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Senior Learners, Inc., Online Course Catalog for 2025-Spring Term |
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| *"Both" courses are simultaneously online and in Room 107 of Building 20, when more than 5 students register in each. |
Health and Better Living | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| Ts & Teas - *Both | Howard | Wed, 3/5/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Teasing you with this fun fact: tasseography is the art of tea leaf reading. Wear your favorite cotton top as we ask why this garment is called a T-shirt, while we explore some history and more fun facts about the world's top beverage. Tea comes in many forms, packages and flavors. It can be formal in a tea ceremony or informal in a paper cup. It can be zero calories or loaded with lots of sugar and cream, refreshing in the summer, warming in winter, and known for its health benefits as an antioxidant. | Warping Reality: Inside the Psychology of Cults 2 - Online | Team | Tue, 4/22/25 | 2 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $7.50 |
| Completion of Warping Reality: Inside the Psychology of Cults 1. The fee paid for that course includes this course, or $7..50 for anyone who did not pay for Warping Reality: Inside the Psychology of Cults 1. | ||||||
History and Geography | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| The Islamic Golden Age - *Both | Hautanen | Fri, 1/10/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| The Islamic Golden Age was a period of cultural, economic, and scientific flourishing in the Islamic world. It is typically dated from the 8th to the 13th century. During this time, the Muslim world was ruled by various caliphates, and major cities like Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba, which became great centers of learning and culture. Explore this time and place with us via The Great Course: The History and Achievements of the Islamic Golden Age by Eamonn Gearon of Johns Hopkins University, and other supplemental sources. | Carthage and the 1st Punic War - Online | Holloran | Thu, 2/27/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Challenges in the Levant resulted in Phoenicia forming trading colonies around the Mediterranean. The colony at Carthage developed into the capital of the Punic empire in the Southwest Mediterranean. The 1st Punic War (264–241 BC) was the first of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage, the two emerging powers of the western Mediterranean in the early 3rd century BC. For 23 years, in the longest continuous conflict and greatest naval war of antiquity, the two powers struggled for supremacy. This course is based in part on lectures by Professor Eve MacDonald from her course, Hannibal The Military Genius Who Almost Conquered Rome. Her lectures will be supplemented with maps and YouTube videos. | Medieval England - *Both | Reilly | Thu, 3/6/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| After the end of Roman occupation, England emerged as the dominant political entity on the island of Britain. The island’s geography favored the broad, fertile plains of the south and east over the more rugged terrain of the so-called Celtic fringe in the north and west. The development of the English government produced a country that was more orderly and more responsive to public opinion than any other state in Europe. As unlikely as it may seem, a unified English kingdom was the product of the chaos of repeated barbarian invasions. As we follow the birth and growth of the English state, we will meet not just kings and queens, but also the ordinary men and women who lived through this period of change. This course utilizes the Great Courses: The Story of Medieval England by Professor Jennifer Paxton. | The Barcas (Hannibal's Family) in Spain - Online | Holloran | Thu, 3/6/25 | 2 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $7.50 |
| Following the defeat of Carthage in the 1st Punic War one of its generals, Hamilcar Barca invaded the Iberian Peninsula with his young son Hannibal and his son-in-law, Hasdrubal the Fair. After several years of conquest much of the Peninsula was theirs. After the deaths of his father and brother-in-law, Hannibal Barca assumed command. He promptly besieged and sacked a Roman protectorate seaport, Saguntum, initiating the 2nd Punic War. This course is based in part on lectures by Professor Eve MacDonald from her course, Hannibal The Military Genius Who Almost Conquered Rome. Her lectures will be supplemented with maps and YouTube videos. | Vietnam War - *Both | Wilcox | Tue, 3/25/25 | 4 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM | $20.00 |
| The Vietnam War’s impact on modern history cannot be understated. It ended centuries of European imperialism in Southeast Asia and provided a model for anti-colonial insurgencies across the world. The Vietnam War was a seminal event in American history as well. This course is based in part on lectures by the military historian John C. McManus of the Missouri University of Science and Technology. It will be supplemented by sources from the internet and print publications. This first course in the series will provide historical context and the conflict up to the Gulf of Tonkin action. | The Medieval Legacy 3 - Online | Hautanen | Mon, 3/31/25 | 5 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $25.00 |
| This course is the third course in a series, looks at the European Middle Ages (aka the Medieval Period) based on its legacy in the 21st century life and culture. The primary source will be lectures by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Professor Carol Sykes. These lectures are from her 36-lecture course: The Medieval Legacy published by The Great Courses. The lectures will be selected based on the interests expressed by the class. Plenty of time will be reserve for discussion. The lectures will also be supplemented by relevant sources on the internet. | Hannibal Battles Rome in the 2nd Punic War - Online | Holloran | Thu, 4/3/25 | 3 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $15.00 |
