Programs on Campus
Stetson University, Florida's oldest private university, located in the lovely country setting of DeLand, which was recently awarded the national "Main Street City" title. Come see why so many visit our campus of historic buildings, large live oaks and warm Southern hospitality. Our professors will inspire you, intrigue you and involve you. With over 90% of professors holding terminal degrees you will enjoy academic excellence unmatched by any institution south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Your accommodations at the University Inn are located directly across from our campus and within the historic district of downtown DeLand. The motel has a pool, workout room and is AAA approved. Rooms with a refrigerator are available upon request. Some walking required.
January 6-11, 2013
Program # 20843
Cost: $588.00 (Double) / $718.00 (Single)
The Dynamics of Friendship with Dr. Donald Musser
Simon and Garfunkel wrote about the despair of a broken relationship in "I Am a Rock." Jewish philosopher Martin Buber advocated "I and Thou" as the epitome of human flourishing. Explore the history of friendship and the reasons they fail or fade.
The Idea of the Devil with Dr. Greg Sapp
A look at the concept of evil and the development of the idea of the personification of evil in the form of the Devil. We will begin with ancient cultures such as the Egyptians and Persians but will largely focus on ancient Israel and Christianity.
Recently uncovered Ancient Texts and the Hebrew Scriptures with Rabbi Shapiro
Discoveries of ancient texts found a great deal about the role of many Middle Eastern communities as a backdrop for the biblical narrative. Learn how they have revolutionized our understanding of the meaning and significance of our sacred texts.
January 13-18, 2013
Program # 20844
Cost: $588.00 (Double) / $718.00 (Single)
Modern Art Comes to America with Dr. Roberta Favis
Discover the artists and events that transformed the artistic scene in America in the first decades of the 20th century. Discuss the art of Marsden Hartley, Arthur Dove, Georgia O'Keefe and visit the Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center.
Three Classics of Modern Southern Writers with Dr. Charles Bunting
Enjoy lecture and discussion on the works of three modern writers of the south: William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily," Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man Is Hard To Find," and Eudora Welty's "A Piece of News".
The Bible and Archaeology with Dr. Mitchell Reddish
Through photographs and lectures, explore some of the more interesting and significant objects in museums around the world that provide fascinating glimpses into the history, culture, practices, and literature of the biblical world.
Program # 20863
Cost: $588.00 (Double) / $718.00 (Single)
The Sacred Scriptures of Jews and Christians with Dr. Donald Musser
The course will use a widely used guide to the Hebrew Bible and Christian New Testament to present a comprehensive and coherent overview of two of Western civilizations most important sacred documents.
The Holocaust and its Antecedents with Rabbi Shapiro
Could anyone predict the Holocaust? What elements came together to create an environment where seemingly ordinary people became perpetrators of enormous cruelty? Are conditions right for it to happen again? Is there another Hitler on the horizon?
Great Figures from Religious History with Mr. Bill Lazarus
Take an historical look at such religious figures as Moses, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad, and Martin Luther to see what motivated them and how the times in which they lived influenced their ideas.
January 20-25, 2013
Program # 20587
Cost: $588.00 (Double) / $718.00 (Single)
Tamed Nature: A History of Gardens as a Work of Art with Mr. Kevin Costello
Ancient Babylon and modern cities have gardens as an emotional and aesthetic expression of their civilizations. Through lecture and adventure examine gardens from this aesthetic perspective… living sculpture created through the taming of nature.
Simply Beautiful: What to look for in a Work of Art with Mr. Kevin Costello
Painting and sculpture, in order to be relevant to its time, must express the new ideas animating the artist's mind and the larger culture outside the studio. Examine this dynamic of art to ideas focusing on political and psychological intentions.
Eight Colors with Mr. Kevin Costello
Examine the psychology and symbolism of the primary and secondary colors together with black and white in the history of western art. These eight colors influence not only our purchasing habits but also our physical condition, such as our emotions.
