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 Greenen 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


 

Fall course 2009

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

  • ARCHITECTURE, SCULPTURE & LANDSCAPE
  • F09AC01-A • Lines in the Sand: Sarasota Architecture from 1920 to Present
  • Sarasota architecture is driven by real estate development yet shaped by the arts. Using multimedia, we will explore regional design from the 1920's Mediterranean revival period through the modernism of the mid-century "Sarasota school" and into the smorgasbord of styles that prevail today.
  • Mondays, October 26-November 16 (4 weeks)
  • 9:30-11:30 am
  • Argosy University • A6 • $50 • H. Bubil
  • F09AC02-A • Frank Lloyd Wright: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
  • A multi-part lecture series examining the life and work of America's greatest architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. From his earliest Prairie Style houses until his death, this remarkable artist designed one incredible structure after another.
  • Thursdays, October 29-November 19 (4 weeks)
  • 12:00-2:00 pm
  • Argosy University • A16 • $50 • M. Tlachac
  • ART
  • F09A01-A • Where Were the Women? The Trials and Tribulations of Female Artists Throughout the Centuries
  • Look in any pre-1970 art history book and you will be hard-pressed to find the names of more than a few women. They were marginalized by a society in which females were considered intruders in the art world. We will wend our way through the centuries trying to resurrect their lives and their works.
  • Tuesdays, October 27-November 17 (4 weeks)
  • 12:00-2:00 pm
  • Argosy University • A6 • $50 • G. Hirshfeld
  • F09A02-P • New World Vision
  • Delve into Modernism in America; the ramifications of the Armory Show of 1913; Art from the Absurd Universe: A discussion of Dada and its influence on later American art; Heroic Painting: A discussion of the New York school of the mid-century and the influence of European immigrant artists; and Languages of the Mind: Minimalist art of the 1970s and 1980s.
  • Fridays, October 30-November 20 (4 weeks)
  • 2:00-4:00 pm
  • Plymouth Harbor • Chapel • $50 • K. Costello
  • EARTH & BEYOND
  • F09E01-A • Florida Birds and Wildlife: Here Today Gone Tomorrow?
  • Florida Birds and Wildlife: Here Today Gone Tomorrow? Explore the status of birds and wildlife in Florida, and in Sarasota in particular, and how they are faring in the face of relentless development. We'll study the work of conservation organizations in partnership with local government in their efforts to protect wildlife. The course includes two classroom sessions and two field trips. Co-sponsored with the Sarasota Audobon Society.
  • Wednesdays, October 28-November 18 (4 weeks)
  • 9:30-11:30 am
  • Argosy University • A6 • $50 • J. Dubi
  • F09E02-S • The History of Botanical Exploration in Florida
  • Inventorying Florida's over 3,000 native plants has had drama, frauds, dangers (including deaths), eccentric and brilliant personalities and surprises. It is far from finished. We'll review more than three centuries of history and personal experiences that have built a foundation for conservation.
  • Wednesdays, October 28-November 18 (4 weeks)
  • 2:30-4:30 pm
  • Senior Friendship Center • Main Bldg/Room 185 • $50 • J. Beckner
  • F09E03-O • Discovering the Stars
  • Looking at the night-time sky is more rewarding when you know what you are seeing. Learn to locate and identify the major constellations through the "star hopping" technique; delve into astronomy basics about planets, stars and galaxies; and explore some of the mythology behind the constellations. This is an evening course at Bishop Planetarium, South Florida Museum. 201 10th St.W., Bradenton FL 34205, 941-746-4131, Ext. 22.
  • Mondays, October 26-November 16 (4 weeks)
  • 6:30-8:30 pm
  • Bishop Planetarium • $50 • J. Rodgers
  • HISTORY
  • F09H01-A • Queen Elizabeth I: A Study in Statesmanship (Sorry, this course is now closed.)
  • When Elizabeth I became queen in 1558, England was a defeated, bankrupt country, badly split over religion. When she died in 1603, a rejuvenated England was the leading Protestant power. This course will focus on her achievements in various fields, such as foreign policy and the church.
  • Mondays, October 26-November 16 (4 weeks)
  • 2:30-4:30 pm
  • Argosy University • A5 • $50 • N. O'Neill
  • F09H02-S • Hyman Rickover: The Father of the Nuclear Navy
  • Rickover overcame the resistance of the establishment and anti-semitism to produce the most powerful nuclear sea force ever assembled. This course adds personal vignettes to a study of the man, the legend, and the development of America's nuclear Navy.
  • Wednesdays, October 28-November 18 (4 weeks)
  • 12:00-2:00 pm
  • Senior Friendship Center • Main Bldg/Room 185 • $50 • S. Smith
