Pierian Spring Academy - Adult Education in Sarasota, Florida

Contact Pierian Spring
Directions
Quick Facts

To help with your decisions on courses and locations, the following people are available for assistance:
Debbie Cowles, Senior Program Administrator
941.716.2471

Stan Nikkel, Dean of Faculty
941.922.7675

Bob Carlson, Executive Director
941.408.3723

You can also e-mail us at info@PierianSpringAcademy.org
P. O. Box 110141, Sarasota, FL 34211

Site Locations

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CENTER (SFC):
1900 Brother Greenen Way (941) 955-2122

Brother Greenway Way runs one block between Washington Blvd. (US-301) and Osprey Street just south of Oak Street and north of Mound Street (US 41). PSA courses meet in the easternmost SFC building.

ARGOSY UNIVERSITY
5250 17th Street 1-800-377-0617

Argosy University is at the western end of the long office building at the southwest corner of 17th Street and North Honore Avenue in Sarasota.

PLYMOUTH HARBOR
700 John Ringling Blvd. 941-365-2600

Tower apartment building on the south side of the causeway (SR-780) between downtown Sarasota and St. Armands' Circle.

Driving time between the Senior Friendship Center and Argosy University using Washington Blvd and 17th St is approximately 15 minutes; between the Center and Plymouth Harbor takes approximately 6 minutes.

WHO ARE WE?
Pierian Spring Academy (PSA) is a high-quality, low-cost, college level academic continuing education program for persons of all ages but especially retirees and semi-retirees, regardless of educational background. We have only one requirement: a willingness to learn and to enjoy the intellectual refreshment of unique, stimulating content and discussions. Winter residents are welcome.

WHERE ARE WE?
PSA courses are held in three locations: Senior Friendship Center, 1900 Brother Geenen Way; Argosy University, 5250 17th Street in Sarasota; and Plymouth Harbor, 700 John Ringling Blvd., near St. Armand's Circle. Click here for directions.

WHEN DO WE MEET?
Fall Lecture Series - October 20 through December 15 at the Selby Public Library (Geldhart Auditorium), 1331 First Street in Sarasota. The lectures are scheduled from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Free and Open to the Public.

Fall Term 2009
October 26 - November 20 (4 weeks). Tuition is $50 per course

Winter Term 2010
Begins the week of January 11 - Course dates and lengths vary. Tuition rates vary according to length of class.

Spring Session 2010
The spring session begins the week of February 22 - Course dates and lengths vary. Tuition rates vary according to length of class.

HOW MUCH?
4 weeks is $50 per course, 6 weeks is $65 per course, 8 weeks is $90, 10 weeks is $110 and 12 weeks is $130.
There are no membership fees or annual dues.

View courses by category

Spring course 2010

Download a PDF of the brochure here

To register online, you will be required to provide an email address

ART
S10A01-A • Feminist Art
Review and discuss the work of women artists, as influenced by the feminist movement of the 20th century. The diversity of women artists during this period will show ethnic, cultural and political influences in a variety of media techniques.
Mondays, February 22-March 15 (4 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • A16 • $50 • E. Merritt add to cart

S10A02-A • Shifts in Time
Haute Couture expresses the personality of the designer and wearer to the same degree that fine art expresses the artist's relation to a collector. We'll examine this art and fashion relationship from the 17th century to the present.
Tuesdays, March 02-April 06 (6 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • A16 • $65 • K. Costello add to cart

S10A03-P • Historical Visions, Local Decisions: Looking at the Art of our Times
Meaning and aesthetics in 20th century art - an overview of select styles and creativity in modern history, featuring related work in progress by prominent Sarasota artists. The course will be presented through slides, lectures, films, and related discussion opportunities.
Thursdays, February 25-April 01 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Plymouth Harbor • MacNeil Chapel • $65 • P. Koenig add to cart

S10A04-O • Oriental Rugs and the Stories They Tell (Sorry,this course has been canceled.)
Is there a story hidden in your beautiful oriental rug? Examine the politics of the art of rug weaving from ancient times until the present, using images and, where possible, woven examples. This course will be held at Art to Walk On, 64 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 941-951-5454.
Tuesdays, March 09-March 30 (4 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Art to Walk On • $50 • E. Hampshire

EARTH & BEYOND
S10E01-A • Science's Big Picture: A Course for the Curious but Perplexed
Particle physics, quantum physics, new planets, DNA sequencing, evolutionary biology, climate science, the search for life on other planets. Every day we read about breakthroughs in science -- how are we to make sense of it all? Look at how it all fits together and investigate how we know what we know in bite-sized chunks designed for the scientifically curious, but perhaps perplexed non-scientist.
Mondays, February 22-March 29 (6 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • A16 • $65 • J. Rodgers add to cart

