1. Dave Ramsey: It’s going to take time: Think of getting out of college debt as a process, not a quick event. Once you start making payments and making headway, you will start to get a sense of hope and dignity. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should put your loans off to the side or delay making payments because of a low interest rate. The longer you wait, the longer it will be hanging over your head.
2. Ric Edelman: Put retirement first: Edelman says that though it may seem like a long way off, retirement is the one thing you can’t pay for while going through it. If you can only save for one thing, forget the house or kids’ college funds — save for retirement.
3. Lynn O’Shaughnessy: Law school is not a great option: Speaker and author of Shrinking the Cost of College, Lynn O’Shaughnessy points out that barely half of 2010 law school graduates are finding jobs at firms, making the huge tuition cost a poor investment.
4. Fran Katzanek: Put off the car and apartment: This author of Reality 101: The Ultimate Guide to Life After College recommends waiting at least six months before pulling the trigger on a new car or big apartment. Use public transportation and get a roommate until you have a better idea of what you can afford.
5. John Strelecky: Do something, anything: Odds are strong that you’ll have trouble finding a job immediately upon graduation. John Strelecky, author of How To Be Rich and Happy, says you should blog, volunteer, or take an unpaid internship to make contacts and gain experience until you find work.
6. Bill Druliner: Don’t worry about keeping up with the Joneses: This consultant with GreenPath Debt Solutions cautions putting too much stock in other people’s Facebook or Twitter posts bragging about their success. Before you start stressing that you’re a financial failure, remember these people are only posting the stuff that makes them look good.
7. Wes Moss: Think about moving back home: CFP Wes Moss knows it’s a sacrifice to move back in with your folks after graduation. However, “If you can grin and bear it, it’s a great way to get a financial buffer quickly,” he says. Of course, it’s all for nothing if you don’t save that money you would have spent on rent.
8. Melinda Opperman: No credit history is as bad as a poor history: According to Ms. Opperman, who works with Springboard Non-Profit Consumer Credit Management, new grads should understand that their existing credit scores will affect their buying power. Find a card with low fees and budget tracking features so you can build your credit score, if necessary.
9. Zac Bissonnette: Don’t try to take shortcuts on paying off student loans: In his book How To Be Richer, Smarter, and Better Looking Than Your Parents, Zac Bissonnette urges you to ignore people who tell you not to worry about paying off student loans any time soon. The interest probably won’t be tax deductible, and you probably won’t have any of it forgiven.
10. Ornella Grosz: Curb excessive spending: The oft-cited author of Moneylicious: A Financial Clue for Generation Y says college leads to reckless spending habits that need to be avoided after graduation. Don’t buy luxury items often; make do with your current clothes and gadgets for now.
11. Clark Howard: Don’t finance a car for more than 42 months: When you are ready to buy a new car, this finance guru has a good rule of thumb for determining if the one you’re eyeing is too expensive: if you can’t pay it off in three and a half years, it’s too much.
12. Laura D. Adams: Investing early is powerful: Also known as Quick and Dirty Tips’ “Money Girl,” Adams wants new grads to appreciate the power of compounding. Investing now, in your early 20s, can result in a savings account balance that’s two, three, five, or 10 times higher than if you wait until your 40s to start.
13. Suze Orman: Contribute to your 401(k): She doesn’t care if you “don’t have a pot to pee in.” No matter what your salary is, financial guru Suze Orman insists that if your company matches a certain amount of contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, you must pay in the full amount and take advantage of this free money.
14. Mary Beth Franklin: Consider a Roth IRA: If you don’t quickly find a job, or that job doesn’t offer a retirement savings plan, take this personal finance writer’s idea. A Roth IRA lets you withdraw contributions tax-free whenever you want, but earnings can only come out tax-free in retirement.
15. Carla Fried: Get health insurance: Credit.com writer Carla Fried strongly suggests new grads get health insurance. If a new job doesn’t offer it, grads can stay on their parents’ until the age of 26. Even if you have to buy your own, no one should go without it.
16. Ricardo L. Nazario: Temper your expectations: As a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley, Mr. Nazario knows what he’s talking about. His advice for his own kids and for you is to not expect the corner office and huge salary right out of the gate. Moving up requires paying dues and time; don’t get ahead of yourself, mentally or financially.
17. Ronald Hatfield: Be financially proactive: A financial management specialist working at WVU, Hatfield’s top pointer is to be a lifelong learner about finance. Go to seminars, read books, learn the ins and outs of money management. No one else is going to do it for you (for free, anyway).
18. Kevin Crall: Have an emergency fund: Mr. Crall of MidWestOne Bank urges recent college grads to set aside some money for a rainy day, or rather three to six months’ worth of rainy days. You never know when you might need it.
19. Jason D. Hiley: Create a budget and follow it: It’s never been easier or more convenient to keep track of your expenditures and monitor where your money goes. This certified financial planner recommends using sites like Mint.com to create a responsible budget.
20. Cheryl Costa: Be smart about debt: “If a graduate ever can’t pay off her credit card bill, she needs to re-evaluate how she’s spending her money and whether she’s living within her means,” says CFP Cheryl Costa. Consider consolidating student loan debts to lower the payments and make them easier to manage.
21. Beth Kobliner: Don’t lose heart: If the job market is discouraging, financial expert and author Beth Kobliner is here to reassure you. She points out that the unemployment rate is always significantly lower for college grads than high school-only grads, and last year employers began to hire more.
22. Karen Blumenthal: Read the fine print: If you’re like most people, you’re lazy about reading all the details of contracts and agreements you sign. This author of The Wall Street Journal Guide to Starting Your Financial Life knows reading the fine print can help you avoid costly fees.
23. William Danko and Thomas Stanley: Take the time: The authors of the famous and still-relevant The Millionaire Next Door, Stanley and Danko showed that millionaires dedicate plenty of time to working on their finances, whereas “under-accumulators of wealth” do not. Which would you like to be?
24. Carmen Wong Ulrich: The hard work pays off: When asked what one thing she wished someone had told her when she was fresh out of school, the author of Generation Debt: Take Control of Your Money — A How-to Guide doesn’t mention finances. Instead, she says all the frustration you face at first in the working world is just fuel for your fire.
25. Jason Anthony and Karl Cluck: Getting out of debt means freedom: Two Columbia grads who wrote a book together called Debt Free by 30: Practical Advice for Young, Broke, & Upwardly Mobile have this to say to you: you don’t have to be a slave to Visa or MasterCard. Getting your spending under control and getting out of debt allow you to quit a job you don’t like and wait for one you love to open up.

