in U. S. history. It is also a story of the uncommon fortitude, perseverance, and triumph of black men who were often compelled to fight multiple battles against multiple enemies, for example, the enemy overseas on the battlefield and racial discrimination at home, simultaneously. The path to becoming one of the 600 m.o.l. was certainly a road less traveled.

The Taliban emerged in Afghanistan in 1994. Why and how did they come into being? What are their goals? After fighting them for 20 years, the United States abruptly left Afghanistan and the Taliban quickly resumed control of the country. What does the future hold for the people of Afghanistan? This presentation will try to answer these questions.