Pierian Spring Academy - Adult Education in Sarasota, Florida

Contact Pierian Spring
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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

Pierian Spring Academy
1750 17th Street, Bldg. L2, Sarasota, FL 34234-8690

Mail registration forms to: P. O. Box 110141, Lakewood Ranch FL 34211-0001

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 19 through December 14 at Pilgrim Hall at Plymouth Harbor, 700 John Ringling Blvd., near St. Armand's Circle. The lectures are scheduled from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. Free and Open to the Public.

Fall Term
October 25 - November 19 (4 weeks). Tuition is $50 per course

Winter Term
Begins the week of January 10 - Course dates and lengths vary. Tuition rates vary according to length of class.

Spring Session
Begins the week of February 21 - 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. Parking is free at all locations.

View courses by category

Winter course 2011

Download a PDF of the brochure here

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

ARCHITECTURE, SCULPTURE & LANDSCAPE
W11AC01-A • Sarasota Architecture from 1920-Present
In a town where the arts, tourism and real estate rule, a convergence of visionaries and talented young designers crafted our fascinating architectural history. The course portrays the built environment from the 1920s boom through the Sarasota school of architecture and beyond. No class January 17-Martin Luther King Day.
Mondays, January 10-February 07 (5 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • $50 • H. Bubil add to cart

W11AC02-A • The Wonders of Frank Lloyd Wright: Part 1
Explore several stunning and innovative works of architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright. Take a look at buildings spanning his 70 year career, from earliest Prairie style houses through those designed in the last decade of his life. Each lecture covers a unique phase of his work, geographic location or a family experience and combines extensive use of photographs and illustrations.
Tuesdays, January 11-February 15 (6 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • $65 • M. Tlachac add to cart

ART
W11A01-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 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. Men and women will have their eyes opened.
Tuesdays, January 11-February 15 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • $65 • G. Hirshfeld add to cart

W11A02-A • Enter the Dragon: Contemporary Chinese Art
China is a growing economic and industrial power on the world stage. The increased importance the Chinese give to contemporary art reflects this new reality. Lectures will illustrate the broad use of materials and concepts being used by Chinese artists today, examining the interaction between new technologies and art that have arisen over the last decade.
Thursdays, January 13-February 17 (6 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • $65 • K. Costello add to cart

ECONOMICS
W11EC01-A • Everything You Wanted to Know About Economics But Were Afraid to Ask
Explore various economic issues in the news today. Discussion will include how economists think, the current state of health care reform, how economists estimate the value of life, and a forecast of the U.S. economy. No class January 17-Martin Luther King Day.
Mondays, January 10-February 07 (5 weeks)
9:45-11:45 am
Argosy University • $50 • F. Slesnick add to cart

GOVERNMENT
W11G01-A • The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is not just a document displayed in the National Archives. Every day, citizens, legislators, judges, and public officials struggle to determine exactly what it means in the real world. These 10 amendments are a great gift from our founders - an effort to protect their rights and liberties and those of future generations against interference by their own government. No class January 17-Martin Luther King Day.
Mondays, January 10-February 21 (7 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • $65 • M. Pheneger add to cart

W11G02-A • The Evolution of the Modern Presidency
This course will look at how the office of the U.S. president has changed and developed from the early 20th century to the early 21st century. It will focus on dynamic figures from the two Roosevelts to Bush and Obama and there will be discussion of concepts like the "imperial presidency" and the "permanent campaign."
Thursdays, January 13-March 03 (8 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • $90 • R. Dinkin add to cart

HISTORY
W11H01-A • Unique Americans
Study the lives, acquaintances and historical context of some unique Americans: John Marshall, Ralph Waldo Emerson, George Armstrong Custer, Charles M. Russell, Thomas Hart Benton, Baby Doe Tabor, Madame C. J. Walker, and W.E.B. Du Bois. Discussion encouraged.
Wednesdays, January 12-March 02 (8 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • $90 • S. Nikkel add to cart

W11H02-A • Theodore Roosevelt, an Imperial President in the Golden Age
In 1905, the SS Manchuria transported America’s largest diplomatic mission and TR’s daughter, Alice, on an imperial cruise which led to secret agreements and ultimately resulted in the US entry into WWII. We’ll cover the mission and highlights of TR’s presidency, along with Alice’s antics, during America’s Golden Age.
Wednesdays, January 12-February 16 (6 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • $65 • S. Smith add to cart

