Showing results by publisher "Learn25" in Politics & Social Sciences

What would you like to know about the Supreme Court’s evolution, its immense impact, and its crucial role in democracy? Now is your chance to explore the law of the land with an acclaimed expert on the United States Constitution and the Supreme Court. In 24 stimulating lectures, you will survey the history of the Supreme Court from its inception through the present day. Your discussion stays rooted in the historical - not the legal or political.

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? 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.

In this tour de force, the University of Oxford’s Dr. Tim Mawson turns a thoughtful eye to the questions about existence you have undoubtedly asked yourself. An expert on the philosophy of religion, Dr. Mawson combines wit with masterful scholarship to explain deep philosophical topics in an easy-to-understand yet erudite manner.

If you wish to understand the intellectual history and trajectory of American conservatism, you are sure to enjoy this brilliant course by one of America’s leading conservative scholars. Since the 1950s, economic conservatives have been in political alliance with social conservatives or traditionalists. That coalition has been a source of both strength and tension. Under the guidance of award-winning Professor Andrew E. Busch, you will first examine the distinctive features of economic and social conservatism before exploring the fascinating relationship between the two.

Follow the life and legacy of Ronald Reagan in this course by his acclaimed biographer Dr. Steven F. Hayward. Dr. Hayward is an accomplished scholar and conservative public intellectual who has taught and held fellowships at Georgetown University, UC Berkeley, and the American Enterprise.

This expertly-taught course invites you on a journey through 100 years of American conservative history. The history and development of American conservatism is as fascinating as it is complex. While conservative commentators, politicians, and pundits abound, few truly understand how the conservative movement came to be the institution it is today. Now, you can learn about this vital history in 12 thought-provoking lectures.

For much of Western history, belief in God seemed universal. As society has grown more secular, however, people have increasingly expressed disbelief in God. Today, a quarter of Americans are religiously unaffiliated, with many identifying as atheists. As the number of atheists has grown, so too have debates around the legitimacy of religion. Too often, these debates have been marked by misunderstanding on both sides.

In this insightful history course, you will take a deeper look at Abraham Lincoln's powerful presidency and the war that shook America 150 years ago. Presented by award-winning professor Dan Monroe (PhD, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), these lectures brim with fresh insights. Raised in Kentucky and Indiana by a father who did not value education, Lincoln had only one year of formal education. Rented out for day labor by his father, the young Lincoln gained insight into the injustices of slavery and would go on to become a self-educated lawyer.

How can Aristotle help you become a better person? In this course by award-winning teacher and leading Aristotle expert Prof. Cary J. Nederman (PhD, York University), you will become a more ethical person as you explore Aristotelian thought. The word "politics" is an often-controversial term in our day, conjuring associations with partisanship and subterfuge. But as conceived by the ancient Greeks, politics was essential for becoming a virtuous person. Learn from one of the leading experts on Aristotle and political theory.

This concise, three-segment audio series by award-winning Catholic historian Christopher Bellitto is designed to thoughtfully answer your questions. In Picking Popes, Dr. Bellitto reviews the colorful history of picking popes, conclaves, and cardinals. You'll find plenty of anecdotes and analyses from a history professor who works with the media during papal transitions.

Women have always been central to the faith. In the Bible, women have played vital and often surprising roles. To understand these remarkable women, we are honored to bring you one of our most highly regarded scholars and teachers, Professor Barbara Reid, OP, PhD. Professor Reid begins this series by exploring the creation stories in Genesis 1 and 2, examining how God created male and female equally in the divine image.

This course is recommended for anyone who has reflected on God and suffering. Explore the approaches to suffering found in the Bible with gifted presenter Fr. Robin Ryan, CP, PhD. You will examine the classical Christian perspectives on God found in the writings of Augustine and Thomas Aquinas and then explore the insights of significant Jewish and Christian thinkers who have reflected on God and suffering in modern times.

This is your definitive guide to the US clergy sex abuse scandal. Through these extraordinarily well-researched and expertly delivered lectures, you will gain unique insight into the issues that have rocked the Catholic Church. But you will also discover a powerful source of hope and renewal - namely, Saint Francis and his powerfully effective response to scandal. Your exceptionally qualified guide is Fr. Pat McCloskey, OFM, author and editor of St. Anthony Messenger.

With a fascinating past and turbulent present, Jerusalem is a city like no other. From its founding 6,000 years ago to the present day, Jerusalem has gripped the hearts of the faithful worldwide. Thousands of books have been written about its religious significance and history. Now you, too, will have the opportunity to explore what lies beneath the city's streets, homes, and shops.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus summarizes the core message of his teaching: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you.” Sometimes written as “treat others as you want to be treated”, the Golden Rule is the basis for a powerful ethical system. Under the guidance of acclaimed Catholic philosophy professor Fr. Harry Gensler, S.J., you will explore its applications in Scripture, philosophy, and modern life in this compelling audio series.

As you will see, the history and methods of philosophy are deeply intertwined with those of religion. Learning about the philosophy of religion will help you understand your own Christian faith as never before. In these insightful lectures, you will join Fr. Joseph J. Godfrey in exploring ideas that have captured the imaginations of scholars and everyday believers alike.

Fr. Ken Davis, who came to understand the vital importance of Hispanic ministry in his own life and work, organizes his ideas into a course you will find compelling, fun, and information-packed. Hispanics make up over 35 percent of the Catholic Church in the United States. This group of culturally rich and diverse people continues to play a role in the country and the Catholic Church. Fr. Davis, OFM, Conv., has been involved in Hispanic ministry for many, many years.

Explore some of the most powerful theological ideas, economic tensions, and political struggles that shaped Western civilization. This series traces western European civilization - with detours to the East - from the transformation of the Roman Empire to a thousand-year medieval period that started slowly before 1000, flowered for 300 years, and then declined sharply with the Black Death and social revolts until Constantinople fell in 1453 and Columbus sailed in 1492.

If you've ever had questions about Islam, this course is for you. It is impossible to overestimate the influence of Islam, which brings inspiration and meaning to the lives of many millions of people worldwide. At the same time, misunderstandings about Islam abound. Now, in Introduction to Islam, you will explore the full sweep of the religion of Islam.

While science and religion have often been seen as contradictory forces, in reality they complement each other. Indeed, Catholics have often been at the forefront of scientific discovery. Now you can join a leading Catholic scientist in examining the most vital questions about the universe. Your guide, Br. Guy Consolmagno, SJ, deals with big things - stars, galaxies, and unfathomable distances - but that's not the kind of "bigness" that you will explore here. Instead you will tackle the hows and whys of the universe.