February 5-10, 2012

The Thrill of Flight
Program #16190

Discover the dreams and realities of flight in the city where commercial aircraft first took off. Explore the working restoration shop of Fantasy of Flight, the world’s largest private collection of vintage aircraft. Pilots and flight experts bring to life the triumphs of famous aviators and speculate on the future of flight. Go behind the scenes of the award-winning Tampa International Airport to appreciate its architectural beauty and the challenges of airport security, airfield maintenance, cargo transport, fire fighting and more. Visit the busiest and largest our Air Station Coast Guard in the country. With narrated visits to hangers and an observation tower, consider the role a local airport plays in life-saving missions.

Registration Starts June 21, 2011

February 5-10, 2012

From Mark Twain to Jon Stewart | Everyman of Film | 1950s Musicals
Program #16981

Political Satire from Mark Twain to Jon Stewart
Political satire focuses on the foibles of politicians and allows us to inject humor into what is frequently not very humorous. Through lectures, writings and TV clips, we’ll examine some of the best American political satirists.

Everyman of Film: Lemmon, Eastwood, and Hanks
Through their films, these three actors became symbols of the American man at his best. They were pillars of moral courage and defenders of traditional values. Learn about their lives and gain appreciation for the "Everyman" image in their films.

Shall We Dance: Musicals of the 1950s
The 1950s brought new sophistication to musical theatre. Strong books heightened with words and music by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Lowe, Loesser, Styne, gave new focus to choreography by Robbins and Fosse. Lectures, film clips, live music.

Registration Starts June 21, 2011

February 12-17, 2011

Exploring the Cities of Tampa Bay
Program #4069

Join scholars and tellers of tales to discover the rich history and cultures of the Tampa Bay area. Discover treasures in museums. Explore ethnic neighborhoods, taste their foods, and walk in the footsteps of those who created history. During a field trip to Ybor City — one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida — encounter Cuban, Italian, German and Jewish immigrant influences, sample traditional Cuban foods and learn about the cigar industry. Enjoy a Greek meal and soak up the atmosphere at Tarpon Springs, an historic waterfront community influenced by Greek sponge divers. Marvel at the beauty of lush flora and mysteries of aquatic life. Leave the classroom and go "behind-the-scenes" in beautiful Tampa Bay.

Registration Starts June 21, 2011

February 12-17, 2012

Carl Reiner & Mel Brooks | Pulitzer Prize | Musicals of the 1960s
Program #19424

Carl Reiner & Mel Brooks
First brought together on Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows, Reiner and Brooks created some of the best skits in comedy history. Rediscover the works of these comic geniuses through lectures, stories and clips of performances.

The Pulitzer Prize: America in the 20th Century
Explore 20th Century American culture through a look at selected winners of the Pulitzer. Learn what it feels like to win the prize during a class session with the 2009 winner for Feature Writing, Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times.

Musicals of the 1960s
By the 1960s skyrocketing costs and changes in musical tastes affected the Broadway stage, yet some shows in the great Broadway tradition triumphed: Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot, Man of LaMancha and more. Lectures plus live and recorded performances.

Registration Starts June 21, 2011

February 19-24, 2012

The Italian Experience
Program #11154

Italy is justly renowned for its rich history, culture, architectural marvels, art, foods, wines, people and places. Come with us as we learn about, appreciate and celebrate the wonders of all things Italian. Study the rich culture from the past to the present. Examine the art and architecture of Venice, Florence and Rome and then travel to Sarasota and see selected works at the Ringling Art Museum. Experience selected classic and modern literature. Sample some of the best Italian music from classical to popular with a live performance during the week. Learn about the wine regions and sample some wines. End the week with a traditional Italian meal. Become a world traveler in the comfort of our Road Scholar home.

Registration Starts June 21, 2011

February 19-24, 2012

Classic American Comedians | Classic American Pop Music | Classic American Films
Program #19420

Classic American Comedians
To laugh is instinctive, and we have been doing it throughout history. Explore the numerous American comedians in vaudeville, film, stage, stand-up, TV and clubs. Prepare to be surprised and entertained.

Classic American Pop Music
Pop is not just one form of music. Be prepared to immerse yourself in a variety of distinctly American sounds, all representing eras in our history: Tin Pan Alley, Ragtime, Broadway, Jazz, Folk, Blues, Doo-Wop, Soul and more. Enjoy live music.

Classic American Films
With Europe tumbling into war and the US on the brink, 1939 was a golden year for Hollywood films. Study the directors and the films representative of this time. Included are: Goodbye Mr. Chips, Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind and more.

Registration Starts June 21, 2011

February 26-March 2, 2012

Mysterious China: A Voyage Without Passports
Program #6634

Travel with us to the other side of the world to discover a land and a people still mysterious to the West - China. Join with us on this adventure as we uncover the customs, lifestyles, cuisine, myths, legends, history and philosophy of China. Discover the amazing healing powers of Chinese medicine:  acupuncture and herbs. Explore the spiritual world of T'ai Chi. Visit a Chinese market and experience a traditional Chinese meal. Understand and appreciate the art and architecture of the Silk Road. Examine the films from China. Sample a genuine Chinese experience without long lines or the need to renew your passports!

Registration Starts June 21, 2011

"An A+ experience." 
"30+ Years of experience really shows."

February 26-March 2, 2011

The US Foreign Service: Representing America Abroad
Program #8164

How is the United States served by its diplomats? Find out from the diplomats themselves! Seize this rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and discuss with retired Foreign Service officers the exciting challenges they faced in pursuing US foreign policy objectives. Step inside an ambassador’s life and learn what’s done on a daily basis. Explore how our diplomats and military work cooperatively in the international arena. Understand the importance of communicating with citizens in other countries through Public Diplomacy. Examine a wide variety of issues involving America's friends and adversaries around the world. Topics focus on current and traditional hot spots. An opportunity to see the planet from a unique perspective awaits you.

Registration Starts June 21,2011

"...very well organized and substantive program. It met and exceeded expectations." 
"Topics were well selected"