| The 2nd Punic War continued with Hannibal Barca marching his army across the Alps and into Italy where he won many battles, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest military commanders in history. The war lasted for 17 years as Carthage and the Roman Republic struggled for supremacy, primarily in Italy and Iberia. It also on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia and, towards the end of the war, in North Africa. This course is based in part on lectures by Professor Eve MacDonald from her course, Hannibal The Military Genius Who Almost Conquered Rome. Her lectures will be supplemented with maps and YouTube videos. | Our Founding Fathers - *Both | Reilly | Thu, 4/10/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| Last Fall, we studied some great American Presidents. Now, let’s look back before America was born and learn about the great men who debated, argued, persuaded, and negotiated their way to the birth of the United States. In the process, they created the U.S. Constitution. These men —Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, and many others—are larger than life in our collective memory, having near-mythical status. Similarly, The U.S. Constitution is the oldest continually operating instrument of government anywhere in the world. It serves as the backbone to the world’s most powerful democracy. Yet, few among us realize just how turbulent, contentious, even suspenseful the process was to draft and ratify it. This course utilizes The Great Courses: America’s Founding Fathers, by Professor Allen Guelzo | Carthage Defeated - The Third Punic War - Online | Holloran | Thu, 4/24/25 | 2 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $7.50 |
| The 3rd Punic War (149–146 BC) was the last of the Punic Wars fought between Carthage and Rome. The war was fought entirely within Carthaginian territory, in what is now northern Tunisia. This course is based in part on lectures by Professor Eve MacDonald from her course, Hannibal The Military Genius Who Almost Conquered Rome. Her lectures will be supplemented with maps and YouTube videos. | ||||||
Literature and Language | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| The Short Stories of Alice Munro - Online | Hull | Mon, 2/17/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| The was a recent controversy swirling around Alice Munro and her Noble Prize winning short stories. This controversy offers us an opportunity to decide whether we should separate one's art from one's personal life. | Talking About Books 3 - In Room 107 | Berra | Wed, 3/12/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Avid readers enjoy a casual, friendly meeting with like-minded members to talk about the books they have been reading, how they liked them (or not!) and why. As we share our recent reading experiences, we also get to hear about books recommended by fellow book-lovers. If you are an enthusiastic reader, come join us. | The Secrets of Great Mystery Fiction - *Both | Howard | Wed, 4/9/25 | 4 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $20.00 |
| This course encompasses mystery fiction from its very beginnings to the Golden Age of Mystery fiction of the 1950s. Represented in the lectures is the genre-founding work of Edgar Allan Poe; the creations of giants of the genre, such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Dashiell Hammett, and Raymond Chandler. The formative works of less know writers are interspersed among the giants. It is based in part on lectures by Professor David Schmid. Time will be available to share your favorite mysteries by these authors. | Talking About Books 4 - In Room 107 | Berra | Tue, 4/15/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Avid readers enjoy a casual, friendly meeting with like-minded members to talk about the books they have been reading, how they liked them (or not!) and why. As we share our recent reading experiences, we also get to hear about books recommended by fellow book-lovers. If you are an enthusiastic reader, come join us. | ||||||
Philosophies and History of Religions | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| Philosophy of Humor - 1 Makeup - *Both | Howard | Thu, 3/27/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $0.00 |
| Makeup class for one missed earlier in Spring Term. | ||||||
Science and Technology | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| Science Surprises Spring II - *Both | Pealer | Wed, 2/26/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| The instructor shares interesting science things that she finds on the Internet, or in books or magazines that people send her. You never know what you will learn!! | Human Factors and Ergonomics - Online | Stephens | Wed, 3/26/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| In this course, we begin by reviewing the history of human factors applied to familiar examples such as the design of telephones and computers for human use. We then examine the tools which have been used and some of the newest ones. Among the tools is the use of sophisticated simulations and simulators and artificial intelligence. We will then work though some examples by looking at difficult and frustrating tasks that class members have or are experiencing. When we encounter problems with human controlled technologies we have tools to correct them. This process is referred as human factors, human engineering or ergonomics.. There are many applications such as driving an automobile, medical practices and procedures, smart phone/ smart TVs, performing repetitive tasks on production lines, and design of consumer products. Traditionally, for jobs such as flying an airplane we attempted to select the most capable pilots and intensely trained those who didn’t excel at the protocols involved in flying. Since the 1940s emphasis has been given to altering tasks to fit users abilities. Today we utilize a systems approach and artificial intelligence to make tasks user friendly. | Science Surprises Spring III - *Both | Pealer | Wed, 4/2/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| The instructor shares interesting science things that she finds on the Internet, or in