  • HUMAN BODY & MIND
  • F09HB01-A • Does My Personality Affect My Life?
  • Discover psychoanalyst C. G. Jung's model for how individuals prefer to collect data and use that data to make decisions. You will identify your own type preferences and how they impact your ability to learn, to act, and to live. Note: A $20 fee for class materials will be collected at the first session.
  • Wednesdays, October 28-November 18 (4 weeks)
  • 9:30-11:30 am
  • Argosy University • A16 • $50 • M. Hartzler
  • LITERATURE
  • F09L01-A • The Bible: Its Origin and Development
  • Explore the fascinating history of the Bible in terms of how this collection of books came into being and why they were included in what is known as "the canon." Trace the development of the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and New Testament canons and examine differences between Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant versions.
  • Thursdays, October 29-November 19 (4 weeks)
  • 12:00-2:00 pm
  • Argosy University • A6 • $50 • J. Johnson
  • F09L02-A • Dashiell Hammett and Lillian Hellman: A Hard-Boiled Duo
  • Exciting! Explosive! Extra-marital! Extraordinary! These words describe the lives and writings of Dashiell Hammett and Lillian Hellman. We'll explore the passions they brought to their work and to their relationship. Their involvement in the politics of their time led to heartache, punishment and public exposure.
  • Thursdays, October 29-November 19 (4 weeks)
  • 2:30-4:30 pm
  • Argosy University • A6 • $50 • P. Jaffe
  • LOCAL HISTORY
  • F09LH01-A • Sarasota County: From Indian Mounds to Runways
  • Although Sarasota County is a relatively young county, the area has a rich and colorful history. This course will explore that history starting with the Native Indians and early settlers moving through the boom and bust period to World War II and the area's growth.
  • Tuesdays, October 27-November 17 (4 weeks)
  • 2:30-4:30 pm
  • Argosy University • A16 • $50 • R. Williams
  • F09LH02-A • Florida Archaeology (Sorry, this course has been cancelled.)
  • Explore some 15,000 years of habitation among the state's rich environs. From the earliest inhabitants who participated in seasonal migrations to the earliest pioneers who continued to explore the wild Florida frontier, learn what lies beneath our feet.
  • Thursdays, October 29-November 19 (4 weeks)
  • 9:30-11:30 am
  • Argosy University • A6 • $50 • J. Moates
  • F09LH03-P • Sarasota History
  • Learn about the stories of the people and events which formed the fabric of Sarasota history as seen through the eyes of pioneer families' descendants and local historians. First class at Crocker Memorial Church, 1260 12th Street, Sarasota (between U.S.41/Cocoanut St.) with subsequent classes at PH.
  • Thursdays, October 29-November 19 (4 weeks)
  • 2:30-4:30 pm
  • Plymouth Harbor • Pilgrim Hall Theater • $50 • S. Blue
  • MUSIC
  • F09M01-A • The Human Voice - or - How Singers Sing
  • Hear today's important singers, from Renee Fleming and Bryn Terfel, to Dmitri Hvorostosky and Stephanie Blythe, along with the great voices of the 20th century, including Marilyn Horne, Joan Sutherland and Richard Tucker. Learn about their careers, how they became famous, and what goes into the making of an operatic and Broadway career.
  • Tuesdays, November 03-November 24 (4 weeks)
  • 2:30-4:30 pm
  • Argosy University • A6 • $50 • J. LeBell
  • PEOPLE
  • F09P01-A • Mennonites and Amish: History, Belief and Life
  • Who are those people riding three-wheeled bikes in Sarasota? Why do they dress that way? What is a Mennonite? Are Mennonites and Amish the same? These questions and more will be addressed in this informative and engaging look at Mennonite and Amish history and traditions.
  • Wednesdays, October 28-November 18 (4 weeks)
  • 2:30-4:30 pm
  • Argosy University • A6 • $50 • J. D. Yoder
  • THEATER & FILM
  • F09TH01-P • History of Musical Theater from Gilbert & Sullivan to Stephen Sondheim
  • Through lectures and film and sound clips, you’ll experience a host of past and present masters of the art of musical theater. Special attention will be paid to the craft of lyric writing. Humming along may be permitted.
  • Fridays, October 30-November 20 (4 weeks)
  • 9:30-11:30 am
  • Plymouth Harbor • Pilgrim Hall Theater • $50 • S. Isenberg
  • WRITING
  • F09W01-S • Structuring and Selling Your Nonfiction Manuscript
  • Need help overcoming writer's block? A published author will provide everything you need to know about formatting and finishing a memoir, a how-to or self-help book, a history, a true crime or an inspirational story.
  • Wednesdays, October 28-November 18 (4 weeks)
  • 12:00-2:00 am
  • Senior Friendship Center • O-Donnell Library • $50 • N. Wald

©2009 Pierian Spring Academy

  • 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