W11H03-P • All Roads Lead to Athens
A stimulating and delightful account of the remarkable and revolutionary characteristics that distinguished the Greeks in the Ancient World. Lectures will convey the unique Hellenistic perspective that designates Greece as “The Cradle of Western Civilization.” History, significant battles, mythology, literature, arts, and architecture will be discussed.
Wednesdays, January 12-February 16 (6 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Plymouth Harbor • Card Room • $65 • B. Miller add to cart

W11H04-A • Shipwrecks of the Gulf of Mexico
We will survey shipwreck research in Gulf and Bay waters, including the two oldest shipwrecks in the US, treasure hunting v. professional archaeology, the wreck of La Belle by French explorer La Salle, and a history of the Ringling yachts.
Wednesdays, January 12-February 16 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • $65 • J. Cozzi add to cart

W11H05-A • Jewish Women From Ruth to Barbra
Our study of Jewish women begins with the Book of Ruth, one of the more compelling accounts of women in the Bible. It continues with women in literature, politics, and the theater. It is not a prerequisite to be either Jewish or a woman to enjoy the videos and readings in this course -no exams!
Thursdays, January 13-March 03 (8 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • $90 • B. Salzman add to cart

HUMAN BODY & MIND
W11HB01-A • You and Your Heart
Take charge of your heart health and learn the fundamentals of both normal and abnormal cardio-vascular physiology. Do you understand why your doctor urges you to change your lifestyle if you have chest pain? Can you ask the right questions when you’re told you have a leaky valve? No medical knowledge required; class discussion encouraged. No class January 17-Martin Luther King Day.
Mondays, January 10-February 21 (7 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • $65 • E. Yellin add to cart

IDEAS & SPIRITUALITY
W11I01-A • Eastern World Religions: Part 1 – Historical Development
This course explores the four major world religions arising from India and China - Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism - in terms of their historical origins (including the lives and teachings of the Buddha, Confucius, and Lao-Tzu), their developmental phases, and main divisions. No class January 17-Martin Luther King Day.
Mondays, January 10-February 21 (7 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • $65 • J. Johnson add to cart

W11I02-S • Catholicism and Protestantism: Sources of Commonality and Difference
Of particular relevance for those interested in ecumenism, explore the common beliefs shared by Catholics and Protestants, rooted in the ancient creeds produced by the Ecumenical Councils of the 4th and 5th Centuries, as well as the historical context, main themes and causes of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th Century.
Wednesdays, January 12-February 16 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Senior Friendship Center • Dwyer Room • $65 • J. Johnson add to cart

LITERATURE
W11L01-A • Machiavelli's The Prince
The principal focus will be Machiavelli's The Prince, which will be read from cover to cover. Also included will be a glancing look at selections from two other great Renaissance writers, Castiglione and Montaigne, to add some comparative context to discussions.
Tuesdays, January 11-February 15 (6 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Argosy University • $65 • L. Hammond add to cart

W11L02-S • The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and American Realism
Ernest Hemingway once said, “All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn.” We will read and discuss this great novel, along with other shorter works by Twain, and discuss its enduring influence on all realistic American literature.
Thursdays, January 13-February 17 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Senior Friendship Center • Dwyer Room • $65 • P. Buck add to cart

MUSIC
W11M01-P • Four Operas, Four Classes, For Fun
Operas for 2011 season at Sarasota Opera: Puccini La boheme (Why do we cry?); Mozart Don Giovanni (How many seductions?); Verdi I Lombardi (What makes early Verdi romp?); Robert Ward: The Crucible (An American Classic? ). Class will discuss the music, plot, composer and time of composition. Films will demonstrate production decisions and director’s choices. No class January 17-Martin Luther King Day.
Mondays, January 10-February 07 (5 weeks)
9:30-11:30 am
Plymouth Harbor • Pilgrim Hall • $50 • M. De Genaro add to cart

