36
Lectures
30
minutes/lecture
1.
Heroes, History, and Myth
Embark on Professor Fears's latest course with this introductory lecture. First, untangle the relationship between human history and mythology. Then, see this relationship at work through two examples from American history: the life of George Washington and the raising of the American flag over Iwo Jima during World War II.
1.
Heroes, History, and Myth
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19.
Alexander the Great in History
Follow in the footsteps of the warrior Alexander the Great as he rises to power and conquers almost the entire ancient world. Specifically, you'll explore Alexander's foresight and military prowess and see how these characteristics helped create the "myth" of Alexander the Great that endures to this day.
19.
Alexander the Great in History
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2.
The Myth of Troy
Travel back to c. 1250 B.C. and revisit the chaos of the Trojan War. Learn how this 10-year conflict began as a result of the classical Greek idea of hubris (abusing the limits of personal power) and how its story conveys powerful political truths about the tragedy of preemptive warfare.
2.
The Myth of Troy
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20.
Alexander the Great in Romance
Taming the wild horse Bucephalus. Seducing the queen of the Amazons. Traveling to the ends of the earth in search of immortality. These are just three of the many stories you investigate—all of which form the "Alexander romance" that reflected the political and cultural attitudes of the Roman Empire.
20.
Alexander the Great in Romance
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3.
Homer and Mythology
Continue your look at the Trojan War, this time focusing on the great book that tells its tale: the Iliad. As Professor Fears recounts breathtaking moments from this epic poem—including the stirring final battle between Hector and Achilles—he illuminates the profound truths about humanity contained between Homer's lines.
3.
Homer and Mythology
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21.
Beowulf—Historical Roots and Heroic Values
Transition now to the Germanic tribes that conquered the western Roman Empire. First, gain some historical background on the dawn of the Germanic age and its emphasis on courage and heroism. Then, see these powerful values in action as you listen to the captivating—and sometimes frightening—epic myth of the warrior Beowulf.
21.
Beowulf—Historical Roots and Heroic Values
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4.
In Search of Historical Troy
How was it proved that the Trojan War was not mere myth but an actual historical event? Find out in this insightful lecture, which tells the story of how archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann uncovered a wealth of evidence that proved, once and for all, the historicity of this momentous event.
4.
In Search of Historical Troy
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22.
King Arthur—Fact or Fiction?
Explore the cycles of myth that revolved around King Arthur, whose legend became a defining force in shaping English national consciousness and the highest truths of medieval Christendom. Among these are Arthur's surprising removal of Excalibur from its stone and his creation of the chivalric Knights of the Round Table.
22.
King Arthur—Fact or Fiction?
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5.
Life Lessons from the Trojan War
Conclude your look at the Trojan War by investigating the conflict's historical roots in a pre-emptive war for control over natural resources in the Black Sea. Then, close the lecture by looking at why the Greek empire declined, as well as lessons that you can learn from Homer's Odyssey.
5.
Life Lessons from the Trojan War
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23.
In Search of the Holy Grail
Continue your analysis of the myth stories surrounding King Arthur. Here, Professor Fears draws you into the complicated romance between Arthur's queen, Guenevere, and his trusted knight Sir Lancelot; the violent treachery of Arthur's son, Mordred; and the final moments of Arthur's life and his inevitable passing into legend.
23.
In Search of the Holy Grail
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6.
Jason and the Golden Fleece
Turn now to another universal Greek myth: the adventures of Jason and his Argonauts as they voyage to find the mysterious Golden Fleece. In retelling this thrilling myth, Professor Fears uncovers some of its universal mythological themes, its perspective on human values, and its kernel of historical truth.
6.
Jason and the Golden Fleece
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24.
Vikings in America?
Did the Vikings discover North America? For a long time this was largely regarded as fancy, but in 1960, archaeological evidence established beyond a doubt that Vikings had settled there. Investigate how this discovery was made—and the role played by the journeys of Eric the Red and Leif Erikson.
24.
Vikings in America?
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7.
