World History   

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.

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.

 

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.