books or magazines that people send her. You never know what you will learn!! | Modern Microscopes - *Both | Pealer | Wed, 4/23/25 | 1 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Once the microscope was invented in 1590, we humans had to change our understanding of life and our place in it. Since that first microscope, many different types have been created; we are now able to see atoms - incredible! This course will summarize the many options for microscopes today and what can be learned from them. | Portable Solar Generators - *Both | Wright | Tue, 4/29/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| What would you do if unable to access electricity? You would be unable to cook, run medical equipment, etc. This recently occurred in Florida when the state experienced two major hurricanes in the Fall of 2024. In addition, the U.S. could be attacked with an EMP electromagnetic bomb. This course will provide information to avoid this loss of power and review other types of generators, pro & con. Students are encouraged to attend in person, as the instructor will bring in materials for us to view; of course online attendees will see them via Zoom. | Science Surprises Spring IV - *Both | Pealer | Wed, 4/30/25 | 1 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $3.75 |
| The instructor shares interesting science things that she finds on the Internet, or in books or magazines that people send her. You never know what you will learn!! | ||||||
Special Event | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| Board Meeting - Online | Howard | Tue, 1/21/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $0.00 |
| Later | Board Meeting - Online | Howard | Thu, 2/20/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $0.00 |
| Later | Mardi Gras and What is Fat Tuesday? - *Both | Howard | Tue, 3/4/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $5.00 |
| Senior Learners takes it's courses seriously on topics ranging from astronomy to world travel, and we also like celebrations. So on March 4, 2025, we will celebrate Mardi Gras. Join us for food, fun and friendship online. In the classroom we will share some traditional N'Awlins favorites: King Cake, beads, masks, jambalaya (with & without chicken), and chicory coffee. In keeping with its traditional colors, please wear purple, green or yellow and find out their significance during our celebration. | St. Patrick's Day Celebration - *Both | Holloran | Fri, 3/14/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| Senior Learners enjoys parties and celebrations. So as we approach St. Patrick's Day on March 17, 2025, we will learn of the history of this most Irish of celebrations and how it is celebrated around the World. Join us for fun and friendship online and in the classroom. We will share some traditional Irish food and beverages. In keeping with its traditional color, please wear green and find out its, and orange's, significance during our celebration. | Board Meeting - Online | Howard | Thu, 3/20/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $0.00 |
| Later | Senior Learners Birthday Party and Spring Fling - *Both | Nevard | Wed, 3/26/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| We are celebrating everyone's birthday again - and what a better time than our Spring Term. Join us with another get-together, celebrate our birthdays in a new season of camaraderie and friendship with other Senior Learners. | The Senior Learners Easter Bonnet Parade - *Both | Howard | Fri, 4/11/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $3.75 |
| In addition to enjoying the ladies' Easter Bonnets, we will color Easter Eggs with Ocala-made Paas Easter Egg Dye. We will watch scenes from the 1948 musical - Easter Parade and finish with a Disney World Easter Parade. | Board Meeting - Online | Howard | Tue, 4/22/25 | 1 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $0.00 |
| Later | ||||||
the Arts | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| For Love of Film: A.I. Artificial Intelligence - In Room 107 | Smith | Mon, 3/10/25 | 2 | 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM | $10.00 |
| Artificial Intelligence is in the news on a daily basis. Join us in viewing and discussing two movies that give us different views of Artificial Intelligence: A.I. Artificial Intelligence is directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Haley Joel Osment with Jude Law and Her is the story of a lonely writer, Joaquin Phoenix, who develops a relationship with an operating system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. These are thought provoking movies that should lead to interesting discussions. The film lineup could change due to availability of DVDs. Popcorn will be provided to enhance the viewing experience. | History of the Musical Instruments 2 - *Both | Satterfield | Fri, 3/28/25 | 2 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $10.00 |
| This two-week course is a follow-up to the Fall Term course A Brief History of the Musical Instruments. The course will pick up with string instruments. Attendees will have a chance to listen to historical predecessors of these instruments, as well as other unusual instruments that have now fallen out of usage. The course will include a lecture component, presented by Dr. Sarah Satterfield, as well as an abundance of music listening. | For Love of Film: Potpourri - In Room 107 | Smith | Mon, 3/31/25 | 5 | 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM | $25.00 |
| The joy of a Potpourri course is the variety of movies that we can view. Join us in viewing and discussing Dog Day Afternoon starring Al Pacino, Past Lives a 2024 Oscar Nominee, Same Time Next Year Starring Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn, Disney’s Fantasia, which pairs classical music with animation and The Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith and inspired by a true story. The film lineup could change due to availability of DVDs. Popcorn will be provided to enhance the viewing experience. | History of the Musical Instruments 3 - *Both | Satterfield | Fri, 4/18/25 | 2 | 1:30 PM | 3:30 PM | $10.00 |