1. Michael Sandel: What’s the right thing to do?

   Are there ever moral absolutes? That’s one of the questions political philosopher Michael Sandel addresses in this lecture, touching on some of the gray areas in our morality, and asking listeners like you to consider their own positions on right and wrong.

2. Sam Harris: Science can answer moral questions

   Issues of right and wrong are usually the domain of religion, not science, but in this lecture you’ll hear from Sam Harris on the ways that science can help answer some of our most pressing moral questions, shape our values, and define what is good or bad.

3. Nick Bostrom on our biggest problems

   Oxford philosopher Nick Bostrom takes a look at issues like death, evolution, and health, suggesting that perhaps changing the blueprint for humanity itself could offer solutions to some of the things that have weighed down humanity.

4. Daniel Kahneman: The riddle of experience vs. memory

   Nobel Prize-winner Daniel Kahneman is world-renowned for his research into human behavior, and in this talk he explores human happiness, arguing that our experiencing selves (those in the moment) perceive happiness different from our remembering selves (those looking back on an event).

5. Dan Dennett: Cute, sexy, sweet, funny

   What makes us coo over babies, crave chocolate, or find Ryan Gosling so darn handsome? Philosopher Dan Dennett shares some surprising answers to these questions in this talk, showing the strange ways evolution has shaped how we define what’s cute, sweet, or sexy.

6. Sean Carroll on the arrow of time

   Explore the beginnings of the universe and the nature of time itself through this talk from cosmologist Sean Carroll. He addresses everything from the Big Bang to the origin of entropy, with ideas that are sure to give your brain a workout by just thinking about them. The talk is split into two videos, so don’t forget to check out the second half!

   

7. Noah Feldman says politics and religion are technologies

   When we think about technology, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a cell phone or a computer, and if you really think about it, factories, cars, airplanes, and medicines might get thrown in, too. What you probably wouldn’t think of as a technology, however, is politics or religion, but that’s just what Feldman argues they are in this talk. He points to the fact that they connect and manage people the way many other, more standard, technologies do.

8. Sherwin Nuland on hope

   Surgeon Sherwin Nuland has seen hope at play in some of the most heartbreaking and uplifting situations alike, and in this talk he shares his ideas on the very nature of this essentially human emotion.