Theseus and the Minotaur
Fundamental to the national identity of Athens was the tale of Theseus and the Minotaur. Follow along as Theseus battles this mythical monster and liberates his city-state from the tyranny of King Minos. Then, witness how archaeological excavations at the Palace of Knossos have revealed startling truths about these mythological adventures.
7.
Theseus and the Minotaur
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25.
Vergil the Magician
During the Middle Ages, the Roman poet Vergil became the center of a widely spread myth that portrayed him as a magician. How did this happen? What were some of the many stories surrounding this mysterious magician? And how did they affect the ancient poet's reputation in subsequent centuries?
25.
Vergil the Magician
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8.
Myth and Athenian Drama
Discover how mythic stories from Greek tragedies helped convey the most important values to ancient Athens. After a brief look at everyday life under the Athenian democracy and Aristotle's ideas of the purposes of tragedy, focus on Sophocles' powerful plays about King Oedipus.
8.
Myth and Athenian Drama
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26.
The Battle of Kosovo
Fought on June 28, 1389, the battle of Kosovo between the Kingdom of Serbia and the Turkish Empire is still living history in the Balkans. Go inside the history and mythic legacy of this clash to learn how its higher truths about patriotism still inspire the Serbs and their modern nation.
26.
The Battle of Kosovo
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9.
Fate and Free Will in Mythology
What was the intellectual and political climate responsible for the rise of Athenian tragedy? How were these tragic plays meant to work on the audiences watching them? And what ideas of justice and family are embedded in the myths of Tantalus, Agamemnon, Orestes, and other members of the bloody House of Atreus?
9.
Fate and Free Will in Mythology
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27.
Julius Caesar in History
Julius Caesar's life and deeds were a veritable blueprint for some of Europe's powerful rulers, generals, and even popes. Strengthen your understanding of Caesar's historical legacy with a closer look at his rise to power, his military genius, his dramatic assassination, and his influence on subsequent generations of politicians.
27.
Julius Caesar in History
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10.
Atlantis—Fact or Fiction?
Can myths still impart powerful human truths when they're not rooted in historical fact? Find out here in this lecture on the lost continent of Atlantis, as described by the philosopher Plato. Learn why we should still consider this myth to be so important, and how it survived across the ages.
10.
Atlantis—Fact or Fiction?
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28.
Napoleon and the Mantle of Caesar
Julius Caesar's greatest student: Napoleon Bonaparte, who in the early 1800s sought to unify Europe into a single, all-powerful empire. Gain new insights into this European figure's rise and fall from power. Then, witness the creation of the "Napoleonic myth" and its own lasting impact on history.
28.
Napoleon and the Mantle of Caesar
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11.
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Investigate one of the earliest and most memorable myths from the ancient Middle East: the epic story of Gilgamesh. With his characteristic storytelling prowess, Professor Fears lets you follow along as the Sumerian king battles monsters, journeys to the end of the Earth, and seeks answers to life's most important questions.
11.
The Epic of Gilgamesh
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29.
Arminius and German Mythology
What made the war chief Arminius, who defeated the Romans in A.D. 9, the quintessential historical and mythic hero of 19th-century Germany? What did the Roman historian Tacitus see in this remarkable individual? How did Arminius's story endure down through the centuries and shape German national consciousness? Find out here.
29.
Arminius and German Mythology
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12.
Gilgamesh and History
Now that you're familiar with Gilgamesh, unpack the historical kernel inside the myth. Peek behind the rich mythological tapestry of creatures and events and discover central facts about the birth of civilization in the Middle East, including the construction of great walled cities and a political structure rooted in authoritarian rule.
12.
Gilgamesh and History
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30.
Teuton versus Roman
Continue exploring the mythological legacy of Arminius and the ways it helped support the reformation of German self-image in medieval and early modern Germany. Then, travel back centuries and learn how the fall of the Roman Empire laid the groundwork for the development of Germany and other European nation-states.
30.
Teuton versus Roman
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13.
The Book of Genesis
While few people today take the mythic stories of the Iliad and The Epic of Gilgamesh seriously, it's a different story with the subject of this lecture: the book of Genesis from the Old Testament. Delve into the Judeo-Christian interpretation of how the world began and witness the dawn of the nation of Israel.
