According to historians Antarctica was officially discovered in 1829 by Captain von Bellingshausen, a German sailing under the flag of the Russian empire. Among the seven continents it is fifth in size but is the highest, driest, and coldest of all continents. It is of interest for economic, scientific research and exploration. We will discuss what life is like there, its beauty, and dangers as well as scientific allure.

From the first novel "Casino Royale" in 1953 to the 25th "authorized" film "No Time to Die," many of us keep coming back to the exotic locales, the Bond women, the latest devices from Q Branch, the supervillains with plans to conquer the world and their formidable enforcers. We'll look at the changes to Bond over the years, his cultural impact, and his continuing appeal.

The course considers the influences, aims, context, and legacy of one of the most iconic modern art movements. While the course focuses on Germanic painting, other examples of expressionist "expression" (e.g., literature and film) and centers of production (e.g., France, Scandinavia, and Russia) will also be examined.

Appetizers were originally introduced by the Athenians in the early third century B.C. These finger foods, sometimes called hors d'oeuvres, antipasti, tapas, or starters, range from very simple to very complex. Put down the fork and knife and discover the history of the small, but delicious, world of finger foods.

We'll focus on the career and achievements of 18th-century statesmen Benjamin Franklin and John Jay Next, we'll examine the careers of two 19th-century giants, Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. Finally, we move to the early 20th century and explore two American statesmen who occupied opposite sides of the political spectrum, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.

From the works of Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Moran to Charlie Russell and Frederic Remington, to the 19th-century illustrators like Theodore Davis, to the more modern artists like Phil Epp, Charlie Norton, Thom Ross, Wilson Hurley, and Harvey Pratt, we'll explore how the West has been portrayed and interpreted through art. Some of the artists will join our discussion.

What caused massive numbers of Irish, Germans and Italians to come to our shores in the 19th and early 20th centuries? What was the reaction of the native-born to these strangers? To what extent did the newcomers try to stick together, blend in, advance or return to their old country? What contributions did these immigrants, and their offspring make to this country?

The American dream and hope of "leading a better, happier, richer life than your parents regardless of the circumstances of your birth" has energized Americans throughout our history. Today many Americans are challenged to pay their bills, find decent housing, and obtain health insurance. Today's high level of income inequality has led people to believe the American Dream is dead for many. The class will review what happened and how we might fix it.

We'll explore the early 20th century world of adoption in Kansas City and share adoptees' and birth mothers' heartwarming and sometimes heart wrenching stories. Ranging from 1908 until 1969, these voices express the common need to know "Who am I" longing for medical history, fear of hurting adoptive parents, and guilt for being forced to give up a baby. One voice is of a Willows baby who grew up to be the governor of Kansas.

We'll look at books that explored: politics, drugs, expanding consciousness, feminism, the sexual revolution, and the Vietnam War and discuss how accurately they reflect that time 60 years later. Books discussed include: "The Making of the President 1960," "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test," "The Greening of America, Dispatches, Slouching Toward Bethlehem," "Helter Skelter, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

We are most familiar with the Odyssey as a classic hero's journey. Though this epic has many layers to it, the purpose and presence of the sacred feminine is one layer that has been overlooked. This course traces the role of the sacred feminine in helping Odysseus return home through each female character, revealing the true character and purpose of each.

We'll focus on the generation of young leaders who served. We'll examine the military exploits of Western Theater generals William T. Sherman, Benjamin Grierson, Judson Kilpatrick, and John Schofield. Then we turn to the Eastern Theater to study Union generals Winfield Hancock, John Gibbon, George McClellan, Alfred Pleasonton, and Joshua Chamberlain. Finally, we learn about George Custer, Philip Sheridan, and Darius Couch.