Roman History 101: From Republic to Empire

Stuart Vyse, Ph.D., is the author of "Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition," which received the William James Book Award of the American Psychological Association. A celebrated psychologist and professor as well as a recognized author, he is the perfect guide for this audio series on the power of superstition. This wide-ranging course reveals the method to our madness in everything from finances to Friday the 13th. An expert on irrational behavior, Prof. Vyse discusses what it means to be rational before delving into the many reasoning errors and psychological challenges that lead us astray. In 15 lectures, you will learn to identify the logical fallacies and quirks of our psychology that tempt us to make unwise decisions. While the course is based in theory, it's also teeming with practical advice. You'll examine several popular conspiracy theories before exploring the remarkable staying power of common "bad luck" superstitions: How did these superstitions come to be? Is it always bad to be irrational? At what point do our beliefs veer into the territory of wishful thinking or willful ignorance? Packed with fun examples and everyday pointers, this course leaves you thinking long and hard about how you think. With Prof. Vyse's guidance, you'll learn to better understand your beliefs and make better decisions.

Judaism is not only a religious faith but also a set of beliefs, practices, symbols, and institutions. More than that, it's a civilization and culture of a people both diverse and united by a history of exile and perseverance. Explore the storied history, texts, and traditions of one of the world's oldest living religions and civilizations. As an award-winning professor and an observant Jew, Howard Lupovitch brings a wealth of knowledge to his audio course on Judaism. With the balanced perspective of a scholar, he guides you through its rise, development, and diversification. Under his tutelage, you will also discover the fascinating differences and similarities between Judaism and other Abrahamic faiths. Starting with a general introduction, you'll establish a contextual framework and learn essential vocabulary. Prof. Lupovitch then takes you on a journey through the history of Judaism in three sections: 1. Ancient Israel: Examine the Hebrew Bible, the concept of diaspora, and the origins of Jewish beliefs. 2. Judaism's Emergence as a Way of Life: Learn why Rabbinic Judaism became the religion's dominant form and established the pillars of Jewish customs. 3. Modern Challenges: Study different denominations and labels as well as debates on Jewish identity. Whether your interests lie in history, interreligious understanding, or culture, this course will enlighten and entertain you.

Explore the two-thousand-year impact of the most-read book ever written. The Bible's importance can hardly be overstated: Jesus and the earliest Christians shaped their self-identity from its pages, medieval monks spent countless hours meditating on the sacred words, and reformers have been inspired by its radical message to speak the truth of the Gospel. While its message has unified believers through the centuries, debates about biblical interpretation have also caused divisions among the faithful. This 24-lecture audio course, taught by award-winning professor Zach Flanagin, guides you through over two millennia of biblical interpretation. You will explore the most important ways people have read the Bible in ancient history and in modern times. After looking at how early Christians inherited scriptural approaches from Judaism, you will explore the tradition of allegorical interpretation in antiquity and the Middle Ages. Next, you will survey the important movements of scholasticism, the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, and the Enlightenment, which led to profound debates about the nature of the authority of the Bible and the Church. Finally, you will consider the current state of biblical interpretation, where many different voices are being heard.

Do you ever wish you better understood why people do what they do? What governs our thoughts and actions? How can we influence others? This course introduces you to the science of human social psychology and offers surprising answers to these questions. Our social situations can lead us to act in unexpected ways. Depending on the context, we can soar with dramatic joy or get lost in frustration and aggression. Sometimes we demonstrate deep compassion toward others, sometimes prejudice. A celebrated professor at Swarthmore College, Andrew Ward reveals the unseen forces behind social behaviors. He helps you grasp the psychology of our relationships and interactions. Under his guidance, you will explore the most essential concepts in social psychology. Prof. Ward delivers each lecture with a cheerful and engaging style, prompting you to reflect on a myriad of examples of surprising behavior. Armed with a new awareness of social influences, you will learn to better understand and interact with those around you.

From free speech to fair trials, many of your rights as an American are guaranteed by the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. Known as the Bill of Rights, this enduring document—along with its interpretation—continues to inspire debate and shape our lives. But if you're like most Americans, you haven't had a chance to explore the Constitution and its fascinating history since you were a teenager. Now, The Bill of Rights: Understanding the Constitution and Your Freedoms offers you an engaging and accessible refresher led by a legal scholar and expert on the Bill of Rights. Under the guidance of award-winning Professor David L. Hudson, Jr., you'll begin by examining the historic development of the Bill of Rights. Then you'll turn your attention to the freedoms found in its pages. Throughout the course, Prof. Hudson uses contemporary examples to help you grasp the meaning and implications of your individual liberties. In 19 lectures, you'll explore the deeper meaning of those liberties. Some of the most famous include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms. Others you may be less familiar with include freedom of assembly, freedom to petition the government for a redress of grievances, freedom from double jeopardy, and the right to a grand jury. Don't just know your rights. For an enjoyable, memorable, and illuminating discussion of what Madison once called the Great Rights of Mankind, look no further.

A gripping and authoritative 24-lecture history course on the Vietnam War from the award-winning professor who cowrote "Argument without End" with Robert McNamara. Using newly available archival and source material from the United States and Vietnam, Vassar College professor Robert K. Brigham helps you grapple with the legacy of the Vietnam War today. Based on more than 100 trips to Vietnam and extensive interviews with key players from all sides, Prof. Brigham weaves vivid biographical sketches and rich anecdotes into recorded history. His masterful storytelling will help you look behind common assumptions about the conflict.  Not since the Civil War had the American national consciousness been as strained as it was by the conflict in Southeast Asia. Indeed, the controversies that the Vietnam War spurred on the home front are more familiar to many Americans than the policies and motives that guided the conflict. "Vietnam: The Definitive History of the War" fills that gap. The provocative questions Prof. Brigham raises will help you reexamine the war from today's vantage.  Throughout, Prof. Brigham sheds light on the United States and its place in the world today. Under his expert guidance, you will gain fresh understanding of this momentous chapter in American history.