13.
The Book of Genesis
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31.
Davy Crockett and the Myth of the Frontier
In the course's final section, turn your eyes to America—a nation that, while relatively young, comes with its own unique figures and events that have achieved near-mythical status. Meet some of the most fascinating characters from the American frontier, including President Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett.
31.
Davy Crockett and the Myth of the Frontier
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14.
Exodus—The Foundation of the Jewish People
The Exodus is a seminal event in Jewish history. Follow the story's events—from the calling of Moses and the ten plagues of Egypt to the parting of the Red Sea and the bestowal of the Ten Commandments—and explore in detail some of their higher historical and moral truths.
14.
Exodus—The Foundation of the Jewish People
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32.
The Alamo
Like other great battles in history, the last stand at the Alamo has long been celebrated in poetry, song, and prose as a battle of mythical greatness and glory. Find yourself standing alongside American heroes such as Davy Crockett and William Travis as they defend Texas with bravery and patriotism.
32.
The Alamo
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15.
The Historical Power of Biblical Stories
How do Genesis and Exodus define Jewish culture? How were ancient Egyptian views of monotheism passed on to the Hebrews through the rebellious pharaoh Akhenaten? Why could we consider that Moses himself may have been Egyptian? Learn the answers to these and other provocative historical questions about these great books.
15.
The Historical Power of Biblical Stories
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33.
Jesse James and the Myth of the Outlaw
Outlaws are universal figures in mythology, and outlaws have played a prominent role in U.S. history. What accounts for this cultural fascination? Learn the answer by closely investigating the life and law-breaking career of Jesse James, the most prominent outlaw in the American West, and his tragic death at the hand of a friend.
33.
Jesse James and the Myth of the Outlaw
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16.
Aeneas—Rome's National Hero
Learn how the Aeneid—Vergil's epic poem about the warrior Aeneas's arrival in Italy—uses mythology to celebrate the ancient Roman national identity. In particular, examine two fascinating episodes from this myth: the tormented love affair between Aeneas and Dido, and Aeneas's descent into the underworld to find his destiny.
16.
Aeneas—Rome's National Hero
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34.
General Custer—Hero or Villain?
General Armstrong Custer and his last stand at the Battle of Little Bighorn make up one of the most controversial figures and moments in the mythology of the Wild West. Was he American history's arch-villain? Or is there more to Custer—and his myth—than meets the eye?
34.
General Custer—Hero or Villain?
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17.
Romulus—The Founder of Rome
Another myth central to the ancient Romans was the establishment of their city by Romulus around 753 B.C. Professor Fears details the dramatic events of Romulus's life and the dawn of the Roman Republic. While some historians dismiss Romulus's story as pure fabrication, see why Professor Fears believes otherwise.
17.
Romulus—The Founder of Rome
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35.
Reagan, Hollywood, and American Ideals
Ronald Reagan, according to Professor Fears, translated the values from his highly popular Hollywood films into one of the most successful presidencies in American history. Here, survey the highlights from this momentous president's life and uncover the roots of his undeniably important, near-mythic eight years in the Oval Office.
35.
Reagan, Hollywood, and American Ideals
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18.
Lays of Ancient Rome
Romans during the time of Julius Caesar often looked back to stories about the foundation of the republic—tales filled with the virtues of patriotism. Investigate one of the most popular of these stories: that of the noble Lucius Junius Brutus's revolution against the tyrannical rule of King Tarquin.
18.
Lays of Ancient Rome
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36.
Mythology as a Path to Wisdom
Learn why the study of great myths (and the historical kernels contained within them) is an essential aspect of the humanities—and an important marker on the pathway to true wisdom. Also, Professor Fears reveals the ultimate lesson to be learned from everything you've investigated in the past 35 lectures.
36.
Mythology as a Path to Wisdom
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36
Lectures
30
minutes/lecture
1.
Hammurabi Issues a Code of Law (1750 B.C.)
