World History   

This compelling class offers a rare, firsthand account of U.S. Navy SEAL operations during the Vietnam War, presented by retired Navy Captain Robert “Pete” Peterson. As one of the first UDT and Frogmen to be designated as a Navy SEAL, Pete Peterson helped form the earliest SEAL teams and led SEAL Team 2 into combat in Vietnam. He is widely credited with shaping the operational framework that later evolved into modern SEAL capture and kill missions, earning the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service.

The program begins with a screening of the Prime Video documentary A Bond Unbroken, narrated by Bob Woodruff. The film follows a powerful reunion decades after the war, as U.S. Navy SEALs return to Vietnam to reconnect with their former combat interpreter, Nguyen Hoang Minh. Through archival footage of actual SEAL missions, the documentary highlights enduring bonds, sacrifice, and loyalty forged in combat.

Following the film, Captain Peterson will provide personal insight into SEAL missions and operations in Vietnam. The class concludes with a live panel discussion and audience Q&A featuring the documentary’s producer, Rick Dobbis; Captain Steve Petty, offering additional perspective on mission execution and the use of helicopters in SEAL operations; and Mary Ann Koenig, director of A Bond Unbroken. As the film’s writer and director, Koenig was the creative force behind the documentary and brings extensive experience in documentary filmmaking. She will offer behind-the-scenes insight into the film’s creation and address broader questions about the art and process of documentary storytelling.

During World War II, espionage involved covert operations by all major powers, including Germany, Japan, and the Allied nations, Britain, France, and the U.S. This collection of spies acted on behalf of their countries through hatred of the Third Reich, revenge for the killing of a loved one, love of their country or a habitual way of life. But all served faithfully until the crisis ended- or they did.

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.

Before the introduction of opium in the 1500s, Singapore was a trading port for Chinese, Arabs, and Portuguese merchants. Under British rule, this swampy, little island became the world center for the opium trade. Learn how Singapore survived wars, invasions, and betrayal to become one of the world's most beautiful, safest, richest, and undoubtedly cleanest nations in the world.

In November 1978, Congressman Leo Ryan from California visited the People’s Temple Agricultural Project in Jonestown, Guyana. The visit ended tragically. With orders from the group leader, Jim Jones, armed members from Peoples Temple killed Mr. Ryan and members of his party. This event sparked a forced mass suicide of most of the people living in Jonestown and became a momentous event.

Jim Shook, who at the time was an enlisted U.S. Army medic, was part of the mission to recover the remains of those who died. He will offer his memories and perspectives of his experiences there and the effect on his life and others who were part of the mission.  

NOTE: This course deals with subjects that may be disturbing to some participants. Topics include suicide and murder, the handling of decomposing human remains, and frank discussions of poison, death and genocide.