| This two-week course is a follow-up on A Brief History of the Musical Instruments 2. The course will pick up with keyboard and percussion instruments. Attendees will have a chance to listen to historical predecessors of these instruments, as well as other unusual instruments that have now fallen out of usage. The course will include a lecture component, presented by Dr. Sarah Satterfield, as well as an abundance of music listening. | ||||||
Topical Issues | ||||||
| Title | Instructor | First | Weeks | Starts | Ends | Fee |
| Great Decisions 2025 - 1 - *Both | Coffey | Wed, 1/22/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| Great Decisions is a nonpartisan education program on the eight major foreign policy challenges currently facing Americans. Each class will overview the topic and have class discussion. Participants are encouraged to purchase and read the chapter in the Great Decisions 2025 briefing book available at the Foreign Policy Association (www.fpa.org) or kindle version at Amazon.com. Lecture notes will be emailed to registrants in advance and posted on coffeynotes.com. This course includes 4 of the topics. | Liberty on Trial in America, Cases that Defined Freedom - *Both | Bunker | Fri, 2/7/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| This series of lectures is from The Great Courses given by Professor Douglas O Linder, Professor of Law from University of Missouri-Kansas School of Law. We have previously heard him in Great Trials of World History & the Lessons they Teach Us. This course examines fascinating trials that have defined the meaning of liberty in America. The focus is on individual Americans and the stories of their fights for liberty—liberty as they saw it and felt it. The course travels through American history, from the Anne Hutchinson 1637 trial for daring to challenge Puritan authorities to the new and surprising visions of liberty being championed today. It has great reverence even today with the political climate of divisiveness, the rule of law and how it pertains to individual liberties. | Great Decisions 2025 - 2 - *Both | Coffey | Wed, 2/19/25 | 4 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $15.00 |
| Great Decisions is a nonpartisan education program on the eight major foreign policy challenges currently facing Americans. Each class will overview the topic and have class discussion. Participants are encouraged to purchase and read the chapter in the Great Decisions 2025 briefing book available at the Foreign Policy Association (www.fpa.org) or kindle version at Amazon.com. Lecture notes will be emailed to registrants in advance and posted on coffeynotes.com. This course includes the remaining 4 topics. | The Agency: A History of the CIA 1 - *Both | Hautanen | Fri, 3/7/25 | 2 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $7.50 |
| The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is America’s premier intelligence organization, charged with keeping constant watch in an increasingly dangerous and unstable world. This series of courses is based in part on lectures by the historian Hugh Wilford from his course: The Agency, A History of the CIA. This first course provides the context for its formation following World War II and it early activities in the 1950s. | Warping Reality: Inside the Psychology of Cults 1 - Online | Team | Tue, 3/11/25 | 4 | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | $15.00 |
| Cults are more common than we may want to believe, but learning about them is the best way to limit their power and control over our community, our loved ones, and ourselves. This course is based primarily on lectures by Wind Goodfriend who is a professor of experimental psychology at Buena Vista University and other online sources. | The New Arms Race – The Battle to Control the Computer Chip Industry - *Both | DiPiero | Mon, 3/24/25 | 1 | 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM | $5.00 |
| The importance of computer chips (also known as semiconductors or integrated circuits) cannot be overstated. These tiny yet powerful components are at the heart of modern technology. Computer chips serve as the building blocks for electronic devices, from smartphones and laptops to servers and supercomputers. Power in the modern world – military, economic, geopolitical – is built on a foundation of computer chips. Access to cutting-edge chip technology is crucial for military systems, including radar, communication, and encryption. Nations vie for control over chip manufacturing to ensure their security and defense capabilities. The United States has dominated advances in chips, but that edge is in danger of slipping. China is pouring billions into a project to catch up. The United States and China are engaged in a high-stakes race to dominate chip production. Making computer chips has become the new arms race. | The Agency: A History of the CIA 2 - *Both | Hautanen | Fri, 3/28/25 | 5 | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | $18.75 |
| The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is America’s premier intelligence organization, charged with keeping constant watch in an increasingly dangerous and unstable world. This series of courses is based in part on lectures by the historian Hugh Wilford from his course: The Agency, A History of the CIA. This second course picks up where the first course ended in the 1950s. It covers the next two decades included both disasters and victories for the Agency. Come back Summer Term for the rest of the story. | ||||||
*Senior Learners, Inc., sponsors events offered by non-profit organizations, such as the CF Foundation and its Appleton Museum, which the Board considers will be of interest to our students.
| info@seniorlearners.org (352) 239-8780 |
Senior Learners, Inc. 3001 S.W. College Road PMB No. 210 OCALA FL 34474-4415 |
IMPORTANT Please do not contact CF personnel about any Senior Learners, Inc. courses. Senior Learners, Inc. is independent of CF. We have the use of a classroom and support the CF Foundation with donations. If you have any questions about our courses or operations, please contact us: info@SeniorLearners.org, (352) 239–8780.
Printed 3/21/25.