Begin your survey of 36 events and ideas that changed history by taking a close look at the creation of Hammurabi’s code of law. With its concepts of minimum wage, family law, and victims’ rights, the code provided many fundamental elements that can still be found in today’s legal systems.
1.
Hammurabi Issues a Code of Law (1750 B.C.)
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19.
The Defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588)
One of the most decisive naval battles in human history, the defeat of the Spanish armada at the hands of the British navy, marked Britain’s transition from island nation into global empire. How did this epic clash come about? And what strategies did the British use to beat back the Spanish forces?
19.
The Defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588)
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2.
Moses and Monotheism (1220 B.C.)
Monotheism is a predominant religious tradition throughout much of the world, and its emergence dates back to the era of Moses. Here, discover how the life of Moses—including such iconic events as the Exodus and the issuing of the Ten Commandments—set the stage for three great religions that continue to influence adherents worldwide.
2.
Moses and Monotheism (1220 B.C.)
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20.
The Battle of Vienna (1683)
Using his expert storytelling abilities, Professor Fears recreates the 1683 Battle of Vienna—a defining moment in the struggle between the values of the Middle East and the values of the West. This battle between the Ottoman and Holy Roman empires would also create geopolitical tensions that remain even today.
20.
The Battle of Vienna (1683)
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3.
The Enlightenment of the Buddha (526 B.C.)
Explore another fundamental religious event that forever changed the world: the development of Buddhism through the teachings of Siddartha Gautama. The messages of this world faith—including leaving behind all that makes you angry and treating everyone with kindness—have helped billions ponder the meaning of their lives.
3.
The Enlightenment of the Buddha (526 B.C.)
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21.
The Battle of Lexington (1775)
The United States of America, the first modern nation founded on moral principles, wouldn’t exist without the battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Explore the moment that sparked the birth of our country, and learn how it led to a declaration of independence and a full-blown revolution against Great Britain.
21.
The Battle of Lexington (1775)
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4.
Confucius Instructs a Nation (553–479 B.C.)
Confucius was an ancient Chinese scholar who lost his job for speaking the truth and thus shaped the history of one of today’s most important nations. In revealing how Confucius shaped the world through the Dao (or “Way”), Professor Fears shows why all civilizations are indebted to this thinker and his profound philosophy.
4.
Confucius Instructs a Nation (553–479 B.C.)
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22.
General Pickett Leads a Charge (1863)
Had the Confederacy won the Civil War, the history of the United States would have been vastly different. And the reason for the Confederacy’s ultimate decline and defeat was the iconic Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863—the subject of this dynamic lecture on a pivotal moment in American history.
22.
General Pickett Leads a Charge (1863)
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5.
Solon—Democracy Begins (594 B.C.)
The democratic ideals that form the core of Western civilization wouldn’t exist without Solon, the ancient Greek ruler responsible for introducing the first truly balanced democracy to Athens. Learn how this system was structured, why troubling economic conditions made the city-state ripe for political reform, and more.
5.
Solon—Democracy Begins (594 B.C.)
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23.
Adam Smith (1776) versus Karl Marx (1867)
Separated by almost a century, Adam Smith and Karl Marx could not have been more different in their economic views. And yet, as you discover, their respective works—Smith’s The Wealth of Nations and Marx’s Das Kapital—established two conflicting views of capitalism that are still with us today.
23.
Adam Smith (1776) versus Karl Marx (1867)
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6.
Marathon—Democracy Triumphant (490 B.C.)
After democracy was created, it had to be protected. And no battle was more important to defending democracy in its formative stages than the Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C. Relive the clash between Athens and the massive Persian Empire; a conflict that involved decisive leadership and surprise tactics.
6.
Marathon—Democracy Triumphant (490 B.C.)
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24.
Charles Darwin Takes an Ocean Voyage (1831)
Encounter another book that shook the foundations of history: Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. The product of an ocean voyage in 1831, the work described the theory of evolution by natural selection, an idea that would revolutionize not only the science and culture of Darwin’s time, but of the 20th century as well.
24.
Charles Darwin Takes an Ocean Voyage (1831)
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7.
Hippocrates Takes an Oath (430 B.C.)
