Turning Points in American History
Cost:
$ 120.00 per personDuration:
1h 30minAbout this experience
Wednesdays, 12:30 – 2:00 pm
September 2 – October 7
With the United States celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026, it is useful to look back and consider the significant moments that brought our country to this point. This course explores six eras when our nation wrestled with new ideas and challenges that have shaped our society, culture, politics, and place in the world. We will begin with the founding of the republic and move chronologically through the challenges of the twenty-first century. No prior knowledge of history is required—only an interest in exploring the forces that have shaped the American story.
Week 1: Revolution & Independence (1770s – 1790s)
Week 2: Civil War & Reconstruction (1850s – 1870s)
Week 3: Gilded Age & Progressive Era (1870s – 1920s)
Week 4: The World at War (1914 – 1945)
Week 5: The Cold War (1940s – 1990s)
Week 6: A New Millennium (1990s – present)
Refund Policy
To receive a refund, a written request must be received 3 business days before the first class. A $25 processing fee will be deducted from the refund. Cancellation requests received less than 3 business days before the first class but before the second meeting will receive a 50% refund. ALL written requests should be emailed to emeritus@spartanstrategiesinc.org or mailed to the address below.
Spartan Strategies, Inc.
Attn: Emeritus Society
5900 Summit Avenue, #201
Browns Summit, NC 27214
Your Host
Joseph A. Ross studied history and philosophy at Western Carolina University and earned his M.A. and Ph.D. from UNC Greensboro. He started teaching college courses in 2007 to help students better understand the modern challenges facing our world. He has developed courses on critical thinking, information literacy, the foundations of American democracy, and global justice. He is most passionate about human rights and the Nuremberg War Crimes Trial. Ross is a firm believer in sharing knowledge with a broad audience and has given public talks to communities throughout North Carolina as well as teaching college courses in NC correctional facilities. In 2026, he founded Ross Educational Services, an educational consulting practice for academic, professional, and public audiences.