Center Sponsors Extended Education Courses The Center is sponsoring two exciting courses about Texas for the general public during the Spring 2008 term. Please join us as we preserve, share, and commemorate the richness of Texas history and culture. S08461- Election Politics: Extra Spicy, Texas Style Instructor: Dr. James Riddlesperger Date: 2/21/07 Time: Thur from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Fee: $40.00 In this discussion we will look back at the electoral traditions of the Lone Star State, examining the old style politics of the "Solid South." We will then proceed to the factors that led to a new politics in Texas, one dominated by the Republican party, a force that seemed to reach its zenith with a Texan in the White House, Republican control of all of the statewide offices of Texas government, and a redistricting plan in 2003 that secured Republican dominance of the Texas Congressional delegation. Finally, we will look at contemporary factors shaping the elections of 2008 and politics in Texas into the future.   S08462 - From Turnpikes to Tollways Instructor: Dr. Gene Smith Date: 3/20/08 - 4/3/08 Time: Thur from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Fee: $50.00 This three part course will focus on transportation issues in the Metroplex. Session 1 will consider the development of roads in American history, session 2 will discuss the environmental impact of roadway development, including the Southwest Parkway/Regional Toll road initiative. The third session will focus specifically on the Southwest Parkway.