The Great Courses (Firm)
21) The Grand Finale
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This last lecture crowns the course by briefly summarizing 3,000 years of Egyptian history; outlining Egypt's legacy to us; surveying images of Egypt in film and literature; and listing ways you can pursue your interest in this remarkable civilization. Your learning needn't stop here!
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In Hinduism, death is part of a grander cycle of rebirth and suffering—with the ultimate goal of liberation (moksha). Here, ponder the concept of the Atman (one’s immutable soul); meet the Hindu gods who personify death and, relatedly, time; and learn what rituals can prevent a spirit from becoming stuck between worlds.
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In the realm of verbs, begin by clarifying past tense vs. past participle, and note how new irregularities creep into the verb spectrum. Explore one of the most eternal of usage errors: that of lie" vs. "lay." Study verb tenses and aspects (progressive or perfect), and investigate irregular past participles."
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Logic should always guide the sequence of your thoughts, whether you're giving a sermon, a corporate report, or a birthday toast. Discover how to avoid digressions, offensive statements, contrarian views, and other pitfalls that may disrupt the logic of your speech, with examples from Susan B. Anthony, John Stuart Mill, and Chief Joseph.
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Comb through more than eight years of photos from Mr. Laman's most ambitious project: photographing all 39 species of birds of paradise in the wild. As you'll learn in this adventure story, one of the most important aspects of wildlife photography is appreciating the sheer joy of the pursuit.
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Conclude the course by examining more types of number sequences, discovering how rich and enjoyable the mathematics of pattern recognition can be. As in previous lessons, employ your reasoning skills and growing command of algebra to find order - and beauty - where once all was a confusion of numbers.
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Altruism is more complicated than simple selflessness. Instead, it may be the world’s oldest and most effective risk-sharing system. Discover the power of viewing altruism as economists do—as a mathematical expression called the utility function. Also study altruism’s connection to the moral hazard problem..
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According to the latest scientific research, anyone can be creative. You just have to know how to think creatively, which involves taking a more imaginative approach to the challenges we all face. Learn how to wield the same research-based tools that today's creative people use and tap into your inner creative thinker with Professor Puccio's engaging 24-lecture series that takes you step-by-step through the creative-thinking process.. You'll get a...
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Study and practice informal commands, both affirmative and negative, including their important irregular forms. Learn vocabulary related to the human body, and practice commands referring to the body. Then grasp how to use pronouns with commands, and explore some of the most commonly used command forms in Spanish..
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What was emergency medicine like in the 1800s? Go back in time to the American Civil War for a glimpse at how military doctors and surgeons treated wounds and combatted infection. Compare these injuries and treatments to those of the Boston Marathon bombing. Also, contrast the medical treatment given to President Garfield after he was shot with the treatment Reagan received after his attempted assassination..
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Complete your review of the basics of chess—including how to castle, the difference between checkmate and stalemate, and the etiquette of play. Then shift your attention to some astonishing aspects of the game and find out about simultaneous exhibitions, blindfolded play, and chess computers..
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Turn to private equity and leveraged buyouts (LBOs), exploring notable deals by two stars of field: Henry Kravis and Stephen Schwarzman, including Kravis’s famous takeover of RJR Nabisco in 1988. Though you may never do an LBO yourself, you can invest in private equity firms that are publicly traded.
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Continue your exploration of more artful photography with a lesson on setting up and shooting funny, bizarre, and outrageous scenes and subjects. How can you use the knowledge and techniques of professional photographers to do something different with these out-of-the-ordinary scenarios? Prepare to think (and shoot) outside the box..
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What was it that caused Jesus's followers to believe he had been raised from the dead? Investigate the disciples' visions of Jesus, alive again after his death, as reflected in Paul and the Gospels. Learn also about the tradition of doubt in the resurrection, and the meaning to early Christians of being resurrected.
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Movements in tai chi are graceful, balanced, and unhurried, and this is accomplished through mindful awareness of your body, thoughts, and emotions. Mindfulness is an essential element of tai chi and a vital tool for a harmonious life. Use this awareness as you learn the next two movements of the form: single whip and step up and raise hands.