9. Barry Schwartz: Using our practical wisdom

   At the heart of this talk from psychologist Barry Schwartz is the question, “How do we do the right thing?” Schwartz explores the answer, showing that following the rules and using our own practical wisdom and understanding might lead to two very different answers to that question.

10. Dan Dennett on dangerous memes

    Can an idea take on a life of its own? Maybe, believes Dennett. You may come to agree with him after listening to this engaging talk on the nature of memes.

11. Henry Markram builds a brain in a supercomputer

    In this talk, Markram explains how he and a team of researchers are planning to build a computer brain that models our own, with the aim of shedding light on our brain functions and malfunctions alike. But can a computer ever really replicate how our brains work?

12. Paul Bloom: The origins of pleasure

    Pleasure (and the absence of it) is an issue that has troubled philosophers for centuries, but modern science is shedding some light on how we experience pleasure from the things in our lives. Listen as he explains how our previous experiences and interactions can change how we perceive pleasure and pain, and not just on a superficial level.

13. David Deutsch: A new way to explain explanation

    Human beings have always struggled to explain the world around them, leading to mythologies, philosophy, religions, and later science, which is the focus of this lecture from physicist David Deutsch. Deutsch explores how the rapid-fire pace of scientific discovery has changed the world more in the past few centuries than in the previous millennia combined.

14. Damon Horowitz calls for a “moral operating system”

    Technology, especially the web, allows us to know more about the world and each other than ever before, but what are the philosophical issues that come along with this new power? Listen to this talk to delve into this issue and discover why there may be a need for a new “moral operating system.”

15. Lesley Hazleton: On reading the Koran

    Religion has been a controversial issue since, well, forever, and especially so in recent years with regards to Islam. Yet in this enlightening lecture, you’ll hear how Hazleton found something quite different than she expected when she took the time to explore this ancient religion.

16. Richard Seymour: How beauty feels

    Philosophy has long been trying to define what is beautiful or how we define what is beautiful, but perhaps the real question is why we care so much about it in the first place. In this talk from designer Richard Seymour, you’ll get a chance to learn why we’re so driven by beauty and how it may influence many of our actions.

17. Keith Barry does brain magic

    Perception isn’t always reliable, as you’ll learn in this talk from Keith Barry. He’ll show you how easy it is to fool the brain, with some amazing demonstrations you’ll have to see to believe (if you still trust perception at all after this).

18. Antonio Damasio: The quest to understand consciousness

    Philosophy has a lot to say about what consciousness is and how we define our sense of self in the world, but what can science offer to the conversation? Quite a bit, as you’ll learn in this talk from neuroscientist Antonio Damasio.

19. Dan Dennett on our consciousness

    Here, you’ll find another engaging lecture on the nature of consciousness. Dennett argues that humans have very little understanding of consciousness, in part because our brains are always fooling us. Free will and consciousness, he believes, are the result of physical processes in the brain. Whether you agree or disagree, it’s an interesting and engaging argument to hear.

20. Daniel Goldstein: The battle between your present and future selves

    Why is it so hard to make decisions that will benefit us in the future, but may require sacrifices in the present? Finding an answer to that question, and discovering ways to help us make smarter decisions, could have long-lasting effects on our health, well-being, and happiness, as you’ll hear speaker Goldstein discuss.

Math

1. Math Evolve: Nominated for “Best Educational Game of 2011,” Math Evolve teaches the math basics through gameplay involving a dolphin shooting lasers at sea creatures.
2. MathBoard: MathBoard works because of its highly-customizable features, like creating timed math quizzes or making quizzes out of questions answered incorrectly.
3. Motion Math: “Putting the action in fraction,” Motion Math has players put fractions in order to help a fallen star move back into the sky.
4. PopMath Basic Math: Match pairs of balloons that have the same value, using one of the four basic math skills to deduce the answer, and be treated to a very satisfying “pop.”
5. Math Ninja HD: You know you’ve interested the boys with just the word “ninja.” You must protect your treehouse from an evil tomato by using math. OK then!
6. Math Bingo Games — A Racing Game: Fun app for such a clunky title. Solve the math problems to keep your race car from crashing.
7. Numbers League: Combining super heroes and comic book graphics with math was a stroke of genius. Kids and adults love this game.
8. Bugs and Buttons: B&B helps pre-schoolers practice counting, but there’s also a bunch of fun, silly games paired with great graphics to keep them entertained.

