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Why Read Homer's "Odyssey"
Robert Garland
Homer's "Odyssey" was composed over two and a half thousand years ago. Why should we bother to read it now? Because the "Odyssey" is about such perennial issues as self-discovery, exploration, nostalgia for one's home, becoming an adult, appetite for the unknown, testing oneself to the limit, and love of family. Not the least of the reasons for reading it at this time is the fact that it empowers women. It is also a fairytale brimful with one-eyed cannibals, witches, seductresses, and princesses. Odysseus' odyssey is consistently hindered and advanced by women. Discover how this work offers...
The Rise and Fall of Athenian Democracy
Louis Markos
2500 years ago, the small city-state of Athens helped lead a barely-united Greece to victory against the massive, invincible forces of the invading Persian Empire. Out of that fiery crucible, a culture and an ethos arose in Athens that gave birth to the humanistic ideals on which Europe was founded and through which she prospered. In less than a century, the citizens of Athens either created or brought to perfection most of those arts and disciplines that still define our Western culture today. In this series, I shall trace the events that led to the birth and flowering of Athenian democracy,...
The Birth of the Industrial Revolution in Britain: 1707 to 1830
Ross Maynard
The Industrial Revolution started in Britain in the eighteenth century. A number of factors converged to create the conditions for developments in industry and science. In this course I take you through the key milestones of the early industrial revolution – in the textile industry, in coal mining and iron production, in civil engineering; in the development of steam power and the birth of the railways. The industrial revolution started in Britain; it would later spread throughout the world.
The Rise and Fall of the Roman Republic
Louis Markos
This series will guide its listeners on an exciting, 1200-year journey from Rome's mythical beginnings to the birth of the Roman Empire. Along the way, we will consider the legendary tales of Aeneas, Dido, and Romulus, the seven kings of the Roman Monarchy, the founding and growth of the Roman Republic, the bloody Punic Wars that pit Rome against Carthage, the equally bloody period of Civil Wars that almost tore Rome apart, the power struggles of Julius Caesar, Pompey, Cleopatra, and Marc Antony, and the rise to power of the young Caesar Augustus, who would become Rome's first emperor and...
The Kings and Queens of England: From the Norman Conquest to the Present Day
Ross Maynard
The history of the Kings and Queens of England is the history of England. The plans and policies of the monarch and his or her enemies have shaped the history of England for a 1,000 years. And it is a turbulent history: plots and rivalries; wars and invasion; religious divides; and even civil war. This course will give you the chronology of the Kings and Queens of England from the Norman Conquest to the present day, and it will explore the main historical events in each reign. And if you want to memorise the kings and queens of England in order, and understand their role in history, then...
Why Read Genesis
Robert Garland
Genesis is one of the most original and influential books ever written. As well as being the first book of the Hebrew Bible, Genesis has had a profound impact on both Christianity and Islam. Its depiction of the Creator as an entity who learns by trial and error is both original and bold. Rarely has humanity's struggle to comprehend the mystery of existence been more effectively and provocatively explored. Genesis is also a rattling good narrative. It contains some of the most memorable scenes in western literature. At its heart lies the struggle of the Jewish people to establish their...
Anime and Manga Appreciation
Manuela Alejandra Buccé Higuerey
In this course, we are going to get into the fascinating world of anime and manga! I will be introducing you to anime and manga, it's Japanese connection, and more than anything, I will be sharing different categories of anime and manga with you in the form of reviews. By the end of this course, you are gonna know a lot about some fascinating stories, including plot (no spoilers), characters, creators, design, and music. Let's enjoy this together!
Quantum Computing for Everyone
Barry Luijbregts
In this course, I'll explain – in plain English – what quantum computing is, how it works and why you should care. If you ever wanted to know what quantum computing is and how it works, without needing to be a quantum physicist, this course is for you. Quantum computing is a very exciting, new field of technology. It seems like science fiction, but it isn't, and it will revolutionize many industries.
All About Pyramids
Dr. Paul Harrison
Have you ever marveled at the grandeur of the pyramids of Egypt? Ever wondered just how a civilization using the most basic tools created them? In this course, you'll discover the origins of the mysterious and enduring pyramids of Egypt. We'll see how pyramid technology evolves, from the pit graves of the first pharaohs to the mighty Great Pyramid of Giza. We'll examine construction techniques, and challenge outlandish theories. By the end of this course, you'll have a thorough understanding of not only why the pyramids were built, but how this amazing civilization accomplished them by...
The Path from Farm to Fork
Brendan Black
The origin of our food is an important topic to be aware of. This is our food after all. However, many individuals are unaware of the several steps in the chain that gets food to their plate. This course focuses on each step of the process from farm to fork.