Program # 20735
Cost: $799.00 (Double) / $929.00 (Single)
Biking Scenic Florida Byways: Nature, History, and Heritage
Come see why the Florida Bicycle Association chose DeLand as its new state headquarters as you ride along the city's scenic trails and through surrounding small towns steeped in history. Meet local historians, professors and political officials to get a comprehensive view of local history and the myriad ways to access it via bicycle. Ride to Blue Spring State Park, follow the Ormond Scenic Loop through Tomoka State Park and along the Atlantic Ocean, bike through DeLand's mural walk and sculpture walk and much more.
January 27-February 1, 2013
Program # 20845
Cost: $588.00 (Double) / $718.00 (Single)
Behind Closed Doors: The Dramatic Lives and Poetry of Lord Byron and Percy B. Shelley with Dr. Phoebe Smith
Examine the works they wrote and the women they loved, including Lady Caroline Lamb, Augusta Leigh, and the talented Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, whose novel Frankenstein has surpassed anything created by these two romantic poets.
Hitchcock and His Players with Dr. Robert Smith
Join us for an exploration of the life and work of master director Alfred Hitchcock, with attention to the successes and failures of four principal players: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Jimmy Stewart, and Grace Kelly.
Lisbeth and her Sisters: Fictional Female Agents of Justice with Dr. Ellen Smith
Whether sleuths, private eyes, or computer hackers, from Nancy Drew and Miss Marple to Kinsey Millhone and Lisbeth Salander, female characters in popular mystery novels have righted wrongs, brought villains to justice, and entertained millions.
January 30-February 3, 2013
Program # 20361
Cost: $783.00 (Double) / $888.00 (Single)
Zora Neale Hurston: Life, Works, and the Zora! Festival of the Arts and Humanities
Learn why central Florida was the one spot on earth that felt like home to famed 20th-century folklorist, anthropologist and author Zora Neale Hurston. Best known for her seminal and controversial novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" set in Eatonville, Fla., Hurston also included the city in many of her other works, including her essay "How It Feels to Be Colored Me" and her autobiography "Dust Tracks on a Road: An Autobiography." You will also discover why for most of her life Hurston listed her age as 10 years younger than she actually was, how she became part of the Harlem Renaissance elite and why she died impoverished. At the Zora! Festival in Eatonville, enjoy food, visual arts and cultural performances.
February 3-8, 2013
Program # 20862
Cost: $566.00 (Double) / $696.00 (Single)
Religion and Oppression with Dr. Kandy Queen-Sutherland
Examine the connection between religion and oppression. Biblical texts and stories used to marginalize people by race, by sex or by the money in their pocketbook will be the focus of presentations and discussion. At issue is the attachment of evil to one group for the benefit of another.
Henry Mancini, Harry Warren, John Williams and More: American Music in Film with Mrs. Marilyn Jones
Through recordings, videos and live performances we will hear some of the most memorable music ever written for film. Compare Hollywood soundtracks of decades past with the pop song soundtracks heard in theaters today.
Turning Points in History: What did happen? with Mrs. Patricia Cowen
WHAT IF? The destruction of the Temple, Constantine's conversion, Henry VIII, Industrial Revolution, American Independence, Steam Engine, Manhattan Project and the collapse of the USSR hadn't happened? Lively discussion on the alternate realities.
February 10-15, 2013
Program # 20846
Cost: $668.00 (Double) / $798.00 (Single)
One God; Three Beliefs with Mr. Bill Lazarus
This class explains the origins of the three major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, along with the explanation of how they blossomed, were interpreted and survived. It does not touch on the historical validity of beliefs.
Life under a Cloud: The Cold War with Mr. Richard Weinstein
The Cold War was a continual state of political conflict, military tension and economic competition that dominated international affairs for half a century. It was a shadow war marked by suspicion, mutual distrust and perceptions of hostile intent.
