World History   

Trace the fascinating evolution of Mardi Gras- from the raucous carnivals of Ancient Rome to today’s vibrant, music-filled celebrations in New Orleans. Explore the history, traditions, and cultural influences that shaped this festive season, blending revelry, pageantry, and spirituality into one of the world’s most colorful spectacles.

Just six years after the Titanic disaster, the steamship Princess Sophia left Skagway bound for Vancouver with over 350 passengers and crew. In the early morning hours of October 24, 1918, amid blinding snow and gale-force winds, the vessel struck Vanderbilt Reef near Juneau, Alaska. For 40 hours, the Sophia sat stranded in worsening seas before finally slipping beneath the surface on October 25, taking all aboard to their deaths.

This tragedy remains the worst shipwreck in the history of the West Coast, made even more poignant by its timing—just days before the end of World War I and during the growing fear of the Spanish influenza pandemic. This course explores the historian’s account of the disaster and presents rare underwater footage of the wreck, uncovering the haunting legacy of a maritime tragedy often forgotten by history.

This presentation explores the political landscape of post-Soviet Russia and traces the rise of Vladimir Putin from a former KGB officer to the dominant figure in Russian politics. We'll examine the chaos following the collapse of the USSR, the power struggles of the 1990s, and how Putin's background, alliances, and strategy allowed him to take control. The session will also consider the political reforms, crises, and public sentiment that shaped his ascent to power—and ultimately, how he became Russia’s longest-serving leader since Stalin. Join us to understand the pivotal moments that defined Putin’s path and reshaped Russia.

From the discovery of the Pacific Ocean by Balboa through the building of the Panama Pacific Railroad, the history of this tiny country is filled with fantastic adventures and beautiful imagery.

From stirring battlefield paintings to protest songs that echo through generations, art has long been intertwined with the history of war and peace. In this thought-provoking four-hour course, explore how life imitates art and art imitates life, and the powerful role both have played in shaping public perception, inspiring action, and even influencing the course of conflicts. Journey through the works of visual and musical artists from the 19th to the 21st centuries, discovering how creative expression has at times fueled patriotic fervor and, at other times, become a rallying cry for peace.

Your guide is a talented OTOW resident artist who has frequently used his own work as a voice against war and in service of political expression- always with the intention of fostering harmony, understanding, and healing. This is more than a history lesson; it is an invitation to see the arts as a mirror, a megaphone, and a bridge between worlds.

In the center of Europe, Prague has been one of Europe's great cultural capitals for a thousand years. Learn about Prague's fascinating history, amazing sites and culture. See how a thousand years of often turbulent history have created this beautiful and captivating cultural capital.

This class is designed for travelers, history enthusiasts or anyone interested in timeless beauty. We will discuss travel tips, key sites and the history behind the great monuments and cultural treasures. Get practical advice for making the most of a visit to Prague.

This presentation looks into the dynamics of the Cold War, shows how politics and ideology interacted with one another, shaping the course of history. It highlights the significance of societal changes alongside governmental shifts, emphasizing that transformations within society were as crucial as those within the corridors of power. The presentation also examines how concepts of morality influenced the decisions and actions of leaders, and how both policymakers at the top and everyday people at the bottom played pivotal roles in the unfolding of Cold War events.

Discover the history, legends and cultures of the Emerald Isle from when the first settlers rowed their tiny, skin boats across wild seas from England. Centuries of Druid, Celt, and Viking settlements have left Ireland with a rich and permanent collection of myths and legends. Learn the true stories behind the legends of leprechauns, fairies, changelings, pookas, banshees, and the Blarney Stone.

The longest running espionage program in American history from WWII to the present and one so secretive that its existence was withheld from two American presidents to protect its security and benefits. Its reach was global, and its discoveries unbelievable. It was responsible for uncovering the deception, betrayal and misplaced trust in countries around the world that led to the death of thousands of people.

Malta, an island country located in the central Mediterranean Sea, is a strategically important group of islands. The archipelago has through its long and turbulent history played a vital role in the struggles of a succession of powers. Learn about this jewel from a Maltese citizen who will go into the history, culture, travel opportunities and many other facets of the island.

Find out why Columbus was returned to Spain in chains, why the Dutch needed salt, if the native tribes were cannibals, and many other historical facts about the islands of the Caribbean.

The rise of a battlefield general, manager of people and philosopher was methodical and meteoric. His book "The Art of War" is still being used in war colleges around the world, senior management trainings, espionage, and for entrepreneurs who aspire to successful supervisory positions; and they are eternally applicable to all aspects of life.

This course shall cover the history of one of the most enigmatic and influential empires in human history. Spanning through Europe, Asia and Africa; the Byzantine Empire also weaves connections between the ancient and modern worlds that have lasting impacts on cultures across the globe. In this short course, we will discover some of its beautiful cities, tyrannical rulers and mystical theologians as we explore a society where East truly meets West and whose art still inspires awe to this day.

Discover the remarkable evolution of U.S. military small arms during the First and Second World Wars. This course will explore how the United States became the "Arsenal of Democracy," supplying not only its own forces but also those of its allies through industrial innovation and mass production.

You'll learn about the design, function, and history of the weapons that helped shape the modern battlefield—from bolt-action rifles and semi-automatic pistols to revolvers and carbines. Topics include:

 

• Weapon types and their intended battlefield roles
• Caliber, dimensions, and technical specifications
• Manufacturing origins, including production years and facilities
• Distribution to various military branches and theaters of war
• Total production numbers and historical context

The instructor will present a curated selection of original U.S. small arms from the era. At the conclusion of the class, participants will have the unique opportunity to view—and carefully handle—some of these authentic historical artifacts.

Whether you're a military history enthusiast, collector, or simply curious, this course offers an unforgettable hands-on journey through America's wartime armament legacy.

Experience the Vietnam War through the eyes of a combat helicopter pilot. In this compelling class, Stephen Petty shares firsthand insights into helicopter operations in Vietnam, from intense combat assaults to the split-second decisions made under fire. Learn how pilots planned and executed missions, adapted tactics in real time, and faced the physical and emotional challenges of flying in a combat zone. This unique perspective brings history to life from the cockpit.

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 question-and-answer session featuring the documentary’s producer, Rick Dobbis, along with Captain Steve Petty, offering additional perspective on mission execution and the use of helicopters in SEAL operations.

This course explores a compelling collection of spies who operated on behalf of their countries during a time of global crisis. Motivated by hatred of the Third Reich, a desire for revenge, deep patriotism, or simply a life shaped by espionage, each served with unwavering commitment until the war ended, or their own lives did. Their stories reveal the personal stakes behind the covert missions that shaped history.

 

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.