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Michael Bess

The next wave of technological change will shape not just our gizmos and gadgets, but our own bodies and minds. Join award-winning historian Michael Bess to learn what to expect from the “Superhuman Revolution.”

In the near future, developments in bioenhancement technologies will not only alter how we make a living, communicate, and interact with each other, but will offer direct and precise control over our own physical and mental states. People will be able to sculpt their own selfhood over time, reshaping their bodies, augmenting their cognition, micro-managing their emotions and moods, and reconfiguring their character and personality. 

In this captivating audio series from Michael Bess, author of Our Grandchildren, Redesigned: Life in the Bioengineered Society of the Near Future, you’ll explore the promise and peril of tinkering with human bodies and identities. 

In these 28 illuminating lectures, you’ll examine the challenges posed to human civilization by developments in pharmaceuticals, bioelectronics, and genetics. Using an interdisciplinary approach, you’ll tackle a series of provocative questions, including:

To what extent can human personhood be modified before it begins to break down? 

What would be the likely social and cultural consequences if practices of human redesign were to be widely adopted?

How much can we control the direction in which science, medicine, and technology are taking our civilization?
This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

Learn25

Learn25: History

Superhuman: The Future of Drugs, Bioelectronics, and Genetic Medicine

One Day University

Learn from five remarkable professors in this set of One Day University presentations on African American History.

The term African American generally denotes descendants of enslaved Africans who are from the United States, and constitute the second largest racial group in the US. African-American history began in the 16th century, with Africans being sold to European slave traders and transported across the Atlantic to the Thirteen Colonies. During Reconstruction, they gained citizenship and the right to vote, but due to White supremacy, they were largely treated as second-class citizens and found themselves soon disenfranchised in the South. These circumstances only slowly changed due to participation in the military conflicts of the United States, substantial migration out of the South, the elimination of legal racial segregation, and the civil rights movement which sought political and social freedom.

African American History: True Stories That Were Rarely Taught In School

Learn from five remarkable professors in this set of One Day University presentations on the history and evolution of popular music. 

The most basic definition of music is simply the art of arranging sounds in time through the elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre. And in fact it is one of the universal cultural aspects of all human societies. It's performed with a vast range of instruments and vocal techniques and the common saying ""it's music to my ears"" underlines the notion that music is quite simply something people enjoy listening to! In every culture, music is an important part of people's way of life, as it plays a key role in religious rituals, rites of passage ceremonies, social activities and cultural activities of every type.

Memorable Music: Classical, Rock, And More - What Makes The Best So Great

Sean Sculley

Explore the secret behind George Washington’s military genius with an award-winning West Point history professor.
 
George Washington came to be known as Father of His Country. In his role as commander in chief of the Continental Army, George Washington defeated the British in the American Revolution and established the United States of America. Through his extraordinary military leadership, he guaranteed that the American Republic would move forward in its revolutionary experiment. So how was Washington able to win this seemingly unwinnable war?
 
This compelling 15-lecture audio course, presented by West Point history professor Seanegan Sculley, answers this and many more questions about one of the most foundational figures in American history. Professor Sculley explores Washington’s singular military career from its beginnings during the French and Indian War through the end of the Revolution.
 
After investigating Washington’s boyhood experiences and his service in the French and Indian War, you’ll look into the first years of the American Revolution, as he attempts to control a disorganized armed force with no institutional structure. Next, you’ll transition into the second half of the war, as Washington learns from his mistakes and builds a more professional army capable of working with allies to defeat the British. Last, you’ll analyze his actions as a strategist and tactician, as a military administrator and commander, and finally as the first president of the United States wrestling with lingering issues from the War for Independence.

This publication was privately produced and is not the product of an official of the United States Army acting in an official capacity. The contents of this publication, including words, images, and opinions, are unofficial and not to be considered as the official views of the United States Military Academy, United States Army, or Department of Defense. Neither this publication nor its content are endorsed by the United States Military Academy, United States Army, or Department of Defense.

George Washington: Commander-in-Chief

Robert K. Brigham

Follow acclaimed history professor and American foreign policy expert Robert K. Brigham, Ph. D. , on a trek across the globe to explore the dramatic events that shaped America and the world.

The great American experiment is one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization. How did America transform from a scrappy collection of British colonies into a global superpower?