W11M02-P • Rogues and Romantics; Vive la Revolution!
The Romantic Period in music is given birth by political, social and formal upheaval which results in some of the most unique, beautiful and sentimental music ever created. This course will explore that evolution with symphonic, choral and chamber music by some of the greatest composers of the time.
Tuesdays, January 11-February 15 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Plymouth Harbor • Chapel • $65 • W. Wittig add to cart

W11M03-A • American Popular Song
Sessions devoted to various aspects of our musical heritage: Echoes of Harlem, Roaring Twenties, Young Bing and Frank, Louis' Legacy, Billie and Ella, classic recordings. Bring toes for tapping.
Wednesdays, January 12-February 16 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • $65 • D. Smolens add to cart

W11M04-A • Chamber Jazz: The Unforgettable Small Groups
Certain small ensembles throughout jazz history have had sounds and spirits that are immediately identifiable. Discover the musical “trademarks” that set them apart as examples of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Utilizes recently collected videos and audio cuts specially edited for this brand new offering.
Thursdays, January 13-February 17 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • $65 • H. Ettman add to cart

W11M05-A • For the Love of Classics: 18th to 20th Century Masters Part 1
Classical music can be beautiful, haunting, inspiring and powerful. 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 Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms.
Thursdays, January 13-February 17 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • $65 • G. Zaritsky add to cart

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
W11ST01-A • From Mini to Nano: Small is Big
Nanotechnology is big business. Particles small enough to provide lots of surface area can be used to detect bacteria in hamburger meat. Pores small enough to filter viruses can make dirty water drinkable. We will look at how small size can have large influence in areas ranging from tennis racquets and television sets to medicine.
Tuesdays, January 11-February 15 (6 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • $65 • A. Kesten add to cart

SPORTS
W11SP01-A • Baseball, It's More Than Its Seams
Learn all about America’s pastime in a fun and interactive way with Sarasota Herald-Tribune sports columnist Doug Fernandes. The course will explore baseball’s history, its impact through film and literature, and how many of its changes through the years have mirrored those in our society.
Tuesdays, January 11-February 15 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • $65 • D. Fernandes add to cart

THEATER & FILM
W11TH01-A • Shakespeare As You Like It - Part 1
Discussion of 8 Shakespeare plays using filmed sequences and inviting audience response. Plays include Romeo & Juliet, Troilus & Cressida, King Lear, and Richard III. No prior knowledge of the plays is required. No class January 17-Martin Luther King Day.
Mondays, January 10-February 21 (7 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Argosy University • $65 • S. Isenberg add to cart

W11TH02-S • After the Wars: Modern European Drama - Part 1
Read and discuss plays by Luigi Pirandello (Italy) and Federico Garcia Lorca (Spain). Discussions will focus on how the work of these playwrights reflected the breakdown of traditional social institutions and the disintegration of old pieties.
Tuesdays, January 11-February 15 (6 weeks)
2:30-4:30 pm
Senior Friendship Center • Dwyer Room • $65 • L. Blanchard add to cart

W11TH03-P • The Golden Age of German Film
Study, watch, and discuss The Last Laugh, Sunrise, Metropolis, The Blue Angel, M, and Trouble in Paradise, moving from silent to sound and from Germany, when Hitler seizes the industry, to Hollywood.
Fridays, January 14-February 18 (6 weeks)
2:00-4:45 pm
Plymouth Harbor • Pilgrim Hall • $65 • J. Stith add to cart

WORLD
W11WL01-A • Southeast Asian Arts and Entertainments
For a general understanding of the region or for visiting these countries, through videos and slides not previously presented, this course will examine the dance, music, fine arts and unique entertainment of the countries of Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia and the Philippines.
Tuesdays, January 11-March 01 (8 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • $90 • P. Sarno add to cart

WRITING
W11W01-A • Anatomy of a Murder Mystery
From Concept to Contract: Chapter by Chapter - character, setting, and plot. Begin with a body, master the muddle in the middle, and end with an edge. Delve into the mysterious world of publishing, including agents and editors. Learn how to write a synopsis and query letter.
Wednesdays, January 12-March 16 (10 weeks)
12:00-2:00 pm
Argosy University • $110 • N. Wald 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 1750 17th Street, Bldg. L2, Sarasota, FL 34234-8690