Phone: 240-895-2200
Kathy Grimes
Director, Office of Lifelong Learning & Professional Programs
Anthony Guzman
Coordinator, Office of Lifelong Learning & Professional Programs
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is proud to announce the latest offerings of the Grace and John Horton Explorations in Learning program. This program offers opportunities for intellectual enrichment to the members of the Southern Maryland community. The program has been named in honor of Grace and John Horton, whose tireless efforts were crucial to the creation and success of the College’s pilot program at the Asbury community in Solomons. The class offerings for Fall 2008 are below, while a full catalog of classes offered under the Horton program is available here.
Dr. Frank van Aalst
September 4 – October 2
Two sessions available: Thursdays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm or Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
The ancient culture that developed in the Indian subcontinent was contemporary with the civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia, and produced distinctive expressions in all aspects of society: social, political, philosophical, economic, technical, etc. These characteristics continue to impact India today. This course will consider the most outstanding of these features. Topics will include the Indus Valley Civilization; the coming of the Aryans; the beginnings of Hinduism; the Buddha and his followers; Classical Art, and; Successive Invaders. It will conclude with the Muslim Empire in India.
George Sparling, J.D.
September 17 – October 22
Wednesdays 7:00 – 9:00 pm
This course focuses on the role of American political parties in the electoral process – and addresses the questions whether the ideals of U.S. democracy are being served. A short review of the changing history of political parties will enable us to better understand the nature and function of political parties in 21st century America. An understanding of how political parties do, and do not, influence the conduct, outcome, and consequences of elections will help to explain why we “get” the government and policies that we do. Finally, a look at potential reform of the party/electoral system, including voter participation, campaign finance, providing better choice for voters, and the style of political campaigns, will enable each of us to become better participants in the democratic process.
Dr. Christopher Wilkins
October 29 – December 10 (No class November 26)
Wednesdays 7:00 – 9:00 pm
In this course we will trace the effects of warfare and religious sensibility through the poetry of three modernist poets—Ezra Pound, T.S.Eliot, and David Jones. Each poet’s work was decisively impacted by the Great War (World War I). Taken together, their poetry reshaped how English-language readers could justify and sustain vigorous religious belief and an authentic comprehension of human suffering and evil in the wake of that war. Writing in the midst of a devastated Erope descending into further horrors in their own lifetimes, these poets reworked poetics, religions, and mythologies in order to make them adequate to this task.
Dr. Frank van Aalst
November 6 – December 18 (No class November 27)
Two sessions available: Thursdays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm or Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
India today is the world’s largest democracy, founded in 1950 after obtaining independence from the British Empire. This course will briefly describe the years under the British and then summarize the developments in government, society, culture and economy that have resulted in the thriving India of the 21st century.
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18952 E. Fisher Rd
St. Mary's City, MD 20686-3001
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