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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 06-03-2024 to 06-10-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: 2024-2Location: ZoomThird Republic vs. Third Reich. Ever since the age of Napoleon, the French military had been one of the best in all of Europe. That is, until 1940, when it joined with countries like Italy in the league of military jokes. France’s defeat was so rapid that the entire campaign was over in six weeks. And the leader of the French Republic even telephoned... read moreThird Republic vs. Third Reich. Ever since the age of Napoleon, the French military had been one of the best in all of Europe. That is, until 1940, when it joined with countries like Italy in the league of military jokes. France’s defeat was so rapid that the entire campaign was over in six weeks. And the leader of the French Republic even telephoned Churchill to tell him they had lost after only six days. The German victory was so sudden, even the German generals were shocked. So, how did it all end up on a beach in Dunkirk? What went wrong? Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via Zoom only. You must have access to a computer/tablet/phone with audio and video capability.
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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 06-17-2024 to 06-24-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: 2024-2Location: ZoomWar Crimes Before the Hague. If you rob a bank and get caught in almost every country, you go to jail—if they don’t shoot you. But what if the government of one country sets out to rob all the banks of an entire continent—and commit thousands of other crimes as well? Before WWII, they sent you to Elba. But German and Japanese leaders raised the stakes... read moreWar Crimes Before the Hague. If you rob a bank and get caught in almost every country, you go to jail—if they don’t shoot you. But what if the government of one country sets out to rob all the banks of an entire continent—and commit thousands of other crimes as well? Before WWII, they sent you to Elba. But German and Japanese leaders raised the stakes so high, exile would not be a fitting punishment. The only trouble is, how to you punish people who technically didn’t break the laws in their country—and for things you did yourself? Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via Zoom only. You must have access to a computer/tablet/phone with audio and video capability.
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Sessions: 2Class Date(s): 07-01-2024 to 07-08-2024Day(s) of the week: MondayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: David WoodruffTerm: 2024-2Location: ZoomNine Days Queen. In the history of England, every text will tell you about Henry VIII’s son Edward VI, who was followed up by Queen Mary. Who gave her throne to Elizabeth I. But England had another queen, their first. A woman the English tried to sweep under the rug. She signed her name: Jane the Queen. But she only lasted nine days. Her story may be the... read moreNine Days Queen. In the history of England, every text will tell you about Henry VIII’s son Edward VI, who was followed up by Queen Mary. Who gave her throne to Elizabeth I. But England had another queen, their first. A woman the English tried to sweep under the rug. She signed her name: Jane the Queen. But she only lasted nine days. Her story may be the ultimate tale of palace intrigue. Pitting noble house against noble house in a tale that features greed and religious struggles that would rival any party politics going on today. Please register for this class if you are interested in participating via Zoom only. You must have access to a computer/tablet/phone with audio and video capability.
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Sessions: 3Class Date(s): 06-11-2024 to 06-25-2024Day(s) of the week: TuesdayTime: 11:00 AM → 12:00 PMInstructor: Laurence Britt, author and commentator on political and economic affairsTerm: 2024-2Location: ZoomIn the 1930’s, author Sinclair Lewis wrote a dystopian novel, “It Can’t Happen Here,” about fascism coming to America. This course will explore that subject given the current status of the political environment in America. The rise of fascism has been one of the most destructive movements of the past hundred years, bringing oppression, war and... read moreIn the 1930’s, author Sinclair Lewis wrote a dystopian novel, “It Can’t Happen Here,” about fascism coming to America. This course will explore that subject given the current status of the political environment in America. The rise of fascism has been one of the most destructive movements of the past hundred years, bringing oppression, war and devastation in its path. Yet few really understand what fascism is, why it appeals and how it has gained power so extensively in recent history. This course will attempt to define exactly what fascism is based on its characteristics and will cover the experience of living under fascist regimes. The course will also address the reasons why a fascist mentality appeals to such large segments of a given population, even in contemporary settings. Recent trends and events in the American political environment have led many to think that incipient fascism is a possibility even here. Is this really possible or even conceivable in America given our established democratic institutions? Laurence Britt is a published author on aspects of fascism and has presented numerous classes on modern history at Oasis over the past fourteen years. This class is presented via Zoom. You must have a computer/table/phone with audio and video capability.
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