Online Program
Adventures Online: A WWII Symposium
Program No. 25609RJ
Delve into the history and impact of World War II in a unique online symposium that will connect you with other Road Scholars and experts in engaging discussions and discoveries.
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Day
1
Strategies & Survival
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Orientation
Orientation and Introductions
As we meet our staff, we will have a brief overview on how to use Zoom, the program’s topic, guidelines, and the daily schedule.
Session 1
1943: Total War
(Lecture)
The tide had finally turned against the Axis powers by 1943. Yet Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan still possessed immense military forces and resources. How did the Allies plan to finally crush their enemies and liberate Europe and the Pacific, and how did the Axis plan to resist them? This lecture examines the strategic problems of 1943 and explains why it would be a year of “Total War.”
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
Group Introductions
We will greet and introduce ourselves to one another.
Winning the War on the Kitchen Front
(Lecture)
Before the Second World War Britain had imported over half its food supplies. This lecture explores how the government and people managed when these supplies were cut off - from allotments, to rationing, new recipes and government-owned restaurants discover the fascinating story of British food in WWII.
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
2
Clash and Conspiracy: 1943
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
Welcome
Greet everyone and review the day's schedule.
The Battle of Kursk and the Biggest Tank Battle in History
(Lecture)
Changing the balance of power on the Eastern front or a battle shrouded in myth?
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
The Collapse of the Prospero Ring
(Lecture)
The Prosper circuit was part of Special Operations Executive, and was the main circuit operating from Occupied Paris under the leadership of Francis Suthill. In June 1943 the unthinkable happened as one by one Prosper's agents were arrested and the entire circuit crashed to its knees. One agent remained, Noor Inayat Khan. The single life line between Paris and England at the height of the war. We’ll learn of the events leading up to Prosper's demise and lays to rest some of the conspiracy theories that abound around this part of World War Two history
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
3
1943 in Focus
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
Welcome
Greet everyone and review the day's schedule.
Operation Chastise: The Dambusters Raid, May 1943
(Lecture)
We’ll re-examine the iconic ‘Dambusters’ raid, balancing its celebrated ingenuity and heroism with its overlooked human costs - including RAF losses, civilian deaths, and the scapegoating of Jews in Nazi propaganda. In turn, it offers a fuller perspective on Operation CHASTISE, honoring both its military achievement and complex legacy.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
WWII
Interactive Discussion and Q&A on all topics presented with Dr. Spencer Jones, Ruth Polling, Prof. Matthias Strohn, Dr. Kate Vigurs, Dr. Victoria Taylor
Wrap-up
Program Wrap-up
We will recap what we’ve learned over the past few days and say farewell. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Program Conclusion
This concludes our program.