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History & Art History

The Glorious Revolution and the Bloody Revolution
When the highly unpopular James II of England was pushed from the throne, the transition was virtually bloodless, and the country moved smoothly towards a constitutional monarchy. Yet a hundred years later, when changes to the government were proposed in France, matters soon erupted into a vicious contest that cost thousands of lives and plunged Europe into war. This course will look at the roles of the monarchs in these two revolutions and provide a sequential overview of the events that led to lasting change in both countries. Taught by Nancy Maxwell. Nancy Maxwell lived in Switzerland for 19 years, has traveled extensively in Europe and has many years experience teaching European history.

2 Sessions $37 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $28)
Mon., 2/6 & 13 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

Russian Revolution
Like the German and Austrian empires, the Russian empire too was a casualty of the First World War. Had not war broken out, would the tsars have been able to maintain autocratic control of the country? This course will examine the state of Russia and its government in the early twentieth century and then follow the chain of events that toppled Nicholas II, destroyed the Romanov dynasty, and brought Lenin to power after the outbreak of war.Taught by Nancy Maxwell. Nancy Maxwell lived in Switzerland for 19 years, has traveled extensively in Europe and has many years experience teaching European history.

2 Sessions $37 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $28)
Mon., 2/27 & 3/5 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

Napoleon
This series will offer an overview of the career and accomplishments of this extraordinary man. From the “whiff of grapeshot” that brought him to power, to his last restless years on St. Helena, we will consider not only his foreign policy and military campaigns, but also his many lasting contributions to the French state. All of this will be examined in the context of his personality and the mood of post revolutionary France. Taught by Nancy Maxwell. Nancy Maxwell lived in Switzerland for 19 years, has traveled extensively in Europe and has many years experience teaching European history.

3 Sessions $52 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $39)
Mon., 3/26; 4/2 & 9 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

Three Cities of the Loire Valley: Amboise, Blois, and Orleans
Join us to explore, via slide presentation and lecture, the rich history and structure of these cities of the Loire Valley to reveal how events that occurred in Amboise, Blois, and Orleans shaped the entire history of France. Conspiracy, intrigue, and murder were regular occurrences as noble houses and religious groups vied for royal influence. Five hundred years later, these episodes still hold a power to both fascinate and instruct. Taught by Nancy Maxwell. Nancy Maxwell lived in Switzerland for 19 years, has traveled extensively in Europe and has many years experience teaching European history.

3 Sessions $52 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $39)
Mon., 4/30; 5/7 & 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School