Through vivid accounts and insightful analysis, Prof. Brigham shows you that America’s ascent into world leadership was neither preordained nor accidental. Rather, from its very beginnings, American foreign policy has been central to the country’s national identity. While the Founding Fathers used foreign relations to secure the young republic’s political experiment, subsequent leaders have consistently wielded American power to ensure the country’s prosperity and security.

As Prof. Brigham ably demonstrates in 24 riveting lectures, America’s role on the world stage has rarely been uncomplicated. Americans have always debated their place in foreign affairs—their wars, their commitments, their interests—and challenged others’ perception of the nation’s power. In fact, few issues have divided policy makers and the American public more than US foreign policy.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

International Relations 101: The Definitive Audio Course on America's Foreign Policy

David Hudson

Free speech lies at the heart of our American identity. The Founding Fathers enshrined this right in the first 45 words of the Bill of Rights.

 But what does the First Amendment really mean? How have views of its provisions evolved since 1791?

 The First Amendment grants us freedom of religion and the press, as well as the rights to petition and peaceful assembly. But perhaps no doctrine is as important to liberty as the freedom of speech. In this 12-lecture audio course, First Amendment expert Professor David L. Hudson, Jr., leads you on a gripping tour of free speech law in the United States. Holding it up as a blueprint for personal liberty, you will examine the history of the First Amendment as well as the terminology and theories that undergird it.

 Freedom of speech encompasses all manner of expression, both verbal and non-verbal. Through a close reading of the Free Speech Clause and a recap of the Founding Fathers’ historical moment, you''ll see why it was and continues to be a cornerstone of American culture.

 In five hours, this succinct and brilliantly-taught course gives you the opportunity to comprehend the historical, legal, and philosophical basis for one of your most vital rights. You will better understand current free speech debates and gain valuable insight into the First Amendment''s future.

This course is part of the Learn25 Collection.

Free Speech 101: Expression and the American Constitution

David Z. Flanagin

In 1517, Martin Luther changed the face of Christianity—and the Western world—with the 95 Theses. Now, award-winning professor David Zachariah Flanagin provides an in-depth look into the man who set Protestant Christianity in motion.

Although he remains the most famous, Luther was by no means the first or last Christian reformer. Understanding his unique importance means situating him in the context of the larger story of Church reform. Why did indulgences become the defining issue of the Protestant Reformation? 

This masterful 9-lecture audio course introduces you to Luther’s life, late-medieval theology and politics, and the ideas that sparked a revolution. With Prof. Zachariah, you’ll explore the three theological pillars of Luther’s thought and the Protestant tradition: justification by grace through faith alone, sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), and the priesthood of all believers. After gaining a deep understanding of these concepts, you’ll see how they differ from Catholic ideas. Finally, you’ll explore the conflicts among various reformers that were often just as contentious as those between Catholics and Protestants.

We often think of the Reformation as a matter of Catholics versus Protestants, but the truth is much more nuanced and interesting. As you consider Luther’s context and ideas, you will transform your understanding of Christian history. Known for his engaging and erudite lectures, Prof. Zachariah brings Luther and the complexities of his historical moment to life.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

Martin Luther, the Ninety-Five Theses, and the Reformation

Christopher M. Bellitto

Examine the profound impact of the Crusades with acclaimed Church historian and bestselling author Christopher Bellitto. 

Few events have affected the course of civilization as profoundly as the Crusades, a centuries-long period of violent conflict and competition between Islam and Christianity. The Crusades brought destruction and violence to the third monotheistic faith of Judaism as well. Resurfacing frequently in present-day political conversations about clashes between faiths and cultures, the troubling legacy of the Crusades is undeniable. 

In this masterful audio course from award-winning professor Christopher Bellitto, you’ll examine the five major crusading movements from multiple perspectives, gaining a deeper knowledge of what the Holy Land means to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. You’ll also explore the concepts of “just war” and jihad that dominated during the Middle Ages. Along the way you’ll learn about Crusade arts, letters and architecture; military orders like the Templars and Hospitallers; and the state of Christian-Muslim relations today. 

Simply put, to understand the Crusades is to gain profound insight into the historical course of civilization and the profound contradictions of religious war and human nature itself. You’ll be in good hands with Prof. Bellitto, known for his ability to bring clarity to complex historical events. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn with him today. 

This course is part of the Learn25 collection and comes with a free PDF study guide.

Learn25: History - The book series

Learn25: History - The book series

Learn25: History books in order

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