Spelling and Reading

1. Monkey Preschool Lunchbox: Teach your preschooler to spell with this colorful game where kids help primates prepare packaged provisions.
2. Dr. Seuss’s ABC: Who better to teach your kids to spell than the legend himself? This award-winning app is a hit with parents and kids.
3. Bookworm: This addicting word-search game is great for students who know how to spell and want to expand their vocabularies.
4. Toy Story 3 Read-Along: Record your own voice for playback reading to your toddler, or let him or her fingerpaint or sing along with songs from the film.
5. Shakespeare in Bits: Romeo & Juliet iPad Edition: It’s never too early to expose your kids to the Bard. Well, 8 might be too early, but 9 and up is fine.
6. SUPER WHY! for iPad: From PBS Kids, this app lets you play as any of the four characters from the TV show as they write, rhyme, read, and spell.
7. iWriteWords: iWW lets youngin’s practice handwriting and have completed words read back to them. The colors are bright and the graphics are fun.
8. Textropolis: Best for more-advanced spellers, players build up their own Textropolis by beating word-search games. Whole families play this one together.

Science

1. Star Walk: The amazing app comes to the iPad, enabling kids to tilt the screen to the night sky and learn what constellations they’re looking at.
2. NASA App HD: For all the future astronauts out there, this app lets them keep track of space stations, launch progress, and agency news.
3. Elements Quiz: If you’ve got a chemist in the making, download this cheap app with clean navigation of the periodic table.
4. Discover Dinosaurs: What kid doesn’t love dinosaurs? Tikes collect gold stars by beating quizzes on their way to becoming a T-Rexpert.
5. Discover Your Body HD: Fun sound effects and bright graphics help kids figure out all those fun organs and body parts. Don’t worry, the reproductive system is not featured.
6. I Learn with Poko: Seasons and Weather! HD: Poko is here to teach kids 3 to 7 about weather, seasons, and the calendar.
7. Ultimate Dinopedia: Because kids love dinosaurs so much, here’s another great app with info and terrific artwork on 700+ dinos.

Special Education

1. soundAMP R: If your child is hard of hearing, download this app for him or her that will amplify every sound coming out of the iPad with crystal-clear quality.
2. My First AAC: This app is designed to assist toddlers with speech disorders by letting them point to icons to produce words. Twenty-five bucks is a small price to pay to let your child express himself.
3. Read2Go: People with difficulty reading traditional media are already familiar with Daisy e-reader books. This is the best app for reading them.
4. Model Me Going Places 2: The “Model Me” series are designed for kids with autism or Asperger’s. This app teaches them appropriate behavior in various public settings.
5. Speech with Milo: Verbs: A speech-language pathologist created this helpful app where Milo the mouse performs 100 actions, speaking the word upon completion of each.
6. iReward: iReward is a tool to help parents motivate and reinforce the positive behavior of kids of all abilities, but especially developmentally challenged ones.

Various Subjects

1. The Moron Test: This app wouldn’t be worth introducing that word to your kids if it wasn’t so great. It’s part IQ test, part reflex test, and all fun.
2. WeetWoo!: For $4 you get access to an extensive library of kid-friendly fun and educational videos collected by parents. Parents rave about this app.
3. Fish School: Little synchronized swimming fish hold your kids’ attention while teaching them colors, letters, numbers, and shapes.
4. Tangram XL: Here’s a free app that reproduces the simple joy of tangram puzzles. It’ll strengthen your child’s ability to determine spatial relationships.
5. Nota for iPad: Kids as young as 4 can use this app to learn about musical notes, scales, octaves, chords, and more musicology.
6. My PlayHome: In the 90s, we had Home Ec; today, kids have My PlayHome. It’s a great way for kids to explore and learn about the world of the home.
7. Geo Walk HD — 3D World Fact Book: Hold the world in the palm of your hand with this app that lets you touch 500 places on the globe to bring up amazing facts about our planet and its inhabitants.
8. Toontastic: Bring out your child’s creative side with this app that lets kids create their own cartoons about pirates, princes and princesses, and more.
9. gFlash+ Flashcards & Tests: Great for any age of student, gFlash+ lets you create your own cards, share them across the web, and even quiz yourself from either side of the cards.
10. iStart Spanish: Kids’ brains are like sponges; childhood is the easiest time to learn a language. iStart is the best app to help them do it.
11. Brain Trainer by Lumosity.com: For kids of all ages, this app offers brain teasers to improve your memory and problem-solving skills.

