History/Politics   

• "Don't tax me! Tax that fellow behind the tree." 
• Course Fee: $47.00
  Dates: 3/17/2026 - 5/5/2026 
  Times: 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM
  Days: Tu
  Sessions: 8
  Location: Central United Methodist Church  Education Building Upper Room
  Instructor: Olin Sansbury

   

  This class is an update on the annual saga of “human versus taxman." We will explore the origins of taxation and its development over the years with particular emphasis on some of the recent initiatives in this story. We will also examine the objectives of taxes as well as their many varieties. Some varieties are so well disguised we don’t realize they are taxes. With the 2026 elections fast approaching, there will likely be several “taxing” proposals for our discussion.

• 250th Revolutionary War review: people, places and events in the Spartan District with Charlie Gray

  • This offering is full. Click the add to waitlist button below.
  • Days: Th   Date: 3/19/2026 - 5/7/2026

    Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM        

    Location: Central United Methodist Church Education Building Upper Room
  • Events, people and places in Spartanburg, Laurens, Union and Cherokee Counties broke the back of the British plan to subdue the South during The Revolutionary War. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States by learning more about its history from various experts. This class will present key aspects of the Revolutionary War struggle in and around the Spartan District over eight weeks of classes. Instructors and topics will vary throughout the term. Instructor Mark Anthony will cover July 1780 skirmishes, August skirmishes, Kings Mountain and Cowpens (1781). Thereafter, we will learn about Heroines of the American Revolution (Dr. Gloria Close), Communities and Local Heroes Along the Path to Cowpens (Rick Meehan), The Indian Contribution (Chief Lamar Nelson), and Actions and Events in Neighboring Districts--Laurens, Cherokee, Union (Durant Ashmore). A $10 book fee and $5 copy fee will be added to your registration.

Website Tip! There is no charge to add yourself to the waitlist. Adding yourself helps us know the interest for the offering and in many cases we can add more seats or schedule another section, please add yourself!

• Constitutional issues: Taking a close look at the 2nd and 14th Amendments 
• Course Fee: $31.00
  Dates: 3/18/2026 - 4/15/2026 
  Times: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  Days: W
  Sessions: 4
  Location: Central United Methodist Church  Education Building Upper Room
  Instructor: Anne De Sutter

  In the first part of this course, we will examine the concept of equal protection of the laws with a focus on the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In our last of the four sessions, we will examine the current law regarding the possession and bearing of arms pursuant to the 2nd Amendment. The instructor will use Supreme Court case law as well as secondary sources. The course will consist mostly of lectures by the instructor, but class participation and questions are welcome and expected. There will be short reading assignments to prepare students for each lecture.

  This is a four-week class. There will be no class on April 8; the makeup class date will be April 15.

• Great Decisions 

• This class is FULL and is not accepting any more registrations. 

  Instructor: Rob McCormick
  Dates: 3/17/2026 - 5/5/2026
  Times: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

   

• Introduction to archaeology 
• Course Fee: $47.00
  Dates: 3/19/2026 - 5/7/2026 
  Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  Days: Th
  Sessions: 8
  Location: Central United Methodist Church  Education Building Activities Room
  Instructor: Anna Harkey

   

  How do we know what we know about the past? How do archaeologists know where to dig? How can even just some very old trash help us understand the ways past people experienced their world? This course will cover the basics of how archaeology works from the first stages of research through the processes of fieldwork, recording, preservation, analysis and more. We'll explore a range of archaeological lab methods from the simple to the new and high-tech and we'll examine case studies from both ancient and historical cultures around the world.

• Politics in the American South 
• Course Fee: $42.00
  Dates: 3/18/2026 - 5/6/2026 
  Times: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  Days: W
  Sessions: 6
  Location: Central United Methodist Church  Education Building Upper Room
  Instructor: Phillip Stone

  In this course, we'll try to determine what, if anything, makes politics in the American South distinctive, and how the political history and culture of the South have affected the nation. We'll look briefly at the founding and Antebellum era, examine the significant changes that took place after the Civil War, then look at the formation of the Solid South after Reconstruction. Finally, we'll examine the effects of industrialization, urbanization and migration in the years after World War II, the rise of the Republican Party, the modern Civil Rights movement and how those have all changed the region's politics.

  This is a 6-week class. There is no class on April 8 or 29.

• Reading Steven Pinker: The role of common knowledge in society with Richard Wallace

  • This offering is full. Click the add to waitlist button below.
  • Days: M   Date: 3/16/2026 - 5/4/2026

    Times: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM        

    Location: Central United Methodist Church Education Building Colosseum

  •  

    Steven Pinker is a psychologist and linguist at Harvard University. Over his long and distinguished career, he has published a number of influential books on social psychology, including his most recent, "When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power and Everyday Life." We will read and discuss this book on the nature and importance of common knowledge for social coordination. Bill Gates suggests this as a top five book to read this winter! 

Website Tip! There is no charge to add yourself to the waitlist. Adding yourself helps us know the interest for the offering and in many cases we can add more seats or schedule another section, please add yourself!

• Revising history: From the Bible to Stalin's regime to the events of January 6th  
• Course Fee: $47.00
  Dates: 3/16/2026 - 5/4/2026 
  Times: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  Days: M
  Sessions: 8
  Location: Central United Methodist Church  Education Building Upper Room
  Instructor: Yossi Liebowitz

  A cynical Russian view claims “the job of a Russian historian is to predict the past.” This class will consist of a critical exploration of how our precious narratives may need to be questioned. Such investigations will include: “Whatever happened to my hero Columbus?” “Is there a statute of limitations to taking down statues?” and “Was King David a mafioso?” Get ready for a thrilling intellectual and emotional ride. Please purchase or borrow the book "The King David Report" by Stefan Haym.

• The Battle of Sullivan's Island Tabletop war game
• Course Fee: $31.00
  Dates: 3/17/2026 - 4/7/2026 
  Times: 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM
  Days: Tu
  Sessions: 4
  Location: American Legion Post 28   Main Hall
  Instructor: James Lineberry

  On June 28, 1776, nine British warships commanded by Admiral Sir Peter Parker planned to unleash a nine-hour bombardment against the uncompleted Fort Sullivan. This fortress guarded the entrance to Charles Town as the British were planning a surprise land attack on Sullivan's Island by British grenadiers led by General Clinton. The British soon learned that Colonel Moultrie's fort was well protected by Palmetto tree logs that caused the British shells to bounce off. During the battle, Sergeant Jasper climbed the parapet to replace the blue flag of the colonials to announce that the fort had not fallen. The Patriots won a major battle for South Carolina and the Revolution. The class will include short lectures, a video of the American Revolution by Charles Kuralt and the tabletop wargame (12'x6') with troops and warships. This class will meet at the American Legion Post 28 located at 94 W. Park Drive, Spartanburg, and students are responsible for their own transportation. 

  This is a four-week class and will be held at the American Legion Building in Spartanburg near Duncan Park.