Five “Great Courses” to Take This Summer
Following the trail blazed by NETFLIX, the Teaching Company’s “Great Courses” are now being offered for $14.99/month.
Below are the top five “Great Courses” across all genres:
How to Listen to and Understand Great Music: The course, which is now in its third edition, is taught by professor and award-winning composer Robert Greenberg. One of the most popular and highest reviewed lecture series, the course teaches students musical forms, techniques, and terms, provides a comprehensive history of western music, and discusses the contributions of composers, including Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Stravinsky. At the end of the course, even those who are not musically inclined, will be able to appreciate concert music on a whole new level.
Vikings: In his fascinating course, Professor Kenneth W. Harl of Tulane University discusses the vital role the that Vikings played in the development of Europe. The 36 lectures cover every aspect of Viking culture, focusing not only on their skill as warriors, but also their contributions as merchants, artists, kings, raiders, seafarers, and shipbuilders. The course also provides an in-depth look into Viking religion and their literature of myths and sagas.
Early Middle Ages: Taught by Professor Philip Daileader of the College of William and Mary, the course delves into the “Dark Ages,” an era dominated by the decline and fall of Roman Empire. While the age is best known for war, disease, and religious persecution, Professor Daileader shows how the events and people of the early Middle Ages helped shape history. Relying on established historical theories as well as newly discovered artifacts uncovered through modern archeology, the course offers a fresh look at the fascinating personalities and events of the era many have overlooked.
After the New Testament: The Writings of the Apostolic Fathers: In his lectures, Bart D. Ehrman examines a group of Early Christian writings that are largely unknown and unread by most Christians because they did not become part of the New Testament. Despite their anonymity, Professor Ehrman explains how the ancient writings are crucial to understanding the development of Christianity in a manner that is approachable and provocative. The 24 lectures are a steal at only $34.95 for the audio download.
The World’s Greatest Paintings: The course is taught by William Kloss, a renowned independent art historian and frequent Great Courses lecturer. In this course, Kloss relies on his expert judgment to present a group of paintings that “transcend the traditional role of art to become cultural signifiers—works that allow us to comprehend more deeply the world and our place within it.” The course’s 24 lectures cover a time period spanning from the 14th century to the 20th and feature some of the most famous masterpieces of each era.
Last year, “Great Courses” released a mobile application, which brings lectures right to your tablet or smart phone. The app is perfect for taking lectures along on your summer travels.