Lifelong Learning Academy Announces
Fall 2015 Semester
September 28-November 19
Open Registration Begins August 25!
The fall semester includes more than 50 courses on a wide variety of topics; a lecture and film series about anti-Semitism and the Holocaust; two history workshops conducted by noted archaeologist Steven Derfler; an in-depth look at the Sarasota Opera and The Verdi Cycle, and the return of the popular Einstein’s Circle forums.
(Sarasota-Manatee) “Twentieth Century Dance Greats,” “Modern Monetary and Economic Policy,” “iPhone for Beginners,” “Reading as a Writer: Ernest Hemingway,” “Spiritual Psychology,” and “Scientific Discovery and Creative Genius.” This is only a sampling of the more than 50 in-depth courses offered this fall by Lifelong Learning Academy. Courses are primarily offered on the campus of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Classes are also offered at State College of Florida in Lakewood Ranch, Anna Maria Island Community Center, and Westminster Towers and Shores in Bradenton. Weekly classes run six to eight weeks, September 28-November 19. Open registration begins August 25. No refunds on lectures, workshops, or special events; registration is transferrable.
The fall semester includes two workshops offered by archaeologist, historian and author Steven Derfler: “The Life and Mysterious Death of King Tut” (October 9, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.), and “Ancient Mesopotamia: The Land Between the Rivers” (November 6, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.). The fee per workshop is $99 general admission; $89 for LLA members, and includes a box lunch.
Two other fall workshops include “Opera 101,” which delves into the history of opera, covers key operatic concepts and describes what it takes to stage a full production at Sarasota Opera (October 2, 3-5 p.m.); and “The Verdi Cycle,” an introduction into the life and work of the prolific composer (October 16, 3-5 p.m.) The series is hosted by Sarasota Opera’s executive director, Richard Russell, and is at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. The fee is $25 per workshop.
The fall semester also includes a lecture and film series on anti-Semitism and the Holocaust presented by art historian and media psychologist Andre Krauss, Ph.D. The lecture, titled “The Convenient Scapegoat: Anti-Semitism Before and After the Holocaust,” is October 8, 2:30-4 p.m., at Selby Auditorium at USF Sarasota-Manatee. The fee is $10 for the general public and free for LLA members. “Impossible Circumstances and Impossible Choices” is a three-part film and discussion series chosen in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the liberation of the Nazi death camps. The three films, “Fateless” (October 29; 2:30-5:15 p.m.), “Genocide” (November 12; 2:30-5:15 p.m.), and “Defiance” (November 19; 2:30-5:15 p.m.) represent but a few examples of the extraordinarily difficult choices that Jews had to make under the perverse Nazi social order. The fee is $25 per film or $70 for three films and discussions.
The fall Einstein’s Circle series will be announced in late August. These open forums, moderated by knowledgeable experts in a variety of topics, provide an opportunity for participants to engage in a thoughtful exchange of ideas, opinions and information.
Janna Overstreet is Lifelong Learning Academy’s executive director. Lifelong learning is both her passion and profession. “Studies show that lifelong learning helps create a positive aging experience, boosting health and longevity and increasing the overall sense of joie de vivre,” she says.
“We provide seniors with that vital intellectual and cultural stimulation in an informal, supportive atmosphere. Our students experience lively discussions promoting personal growth and social engagement. It’s a true meeting of the minds.”
Lifelong Learning Academy offers four course terms annually on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Each course lasts two to eight sessions; most classes meet for an hour and 20 minutes weekly. For more information about Lifelong Learning Academy, call 941-359-4296 or visit www.lla-sm.org.
