Surveys major developments in world history from ancient early civilizations to the 18th century, with emphasis on Western European topics.

Explores both Bach the man and his music, as well as the rich musical environment that shaped and inspired him.

A thirty-two lecture course on the history and analysis of the Beethoven's 9 symphonies.

Ancient Egyptian civilization is so grand that our minds sometimes have difficulty adjusting to it. The most advanced of any ancient civilization, Egypt's ancient kingdom lasted for 30 centuries, longer than any other, yet today, it remains one of the most mysterious. Home of the only one of the Eight Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, the Great Pyramid of Cheops was the tallest building in the world until well into the 1800s. This course...

For 22 years, Tuthmosis III was second fiddle to his aunt Hatshepsut, who ruled as a king although she was a woman. When she died and he ruled by himself, he became one of the greatest military pharaohs Egypt had ever known. Learn what it meant to be a great king by tracing the epic events of his reign.

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!

The seven kings of Dynasty XII built pyramids, fostered great literature (often for political purposes), and consolidated power once again in the center.

The Ptolemies had a fascination with mummies, especially animal mummies. We will take an in-depth look at the practice of animal mummification, which became a major industry during the Ptolemaic period.

After centuries of power, pyramids, and prosperity, Egypt totally collapsed. Why? A look at this period also shows the methods that Egyptologists use to reconstruct history where the resources are scant.