S10E02-A • Close Encounters of the Bird Kind
For beginning and intermediate birders who are interested in learning about birds of Sarasota and our environment. Two classroom sessions and four field trips (beginning at 8:15 a.m.) to local birding "hot spots" will be offered. Co-sponsored with the Sarasota Audubon Society.
Fridays, February 26-April 02 (6 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • A16 (Room Change) • $65 • O. Comora add to cart

S10E03-S • Our Food Supply: From the Paleolithic to Globalization (Sorry, this class has been canceled.)
Complex societies have flourished without money, but all people need food. It is not a passive, but an active force for individuals and civilizations. Global growth has threatened sustainability. Discuss familiar and unfamiliar food plants and animals from around the world.
Wednesdays, February 24-March 31 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Senior Friendship Center • Rubin Bldg/Dwyer • $65 • J. Beckner

HISTORY
S10H01-A • Ancient Rome and the Hollywood Epic Film
Was Hollywood's version of the Roman Empire myth or history? This course will focus on six classical films, mostly from the 1950s and 60s, the golden age of the Hollywood biblical epic genre. Some of the films to be considered include "Ben Hur", "Gladiator", and "Quo Vadis".
Mondays, February 22-March 29 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • A5 • $65 • N. O'Neill add to cart

S10H02-S • A Political History of the United States and Its Navy from 1815 to 1865 (Sorry, this class has been canceled.)
Between major wars, the U.S. Navy led the world in advancing naval warfare technology; but political will stymied taking advantage of this lead. During the Civil War, Lincoln learned to be "Admiral in Chief" as his "Anaconda Strategy" strangled the Confederacy.
Wednesdays, February 24-March 31 (6 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Senior Friendship Center • Rubin Bldg/Carkener • $65 • S. Smith

HUMAN BODY/MIND
S10HB01-A • The Neurobiology of Human Behavior
Explore Nobel scientist Dr. Francis Crick's neurobiological "astonishing hypothesis" by studying the basic organization and functional capabilities of the human brain. Learn how emerging technologies have begun to make the mind accessible to scientific inquiry and enable us to better understand the basis of human behavior.
Mondays, February 22-March 29 (6 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • A6 • $65 • A. Grindal add to cart

S10HB02-A • Practical Psychoanalysis (Sorry, this class has been canceled.)
Psychoanalysis is a versatile art-science, rich in both practical and theoretical contributions to our journey as human beings. Dynamic and conceptual aspects of psychoanalysis will be explored through readings, discussion, and psycho-educational exercises, bringing new insight and understanding to the events of everyday life.
Thursdays, February 25-April 01 (6 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • A16 (Room Change) • $65 • D. Eisner

IDEAS
S10I01-A • Christianity and Islam: Part 2 – Worldview
Explore Christianity and Islam, turning to an examination of their contrasting teachings about the nature of God, creation, the nature and destiny of humans, and the path of transformation. Key doctrinal differences within both Christianity and Islam will be discussed. Students may attend this course without having attended Part 1.
Mondays, February 22-March 29 (6 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • A6 • $65 • J. Johnson add to cart

S10I02-A • The Bill of Rights is Alive and Struggling
Key leaders of the ACLU of Florida take you behind-the-scenes to report on Religious Freedom, Women's Rights, National Security and "Defending Speech You Hate to Hear". Speakers: Dr. Howard Simon, (Executive Director, ACLU of Florida), Attorneys Becky Steele (Director, Tampa regional ACLU), Glenn Katon (Head of ACLU Religious Freedom Project), and Col. Mike Pheneger (U.S. Army, Ret.). Moderated by Pete Tannen, Chair, ACLU of Sarasota.
Wednesdays, March 10-March 31 (4 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • A6 • $50 • P. Tannen add to cart

S10I03-A • Economic Topics of Interest
Topics will be developed based on class interest arising from the winter economic course. Students may attend this course without having attended the winter economics course.
Thursdays, February 25-April 01 (6 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • A11 (Room Change) • $65 • L. Rudd add to cart

LANGUAGE
S10LA01-A • Yiddish Revival: History…Literature…Music…Movies…Humor (Sorry, this class is now closed.)
For a century, Yiddish has inspired all aspects of American culture. Entertaining multi-media presentations will explore Jewish Life as it incorporates world philosophies such as The Enlightenment, Romanticism, and finally the Modern Era. Even if you don't speak a word of Yiddish, you will love the history, music, and the traditions!
Wednesdays, February 24-March 31 (6 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • A6 (Room Change) • $65 • B. Miller

LITERATURE
S10L01-A • The American Short Story and Film
A group of notable 19th and 20th century writers consciously formulated the short story as an art form, developing the genre with such energy and vision that it is often called a uniquely American form. Authors considered include Hawthorne, Crane, Hemingway, Faulkner, Katherine Anne Porter, Flannery O'Connor, and Raymond Carver.
Wednesdays, February 24-March 31 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • A11 • $65 • P. Buck add to cart