Thousands of years after it was first spoken, the Hippocratic Oath is still revered by doctors around the world. Travel back to ancient Athens and investigate how Hippocrates revolutionized our understanding of medicine—just in time for the Great Plague of Athens, which devastated the city-state in 430 B.C.
7.
Hippocrates Takes an Oath (430 B.C.)
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25.
Louis Pasteur Cures a Child (1885)
In this lecture, Professor Fears explains why Louis Pasteur’s germ theory of disease changed history and, with it, the life of every man, woman, and child on the planet. It’s an engaging medical story that transformed rabies, anthrax, cholera, and more from immediate death sentences into conquerable illnesses.
25.
Louis Pasteur Cures a Child (1885)
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8.
Caesar Crosses the Rubicon (49 B.C.)
Why was Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon River in 49 B.C. such a momentous event in world history? What was the story behind this dramatic moment? And how did it bring about a political concept that would dominate Western civilization for the next 1,800 years? Find out in this fascinating lecture.
8.
Caesar Crosses the Rubicon (49 B.C.)
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26.
Two Brothers Take a Flight (1903)
Humanity’s conquest of the air began with a single flight taken by two brothers from Ohio. Discover the story behind the Wright brothers’ 1903 first flight at Kitty Hawk, an unprecedented event that would have enormous implications for the future of commercial travel, warfare, and space flight.
26.
Two Brothers Take a Flight (1903)
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9.
Jesus—The Trial of a Teacher (A.D. 36)
In A.D. 36, Jesus of Nazareth was put on trial before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate—and the verdict would forever alter the course of human civilization and spirituality. Follow the path of Christianity’s founder and examine why he was considered to be, at the time, such a revolutionary figure.
9.
Jesus—The Trial of a Teacher (A.D. 36)
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27.
The Archduke Makes a State Visit (1914)
With the 1914 assassination of Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the stage was set for World War I and for the turmoil that would last most of the 20th century. Travel back to Sarajevo as political terrorists commit one of the most shocking murders in modern history.
27.
The Archduke Makes a State Visit (1914)
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10.
Constantine I Wins a Battle (A.D. 312)
Travel back to A.D. October 28, 312. Against a background of fierce Christian persecution, Constantine marches into Rome and becomes history’s first Christian emperor. In the process, this iconic—yet despotic—leader transformed his faith into a powerful religious force that would spread throughout Europe and the Near East.
10.
Constantine I Wins a Battle (A.D. 312)
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28.
One Night in Petrograd (1917)
November, 1917: The Bolsheviks seized power from the broken Russian Empire. What emerged was the Soviet Union, which would become one of the most powerful geopolitical forces of the 20th century. Unearth the roots of Communist Russia and the revolutionary moment that turned the dream of a Communist state into a bitter reality.
28.
One Night in Petrograd (1917)
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11.
Muhammad Moves to Medina—The Hegira (A.D. 622)
Islam is one of the world’s great monotheistic faiths, and in today’s world, is sometimes misunderstood. The spread of Islam around the world began in A.D. 622 with Muhammad’s flight into the city of Medina. This momentous date and its implications are the subject of this captivating lecture.
11.
Muhammad Moves to Medina—The Hegira (A.D. 622)
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29.
The Day the Stock Market Crashed (1929)
It was a devastating economic event that shattered the lives of millions and created a tidal wave of effects around the world. Here, experience the stock market crash of October 29, 1929, from the personal perspective of an everyday American family; also, learn how it set the stage for events covered in subsequent lectures.
29.
The Day the Stock Market Crashed (1929)
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12.
Bologna Gets a University (1088)
Before Cambridge and Oxford, there was the University of Bologna, founded in Italy in 1088. Here, Professor Fears details how Europe’s first academic institution emerged and, in doing so, reveals the origins of scholarly procedures and educational traditions that remain with us well into the 21st century.
12.
Bologna Gets a University (1088)
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30.
Hitler Becomes Chancellor of Germany (1933)
Professor Fears’s theme in this lecture is Adolph Hitler’s inauguration as chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933. Once in power, this political leader would unleash both World War II and the Holocaust. So how—and why—did history’s greatest monster gain such a strong hold over the German people?