Tales and Myths from the Ancient near East with Dr. Mitchell Reddish
The ancient Near East produced an interesting assortment of tales, myths, law codes, hymns and other literature. Examine excerpts from this literature and discuss the possible influence of these ancient texts on the Bible and ancient Israel.
February 17-22, 2013
Program # 20847
Cost: $588.00 (Double) / $718.00 (Single)
American Musical Theater: Six Decades of Song with Mrs. Marilyn Jones
Through recordings, videos, and live performances enjoy the history of show tunes from the 1920s through the 1970s. Learn of the composers who showcased the stars and the songwriters who wrote those unforgettable tunes.
How Do I Love Thee . . . Or Not?!! Music of the Heart with Dr. Earnest Murphy
Explore these questions through recordings, videos, testimonials and live performances. Hear and discover some of the most beautiful, sad, hilarious, satirical and heart-rending melodies ever written. Parental Guidance is suggested.
American Film's Greatest Era: The 1930's with Mr. David Robinson
For most Americans, the 1930's were filled with anxiety and despair. While we had the Great Depression, the fear of war looming in Europe and organized crime, Hollywood was creating a wide variety of classic films. Through use of archival film clips, journey through ten years of the finest movies ever produced.
February 24-March 1, 2013
Program # 20874
Cost: $588.00 (Double) / $718.00 (Single)
From Slave Narrative to Jazz: An American Literary Journey with Dr. Phoebe Smith
Enjoy the rich artistic heritage from secret oral narratives and songs to novels, poems, and film in the African American experience in our country. Works of Frederick Douglass, Phillis Wheatley, Louis Armstrong and Sidney Poitier, among others, will enliven our journey.
The Supreme Court with Dr. Robert Smith
Isolated in closed chambers, nine unelected Justices comprise the branch of our government most shrouded in mystery, misunderstanding and myth. See how the Court operates as law, politics, and personalities collide within this inner sanctum.
Religion and the Civil Rights Movement with Dr. Greg Sapp
Look at the role religion played in the United States civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. We will consider well-known and not-so-well-known leaders, some who used religion to support the movement and some who used religion to oppose it.
March 3-8, 2013
Program # 20848
Cost: $668.00 (Double) / $798.00 (Single)
The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case with Mr. David Robinson
In 1932, the world was shocked to learn that the baby of aviation hero Charles Lindbergh had been kidnapped and killed. Examine the clues of the case and many of the theories that have been raised about this "crime of the century" and Mr. Hauptmann.
Decisive Battles of the American Civil War with Dr. Mickey Croce
Revisit the battles of Bull Run, Shiloh, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Atlanta and Nashville, which led to the surrender of the Confederate Army. Evaluate strategies, battlefield tactics and prominent generals and their commands.
From Adam to Dayan: The History of Jewish People with Mr. Bill Lazarus
Reconstructed from historical records, study information from biblical days, the Jewish role in medieval times, the building of the American dream, and creation of modern Israel. Discuss Jewish influences on Western culture while dispelling myths.
March 10-15, 2013
Program # 5924
Cost: $798.00 (Double) / $928.00 (Single)
Take Us Out to the Ballgame! Spring Training with the Braves, Astros, and Nationals
Whether you're a devoted fan, live with the baseball-addicted, or just enjoy The Game, attend Major League Spring Training with the Braves, Astros, and Nationals. Attend at least two and, if available, three MLB Spring Training games during the program. If only two MLB games are available (rare), we will try to schedule a college game. Plan for a grand slam experience and bring those mitts, cameras, and autograph books.
March 17-22, 2013
Program # 16531
Cost: $623.00 (Double) / $753.00 (Single)
Real Life CSI: Case Studies in Forensic Science
Forensics and crime-scene investigation play an essential role in modern police work. Immerse yourself in the world of real life crime scene investigators to better understand this challenging field and learn how it differs from popular TV and movie portrayals. This is real CSI, with classes taught by active investigators and crime scene technicians. On the lighter side, enjoy a dinner-theater mystery performance.