S10L02-A • Grab a Seat at the Algonquin Round Table (Sorry, this class is now closed.)
Share the ideas and the wits of Robert Sherwood, Dorothy Parker, George S. Kaufman, Harold Ross, Robert Benchley and many other scintillating personalities. Laugh and cry at the twists and complications of their lives and admire their varied talents.
Thursdays, February 25-April 01 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • A6 • $65 • P. Jaffe

LOCAL HISTORY
S10LH01-A • A Historical Review of African American Life and Culture in Sarasota
From the era of runaway slaves to the town’s early settlement, study Sarasota’s first African-American neighborhood and the later development of Newtown. Discussion will include the social life, business opportunities, employment, and education of the city's early African-American residents.
Tuesdays, February 23-March 30 (6 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • A16 • $65 • J. Brown add to cart

MUSIC
S10M01-A • The Big Band in American Jazz: From Ragtime to the Swing Era and Beyond - Part 2
The decline and fall of the Swing Era, the early "concert jazz" bands of the 40s and 50s, the "bebop" bands, the rise of the jazz education movement, and the concert/"kicks" bands of today. Students may attend this course without having attended Part 1.
Thursdays, February 25-April 01 (6 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • A16 (Room Change) • $65 • H. Ettman add to cart

S10M02-A • For the Love of Classics: 18th to 20th Century Masters - Part 2
You already know that classical music can be beautiful, haunting, inspiring and powerful. Now an accomplished musician will give you a greater understanding of how a piece becomes a classic, including biographical excursions and observations of historical circumstances that affected the works of the masters. Students may attend this course without having attended Part 1.
Thursdays, February 25-April 01 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • A16 • $65 • G. Zaritsky add to cart

PEOPLE
S10P01-A • Ancient African Civilization Before Colonialism
Examine the philosophical underpinnings, political and economic character, and reach of the cities and statecraft throughout the “black” regions of Africa before European colonialism. Included are Kush/Nubia, Kemit/Egypt, Swahili, Shona and Angola/Congo kingdoms, and the empires of Ghana, Mali, Songhay.
Tuesdays, February 23-March 30 (6 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • A6 • $65 • W. Johnson add to cart

S10P02-A • AAfrican-American Archaeological Sites Reveal Family, Community and Education Connections: 1640 to 1880.
What can 15 archaeological sites tell us about free African-Americans following the Revolutionary War? How can artifacts show the persistence of African culture, links to school curriculum and evidence of art, housing, religion, education and business in African-American communities?
Wednesdays, February 24-March 31 (6 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • A-1 • $65 • V. Johnson add to cart

THEATER & FILM
S10TH01-A • Watching the Dance Go By: State of the Art in the 21st Century
In the 20th c. America defined “concert dance,” i.e. serious dance art onstage. Three defining pioneers – George Balanchine in ballet; Martha Graham in “modern” dance; and their most creative prodigy, Merce Cunningham set the mold for essentially everything that has evolved since, whether American or International. We are the beneficiaries of their movement experimentation, which has created unprecedented technical expertise and amazing diversity of expression. Allison Tracy, columnist has observed these dance trends for some 25 years, covering the Jacob’s Pillow International Dance Festival in Western Massachusetts. This course challenges fixed stereotypes about dance, presenting both a historic framework and conceptual ideas to enlarge dance appreciation. Interested students can call her at 941-580-6452 or contact her by email: atracy333@aol.com.
Tuesdays, February 23-March 30 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • A16 • $65 • A. Tracy add to cart

S10TH02-A • Introduction to Ballet
Examine the art of classical ballet from its origins in France to the present; its development, techniques, personalities, and meaning. Using select videos, we will compare great productions and performances in France, Russia, Denmark, England, and the U.S.
Thursdays, February 25-April 01 (6 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • A6 (Room Change) • $65 • J. Wilson add to cart

S10TH03-A • Survey of Musical Theater - Part 2
Experience a journey through shows - major, minor and off-beat; on, off- and off-off Broadway with video and sound clips. Do the words or the music come first? You'll find out. Students may attend this course without having attended Part 1.
Fridays, February 26-April 02 (6 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • A6 (Room Change) • $65 • S. Isenberg add to cart

S10TH04-P • Great Films: The 60's
Trace the evolution of cinema as an art form -- watch, analyze, and discuss some of the best films from the 60's: The Virgin Spring, Breathless, Yojimbo, II Posto, Dr. Strangelove, and Le Samourai. Many foreign, these original directorial visions place artistic values above commercial ones in sharp contrast to the formulaic approach of the big studios.
Fridays, February 26-April 02 (6 weeks)
2:15-5:00 pm
Plymouth Harbor • Pilgrim Hall Theater • $65 • J. Stith add to cart

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call or write to: Director: Bob Carlson: info@pierianspringacademy.org
Phone:941-716-2471 Pierian Spring Academy P. O. Box 110141, Sarasota, FL 34211