The Renaissance Academy of the Florida Gulf Coast University presents the Renaissance Academy: Charlotte County Program at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. Experience lifelong learning for adults, seniors and retirees. Enjoy single lectures and short courses with no exams or grades! It is learning for the joy of learning. Watch for upcoming courses, workshops and seminars.

The following were courses presented during the Winter 2008 term:

Cultural Encounters (Series of Three Classes) $65
This series of interactive workshops is designed to increase participants’ awareness of the impact of culture upon deeply-held values. In this series, we will examine the beliefs and values of three cultures: Cuba, Micronesia, and the Gullah of the Sea Islands in the U.S.
Instructor: Dr. Martha Bireda
(1) Cuba: The Reflective Society (Single Lecture) $25
Saturday, February 9 at 9:00AM –12:00PM
We will explore the Cuban culture, the influence of Cuban cultural values, and how these values help to determine Cubans’ concepts of basic rights and democracy.
(2) Micronesia: The Good Life (Single Lecture) $25
Saturday, February 16 at 9:00AM –12:00PM
The beliefs, values, and customs of several Micronesian cultures will be discussed and how the Western concept of progress has impacted these cultures.
(3) The Gullah: Africa in America (Single Lecture) $25
Saturday, February 23 at 9:00AM –12:00PM
This lecture will examine the culture of the Gullah people who inhabit the Sea Islands along the Southeastern coast of the U.S., and their attempts to preserve cultural integrity in the face of development.

U.S. Intelligence: Contemporary Issues $15
Monday, February 11 at 1:00PM –2:30PM
Should we use torture in the war on terror? Is terrorist surveillance an effective weapon against terrorism or a threat to liberty? 9/11 –What went wrong and are we prepared now? Why can’t we catch Osama? Is politics part of the problem? Join a frank and open discussion that moves beyond the rhetoric, political hyperbole and media hype.
Instructor: Mr. Tom Eastwood

Personal Financial Planning $45
Wednesdays, February 13, 20, 27 at 6:30PM –8:00PM
Wall Street Wrap Up, a financial education television program, has created a course that introduces participants to the personal financial planning process. The goal of this series is to empower the wisely and become a better-educated investor!
Instructor: Mr. Jim Ragusa

Vincent van Gogh: Love, Art & God $15
Thursday, February 14 at 1:00PM –2:30PM
After his death, van Gogh became the world’s best-known artist, yet while he was alive, he was an object of scorn and rejection. This illustrated lecture explores the psychological and physiological bases for van Gogh’s lack of social success and ultimate suicide.
Instructor: Dr. Herschel Pollard

Globalization: A Look at China $15
Monday, February 25 at 1:00PM –2:30PM
This lecture explores globalization with a China focus as it relates to the world market and the U.S. economy. Topics include government structure, China/U.S. trade review and economic insights.
Instructor: Mr. Lyle Bultman

Toulouse Lautrec: Gourmand of Life $15
Monday, March 3 at 9:00AM –10:30AM
Although Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born into a wealthy, aristocratic family, he chose to lead his brief, flamboyant, and self-destructive life among Paris’ demi-monde. This biographical lecture illustrates the brilliant artist’s tragic story with Lautrec’s own art.
Instructor: Dr. Herschel Pollard

The Art and Science of Interrogations and Polygraphs $15
Monday, March 10 at 1:00PM –2:30PM
Mr. Tom Eastwood, retired special agent and former counterintelligence agent, discusses and demonstrates interview and interrogation techniques. A rare, interesting and timely glimpse into the real world of police and counterintelligence interrogations.
Instructor: Mr. Tom Eastwood

Genealogy: Building Your Family Tree $60
Tuesdays, March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8 at 6:30PM –8:00PM
This course is suitable both for beginners and for reasonably experienced genealogists and is intended to teach the basics of pursuing family history and genealogy as a hobby. The course explores different research methods and techniques to trace family history. Another component will be the writing of personal life stories as they relate to the family. This course will feature explanation by demonstration and examples with a high degree of hands-on experience.
Instructor: Mr. Greg Brezicki

History of Pirates in Southwest Florida $15
Tuesday, March 18 at 1:00PM –2:30PM
Come aboard for an hour of entertaining pirate stories and music. Local pirate historians and authors will take you on a cruise through the history of pirates. Listen to the music of pirates, and hear the true history of pirates in Southwest Florida from the 1700s to the present. Even today, the estimates of pirates’ annual global plunder runs into the billions of dollars!
Instructors: Mr. James Kaserman and Mrs. Sarah Kaserman

Religion in China $15
Thursday, March 20 at 1:00PM –2:30PM
This lecture will examine the origins of Chinese religious philosophy, its leaders, and the influence of religion on the Chinese. Religions to be discussed will include: Taoism, Menicius MENG-TZU, Christianity, Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, Falun-gong and Falun-dafa, and others. The political/social aspects of these religions under communist rule will also be explored.
Instructor: Mr. Lyle Bultman

Bird Migration $15
Monday, March 24 at 1:00PM –2:30PM
The migration of birds is a fascinating event in nature. Numerous species migrate tremendous distances every year. Southwest Florida is along the migratory route for many species. Much research has been done to determine why, where and how birds migrate, but many questions remain. Join a world renowned ornithologist as he examines these amazing treks.
Instructor: Dr. Jerry Jackson

Analysis of the 2008 Presidential Election $15
Friday, March 28 at 1:00PM –2:30PM
This class will look ahead to the election of 2008. We will discuss the candidates, their platforms and the issues facing our next President.
Instructor: Dr. Peter Bergerson

Thinking Creatively $15
Monday, April 7 at 1:00PM –2:30PM
Creating is a state of mind! Live it! You will never have more fun thinking outside the box! Local cartoonist and humorist Doug MacGregor will help you explore the imaginative process. Whatever your walk of life, step forward and be more creative in everything you do! Exercise the mind's eye and learn to observe the world around you with more humor and imagination. Develop the right side of your brain and make it work for you! For adults who consider themselves children at heart.
Instructor: Mr. Doug MacGregor

Over 25 Years of Cartooning with Doug MacGregor $15
Thursday, April 24 at 1:00PM –2:30PM
Explore the satirical world of News-Press cartoonist Doug MacGregor as he displays and discusses his editorial and local comic strip cartoons from the past 25 years.
Instructor: Mr. Doug MacGregor