30.
Hitler Becomes Chancellor of Germany (1933)
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13.
Dante Sees Beatrice (1283)
Discover how Dante’s love for Beatrice—and the epic poem he would write to honor her—brought about the birth of the Renaissance. One of the most important works of literature ever written, The Divine Comedy focuses on the rebirth of the human spirit through the power of God’s love.
13.
Dante Sees Beatrice (1283)
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31.
Franklin Roosevelt Becomes President (1933)
The very same year Hitler became chancellor, Franklin Delano Roosevelt became president of the United States. Focusing on the honest and inspiring inauguration speech delivered on March 4, learn how Roosevelt instilled hope in a disillusioned and wounded nation, as well as prepared it to face the tough times ahead.
31.
Franklin Roosevelt Becomes President (1933)
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14.
Black Death—Pandemics and History (1348)
Between 1347 and 1348, the Black Death killed 25 million people—nearly one-third of the population of Europe. Is it possible for tiny germs to transform the course of history? Or are humans above the ultimate destructive force of disease? Find out as you relive the traumatic story of this devastating event.
14.
Black Death—Pandemics and History (1348)
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32.
Mao Zedong Begins His Long March (1934)
No one in 1900 would have predicted that, a century later, China would become one of the world’s superpowers. And it all started in 1934 with the rise of Mao Zedong, chairman of the Communist Party—whose authoritarian rule is the heart of this intriguing lecture.
32.
Mao Zedong Begins His Long March (1934)
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15.
Columbus Finds a New World (1492)
Learn how Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the New World in October of 1492 set the stage for much of modern Western history. The story behind this iconic expedition—from the earliest attempts to gain political support to the last days of the explorer’s life—is one of high adventure.
15.
Columbus Finds a New World (1492)
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33.
The Atomic Bomb Is Dropped (1945)
Visit the birth of the Atomic Age with the explosion of the first atomic bomb over the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. It was a terrifying moment in world history that had an untold impact on the future of warfare, science, and geopolitics.
33.
The Atomic Bomb Is Dropped (1945)
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16.
Michelangelo Accepts a Commission (1508)
Just as important to history are beautiful events like the creation of artistic masterpieces. One of the most supreme of these: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. Here, Professor Fears guides you through some of the work’s many powerful religious images, each of which illustrates the High Renaissance ideal of absolute beauty.
16.
Michelangelo Accepts a Commission (1508)
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34.
John F. Kennedy Is Assassinated (1963)
Why, and how, did the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, change the course of history? Find out the answer by exploring this iconic leader’s rise to political success, his handling of important international crises—and the tragic day that signaled an end to America’s innocence.
34.
John F. Kennedy Is Assassinated (1963)
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17.
Erasmus—A Book Sets Europe Ablaze (1516)
Witness as Erasmus’s edition of the New Testament, which translated the Bible from Latin back into its original Greek, revolutionizes Christianity and paves the way for the Protestant Reformation. Along the way, learn what this work owes to the humanist ideology of the time and the invention of the printing press.
17.
Erasmus—A Book Sets Europe Ablaze (1516)
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35.
Dr. King Leads a March (1963)
Along with the Gettysburg Address and the inaugural addresses of Presidents Roosevelt and Kennedy is Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Professor Fears retells the life of the civil rights leader behind this landmark moment, along with the ways he sought to heal a racially divided nation.
35.
Dr. King Leads a March (1963)
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18.
Luther’s New Course Changes History (1517)
One of the most defining moments in religious history was the Protestant Reformation. And it all started with the subject of this lecture: All Hallows Eve, 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his “95 Theses” to the door of Wittenberg University’s chapel and challenged Europe’s most powerful religious and political institutions.
18.
Luther’s New Course Changes History (1517)
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36.
September 11, 2001
Conclude the course with a pointed examination of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the new world they created. Afterward, meditate on the lessons learned from the past 35 lectures and come to realize one of the most fundamental lessons of history.
36.
September 11, 2001
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