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The Wisdom of Star Wars
Luke Mason
In this course, we will explore some of the deeper ideas hidden in the Star Wars characters, and how that wisdom can apply to our lives. Star Wars was written with several Mythological influences and ideas that are spread throughout the films. Additionally, because the characters and situations are so exciting and compelling, there is much to learn from how they interact with their environment and with each other. Between all the psychology, myth, wisdom, humor, and redemption, there is much to think about from Star Wars that can be useful and important to our own lives.
Technologies That Transformed Humanity
Richard L. Currier, PhD
Although we usually think of technology as unique to modern times, our prehistoric ancestors actually created primitive tools and weapons—the first human technologies—millions of years ago. In this course, you will learn how the fashioning of weapons, the mastery of fire, and the invention of clothing and shelter led to revolutionary changes in the human body, enabling us to walk upright, shed our body hair, and triple the size of our brains. You will also learn how the invention of symbolism, agriculture, and technologies of transportation made the first civilizations possible, how the...
Most Brilliant Social Psychology Experiments
John Robin
The world of social psychology is full of strangeness. This course will cover 10 of the most brilliant and well-known experiments, many which will change your perspective on just how much control you have over your life and your surroundings. Some of it this will scare you, but most will intrigue you as well. From induced prison experiments to how marshmallows reveal our propensity for patience, you will learn why many assumptions and laws in our world are the way they are—thanks to the field of social psychology!
The Theories of Sigmund Freud
Psychology Insights Online
This course is designed to introduce you to the life of Sigmund Freud and to explore a few of his most significant ideas and theories. As one of the most prominent theorists in the history of psychology, Freud pioneered the design and implementation of talk therapy as a method for treating mental illness. In this course, you will learn more about Freud the person, his background, his beliefs, and his legacy. In addition, this course will provide a detailed overview of Freud’s key theories on the unconscious, human development, and personality. We will also discuss psychoanalysis, the first...
Vikings: History and Mindset
Tom Shippey
This course looks at the forces that made the Vikings, their adaptive responses to changing circumstances, and most of all, their successful mindset. It asks the hard questions: What got them started? What gave them their edge? How did they manage to terrorize Europe for three centuries, from Ireland to Ukraine? What tactics did successful kings use against them? Lessons follow the careers of famous Vikings, like Ivar the Boneless and Egil Skallagrímsson, and some not so famous, like Haesten, “the Vikings’ Viking.” Lessons also cover the Viking assaults on Ireland, England, Spain, Russia,...