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History, Civics, International Studies
Dissecting Disasters
with Robert Huffman
Course Description: This class will look at our relationship with machines, and some disastrous accidents, and incidents, that have happened over the years in the aviation, maritime fields, and some even some unusual criminal activities. We will look at what went wrong and what was done to fix the problems. Accidents are normally a series of small incidents that end up causing something to fail. I will provide visual aids and summaries for each class.
Instructor Bio: Robert Huffman retired as an Air Force NCO after 27 years of service. He was a C-130 Crew Chief and Air Force Instructor. He also worked for Boeing. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Foundations and Principles of the U.S. Constitution
with Paul Wendel Brock
Course Description: Class will study the "Original Intent" of the Framers using writings of the Founders. A study of The Federalist Papers and other writings by the Framers will be used. Mr. Brock has developed a system for memorizing parts of the Constitution. In addition, a Dramatization of the events at the Constitutional Convention will be shown.
Instructor Bio: Paul Wendel Brock has a B.A. in History and a M.A. in Educational Leadership. He taught Advanced Placement (college level) History at Ft. Walton Beach High School and retired after 30 years.
Notes: $3.00 for materials for a pocket size Constitution will be collected in class.
Anne Frank: Her Life, Diary, and Other Writings
with Pam Smith
Course Description: This course includes Anne Frank’s diary and other writings. This is a 6-week class.
Instructor Bio: Pam is a retired, secondary language arts/history teacher who was a Mandel Teacher Fellow at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Notes: This is a 6-week class meeting, September 8, 15, 22, 29 October 6 and 13. The teacher will provide books for the course.
Reading Potpourri
with Pam Smith
Course Description: Course will consist of short novels, articles, and short stories including Tuesdays With Morrie and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Instructor Bio: Pam is a retired, secondary language arts/history teacher. She is also a pianist.
Notes: This is a 6-week class meeting September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6 and 13. Articles and short stories will be provided. Participants may choose to watch movie/read book/come for discussion. A reading list will be sent within two days of registration.
Celebrate America 250! The American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence
with Marie Hallion
Course Description: The Revolutionary War started in the spring of 1775 at Lexington and Concord. In June 1776 the Second Continental Congress appointed a committee to prepare a declaration of independence. This course will examine the history of British America, the French and Indian War, the rise of the revolutionary resistance, the committees of correspondence, Boston Tea Party, the Intolerable Acts, the First and Second Continental Congress, Paine’s Common Sense and the move toward independence, Richard Henry Lee’s resolution, Jefferson’s drafting of the declaration of independence and the changes made by Congress before its adoption on July 4, 1776. The course will look at the early days of the Revolution from the summer to the early winter of 1776.
Instructors Bio: Dr. Marie Hallion is an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School and the School of Undergraduate Studies of the University of Maryland Global Campus. She worked inside the White House from 1972 to 1978 during the Nixon, Ford and Carter Administrations and experienced two presidential transitions. She then moved to the newly created Energy Department in 1978. Marie specializes in organizational theory and a wide range of courses in government and politics. Awards she has received include the UMUC Teaching Excellence Award, the Graduate School Commitment to Excellence Award and the Professional Achievement Award.
Criminal Justice Potpourri: Headlines, High-Tech, and Hard Truths
with Kathy Johnson
Course Description: Welcome to Justice Potpourri, an engaging sampler of the most fascinating, complex, and misunderstood corners of the modern criminal justice system. We will go far beyond the sensational headlines to explore how changing data, cutting-edge technology, and shifting societal values are completely rewriting the rules of crime and punishment.
Instructor Bio: Dr. Kathy Johnson received a BS in 1987 and MS in 1989 in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University. Her PhD in Criminology is from Indiana University in Pennsylvania. She has been a faculty member in Criminology and Criminal Justice at UWF since August 2000.
England from the Romans to Revolution
with Daniel Robison
Course Description: From a Roman backwater to a worldwide maritime empire, with ¼ the world’s people.
Instructor Bio: Dan received his Ph.D. in history from Auburn and has taught for CLL for 20 years.
Tour of Goofy Golf
with Anna Calhoon
Tour Description: For generations, Goofy Golf has been the heart of family fun in Fort Walton Beach. Established decades ago, it holds the title of the oldest mini golf course in the entire area. With its whimsical obstacles and charmingly retro design, Goofy Golf has been a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. Join us for a brief history, and stay to play 18 holes on either of its two courses.
Tour Host Bio: Josh Calhoon and his wife, Anna, are natives of this area. They have owned Goofy Golf since May 2024. The Calhoons plan to refurbish and update the beloved miniature golf course while maintaining its original charm, ready to create lasting memories for generations to come!
Notes: We will meet at Goofy Golf, 401 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida