J. Rufus Fears

Ph.D., Harvard University

University of Oklahoma

Dr. J. Rufus Fears was David Ross Boyd Professor of Classics at the University of Oklahoma, where he held the G. T. and Libby Blankenship Chair in the History of Liberty. He also served as David and Ann Brown Distinguished Fellow of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. He earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University.

Before joining the faculty at the University of Oklahoma, Professor Fears was Professor of History and Distinguished Faculty Research Lecturer at Indiana University, and Professor of Classical Studies at Boston University.

An acclaimed teacher and scholar with more than 25 awards for teaching excellence, Professor Fears was chosen Professor of the Year on three occasions by students at the University of Oklahoma. His other accolades included the Medal for Excellence in College and University Teaching from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) Great Plains Region Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the UCEA's National Award for Teaching Excellence.

Professor Fears's books and monographs include The Cult of Jupiter and Roman Imperial Ideology and The Theology of Victory at Rome. He edited a three-volume edition of Selected Writings of Lord Acton. His discussions of the Great Books have appeared in newspapers across the country and have aired on national television and radio programs.

Professor Fears passed away in October 2012.

	The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History Professor J. Rufus Fears Join storyteller and award-winning Professor J. Rufus Fears as he presents what he considers to be the 36 defining moments in our past with The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History. This course is an intriguing tour of history, from the creation of the Code of Hammurabi to the opening battles of the American Revolution to the terrorist attacks of September 11th. Using his impressive ability to draw lessons from the past, Professor Fears gives you new insights into familiar and unfamiliar events.

	Life Lessons from the Great Myths Professor J. Rufus Fears Change the way you think about the greatest stories ever told with Life Lessons from the Great Myths by acclaimed Great Courses Professor J. Rufus Fears. A powerful work of storytelling prowess, this 36-lecture course explores individuals and events that so gripped civilizations, they transcended to the level of myth. Taking you from the battlefields of Alexander the Great to the conquests of Napoleon Bonaparte to the drama of the America West, this is the kind of engaging learning experience only Professor Fears can deliver.

	Wisdom of History Professor J. Rufus Fears Professor J. Rufus Fears believes not only can we learn from history—we must. In this course, he draws on decades of experience as a world-renowned scholar and classical historian to examine the patterns of history. Ignoring them, by choice or because we've never learned to see them, is to risk becoming their prisoner, doomed to repeat the mistakes that have toppled leaders, nations, and empires throughout time.

	Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life Professor J. Rufus Fears What makes a written work eternal—its message still so fundamental to the way we live that it continues to speak to us, hundreds or thousands of years distant from the lifetime of its author? Professor J. Rufus Fears presents his choices of some of the most essential writings in history—works that shaped the minds of great individuals and offer an extraordinary gift of wisdom. This course focuses on intellectual history and ethics and what the ideas in each great work can mean in your life today.

Save Up To $170	Churchill Professor J. Rufus Fears Who exactly was Winston Churchill? How did he rally the British during World War II? And what legacy did he leave for Western civilization? In Churchill, get the answers to these and other powerful questions as you follow the life of this iconic politician. View Churchill as a resourceful soldier, military strategist, gifted orator, doting father, devoted public servant, and winner of the Nobel Prize for literature. These illuminating lectures are delivered by award-winning Professor J. Rufus Fears. With his amazing gift for storytelling, he shows you why Churchill ranks with Abraham Lincoln and Pericles as one of history's greatest statesmen.

	Famous Romans Professor J. Rufus Fears In this companion course to Famous Greeks—inspired this time by the works of Livy, Polybius, Suetonius, and Tacitus as well as the indispensable Plutarch—Professor J. Rufus Fears retells the lives of the statesmen and thinkers who shaped Rome from its rise to world power in the struggle against Carthage to the decline of the Empire after Marcus Aurelius.

	Life Lessons from the Great Books Professor J. Rufus Fears For every important moment in your life, there is a Great Book that can give you a unique perspective on the experience. In Life Lessons from the Great Books, master storyteller and veteran Teaching Company Professor J. Rufus Fears shows you how some of Western civilization's greatest literary masterpieces can provide you with guidance and consolation. Every book you explore in this course—from the Odyssey to Hamlet to Animal Farm—is a unique expression of the human spirit. They provide you with a wealth of insight into aspects of life, from how to conduct yourself in times of trouble to appreciating the simple moments in life. Rich in historical perspective, these 36 lectures reveal the many relevant insights in these enduring works of literature.

	Famous Greeks Professor J. Rufus Fears In lectures inspired and informed by the monumental works of Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides, and Plutarch, Professor J. Rufus Fears examines a gallery of fascinating characters who shaped the story of Greece from the Trojan War through the rise of Rome.

	History of Freedom Professor J. Rufus Fears Join historian and classical scholar J. Rufus Fears as he tells the dramatic story of history’s most powerful idea from ancient Greece to our own day. What did freedom mean to Abraham Lincoln—and to Robert E. Lee? What did it mean to Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Martin Luther King? What does it mean to us today? Find out in this deeply moving, thought-provoking course.

	Churchill & History of Hitler's Empire, 2nd Edition (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Discover the answers to questions about the lives and legacies of two individuals who, for better or worse, shaped much of the 20th century. First, in Churchill, get a well-rounded grasp of how Winston Churchill became the man who rallied the British people and helped defeat tyranny during World War II. Then, in A History of Hitler's Empire, 2nd Edition, learn how a man like Adolf Hitler and a movement like Nazism came to power and hurtled the world into a devastating war.

	Life Lessons from the Great Myths & The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Gain a fresh new perspective on myths and events from throughout history and around the world in this insightful two-course set by master storyteller and award-winning Professor J. Rufus Fears. In Life Lessons from the Great Myths, explore the individuals and events that so gripped civilizations, they transcended to the level of myth. And in The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History, investigate 36 of the most important and defining events in the history of human civilization.

	Life Lessons from the Great Myths & Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears First, change the way you think about the greatest stories ever told with Life Lessons from the Great Myths by acclaimed Great Courses Professor J. Rufus Fears. This 36-lecture course explores individuals and events that so gripped civilizations, they transcended to the level of myth. Then, join Professor Kenneth W. Harl in a historically focused discussion of the dramatic interaction between Judaism, Christianity, and paganism from the 1st to the 6th centuries in Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity.

	Life Lessons from the Great Books & Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears In this engaging course set, Veteran Teaching Company Professor J. Rufus Fears reveals new perspectives on works that have the power to change your life. In Life Lessons from the Great Books, Professor Fears shows you how some of Western civilization's greatest literary masterpieces can provide you with guidance and consolation. Rich in historical perspective, these 36 lectures reveal the many relevant insights in these enduring works of literature. In Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life, Professor Fears presents you with more choices of some of the most essential writings in human history. Discover a wealth of history's greatest works, including the Bhagavad Gita, Othello, Walden, and Gandhi’s Autobiography.

	Life Lessons from the Great Books & Wisdom of History (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Discover why so many lifelong learners are captivated by the insight and storytelling skills of award-winning Professor J. Rufus Fears with this two-course set. In Life Lessons from the Great Books, Professor Fears shows you how some of Western civilization's greatest literary masterpieces can provide you with guidance and consolation. And in The Wisdom of History, learn how the patterns of history can equip us to make responsible choices as nations, citizens, and individuals.

	Famous Romans & Famous Greeks (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears With popular Great Courses Professor J. Rufus Fears as your guide, meet some of the greatest figures from the classical world with this insightful two-course set. Travel back to ancient Greece and explore the gallery of fascinating characters who shaped the story of this grand civilization in Famous Greeks. Do the same, but this time for the men and women who shaped ancient Rome, in Famous Romans.

	Famous Greeks, Famous Romans & Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Who were history's greatest Greeks and Romans? Find out in the company of master storyteller and Professor J. Rufus Fears. First, in Famous Greeks, explore the lives and accomplishments of Achilles, Solon, Socrates, Homer, and many other Greek warriors, statesmen, writers, and thinkers. Then, in Famous Romans, encounter the men who defined the glories of the Roman Empire, including Hannibal, Gaius Julius Caesar, Cicero, and Marcus Aurelius.

	Books That Have Made History & Great Ideas of Philosophy (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears These two courses are your chance to investigate profound life lessons and philosophical ideas. In Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life, find wisdom in such classic books as the Gospel of Mark, the Divine Comedy, and 1984. In Great Ideas of Philosophy, 2nd Edition, follow more than 3,000 years of rich philosophical debate between minds such as Plato, Hobbes, and Nietzsche.

	Masters of War: History’s Greatest Strategic Thinkers & The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Take a closer look at the minds and events that changed the direction of history with this insightful two-course set. Masters of War: History’s Greatest Strategic Thinkers gives you an inside look at both the content and historical context of the world’s finest war strategists. The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History offers an intriguing tour of history, from the creation of the Code of Hammurabi to the opening battles of the American Revolution to the terrorist attacks of September 11th.

	Set: 3174, 805, 807 & 8561 Professor J. Rufus Fears Not sure which Great Course you want to order? Then order them all! For a limited time only, you can get Origins of Great Ancient Civilizations, History of Hitler’s Empire, 2nd Edition, Churchill, and Mr. Lincoln: The Life of Abraham Lincoln in a single four-course set for one amazingly low price! This special offer is the perfect way to sample some of the fascinating subjects, engaging professors, and profound insights you can find only from The Great Courses.

Save Up To $550	The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History & Wisdom of History (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Discover why master storyteller and award-winning Professor J. Rufus Fears is one of our most insightful historians and professors with this two-course set that offers fresh perspectives on great moments in history. First, join him as he presents what he considers to be the 36 defining moments in our past with The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History. Then, in The Wisdom of History, learn how the experiences of ancient empires and historical individuals can equip us to make responsible choices as nations, citizens, and individuals.

	Books That Have Made History & The World Was Never the Same (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Explore history from two unique perspectives with this two-course set delivered by masterful storyteller and award-winning Professor J. Rufus Fears. In Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life, discover how these works—including the Bhagavad Gita, Othello, and Walden—shaped the minds of great individuals who, in turn, shaped the course of human history. And in The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History, examine 36 of the most important and definitive events in the history of the world, from the creation of the Code of Hammurabi to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and beyond.

	The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History & History of Freedom (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Join engaging storyteller and award-winning Professor J. Rufus Fears for two unforgettable and unique perspectives on history with this course set. In The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History, examine 36 of the most important events in the history of the world, from the creation of the code of Hammurabi to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. And in A History of Freedom, delve into the meaning of human freedom as it evolved from the time of ancient Greece up to the modern era.

	The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History & Famous Romans (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Immerse yourself in history’s most significant moments and personalities in this fascinating two-course set. First, in The World Was Never the Same: Events That Changed History, you’ll take an intriguing tour of history, stopping at 36 defining moments in our past, from the creation of the Code of Hammurabi to the opening battles of the American Revolution to the terrorist attacks of September 11th. Then continue your learning with Famous Romans, where you’ll explore the lives of the statesmen and thinkers who shaped Rome from its rise to world power in the struggle against Carthage to the decline of the empire after Marcus Aurelius.

	Meaning of Life: Perspectives from the World’s Great Intellectual Traditions & Life Lessons from the Great Books (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Illuminate your understanding about your life with the philosophical and literary insights featured in this two-course set. The Meaning of Life: Perspectives from the World's Great Intellectual Traditions offers you a rigorous and wide-ranging exploration of what various spiritual, religious, and philosophical traditions have contributed to this profound line of questioning. Life Lessons from the Great Books shows how books such as the Odyssey, Hamlet, and Animal Farm can provide you with a wealth of guidance on how to conduct yourself in times of trouble, how to appreciate the simple moments, and more.

	Wisdom of History & History of Freedom (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Join master lecturer and popular Teaching Company Professor J. Rufus Fears on two entertaining and insightful looks at how great moments and individuals in history are powerful sources of inspiration and potent examples of freedom with this course set. In The Wisdom of History, discover how history's great lessons still have value for us in today's world. Then, follow Professor Fears as he delves into the meaning of human freedom with A History of Freedom.

	Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life & Great American Bestsellers: The Books That Shaped America (Set) Professor J. Rufus Fears Discover with this two-course set the ways that powerful and highly popular books have the power to not only to shape you but to shape history as well. In Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life, Professor J. Rufus Fears presents his choices of essential writings that shaped the minds of great individuals and offer an extraordinary gift of wisdom. And Great American Bestsellers: The Books That Shaped America is a pointed 24-lecture tour of key best-selling works in the history of U.S. literature and what they reveal about the cultural climate of our nation at particular points in its history.

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J. Rufus Fears