1. The Civil War: A Narrative by Shelby Foote: There are few Civil War historians who wouldn’t include this three-volume set on their list of best relevant books. While Foote’s books have their problems (he has a slight but noticeable Confederate bias), they are some of the most beautifully written accounts of the war that you’ll find anywhere, and many sections, while non-fiction, read like novels.
2. The American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War by Bruce Catton: Noted historian Catton provides commentary on 836 pictures and illustrations from the Civil War era, from famous photographs by Matthew Brady to lesser-known eyewitness battle scenes. This hefty volume is a must for anyone who wants to get the full picture (quite literally) of the Civil War.
3. A Stillness at Appomattox by Bruce Catton: The third in a collection of books by Pulitzer Prize-winning (for this series) Catton, this book tracks the final year of the Army of the Potomac, culminating in the Battle of Appomattox, which was to be one of the last battles of the Civil War, forcing Lee to surrender. True Civil War buffs should check out the first two volumes as well, though many rate this as the best of the three.
4. The Destructive War: William Tecumseh Sherman, Stonewall Jackson, and the Americans by Charles Royster: The Civil War tore America apart, both figuratively and quite literally. Casualities were high, and often entire towns were razed in a scorched-earth policy that would have staggering ramifications for decades to come. Through this book, you’ll learn about the leaders on both sides who were perhaps the most fanatical and ruthless during an already bloody war.
5. This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War by Drew Gilpin Faust: While we know that war involves death — and, in the case of the Civil War, a great number of deaths — it isn’t often that we think of how war shapes our attitudes about it. In this incredibly engaging book, readers will discover how the Civil War profoundly changed how Americans (especially those in the military) treat the dead.
6. Chancellorsville 1863: The Souls of the Brave by Ernest B. Furgurson: Former journalist Furgurson recounts the history of the battle, which is often considered General Robert E. Lee’s greatest victory, in this well-researched book. He focuses not only on the big names present at Chancellorsville, but also on the men who battled on the front lines, fighting not only for their cause but also their lives.
7. The War for the Union by Allan Nevins: Nevins is another who simply has to be included on a list of best books on the Civil War. Nevins’ penned a multi-volume series on the war (of which this is the first) called the Ordeal of the Union. Nevins is the Union supporters’ counterpart, displaying a slight but noticeable bias toward the Union as Foote does to the South. Nonetheless, this collection is one of the most detailed and comprehensive histories of the Civil War ever written, even with Nevins passing away before he could write the volume about Reconstruction.
8. The Confederate War by Gary W. Gallagher: While many historians will tell you today that the Confederacy could never have lasted even if the South had won the war, this book examines how it managed to survive for so long and under so much stress. Patriotism, pride in their way of life, and an untiring belief that they would win sustained the South throughout the war, and even beyond, which Gallagher examines in great detail in this fascinating book.
9. Lee’s Lieutenants: A Study in Command by Douglas Southall Freeman: This three-volume set is a great way to start learning more about the men who led the South through some of the biggest battles of the war. It documents the lives of the generals of the Army of Northern Virginia, through the good, the bad, and the bloody as the war went on.
10. Landscape Turned Red: The Battle of Antietam by Stephen Sears: Antietam was the site of some of the bloodiest conflicts in the Civil War, though neither side ever saw a definitive victory. Sears reconstructs this battle in stunning detail, making it a gripping, though very tragic, read.
11. Memoirs by Ulysses S. Grant: Who better to talk about the Civil War than the man who led the Union army? That’s just what you’ll get in this memoir, with vivid descriptions of the battles and events that shaped the war.
12. Grant and Sherman: The Friendship That Won the Civil War by Charles Bracelen Flood: A study of the Civil War wouldn’t be complete without learning a thing or two about some of the leading generals who fought in it. Here, you’ll find a tale of two men who forged a friendship on the battlefield that would help them go on to win this historic conflict.
13. Lincoln’s Men: How President Lincoln Became Father to an Army and a Nation by William C. Davis: Drawing on thousands of unpublished diaries and letters, Davis creates a story about the relationship between Lincoln and his soldiers that no one else has told before, documenting the complicated and completely unique bond between a great leader and his men.
14. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin: Few books on the Civil War have gained such popular appeal as this book, perhaps because many still find Lincoln to be such a captivating figure. The book gives readers new insight into the political strategies of Lincoln, especially how he pulled together his cabinet from his former political rivals. The book is a great read, but if you can wait, a film version (documenting the final section of the book) is set to be released in 2012.
15. Mary Chestnut’s Civil War by Mary Boykin Chestnut: Often, we forget to consider the impact of war on those who aren’t directly involved in the conflict themselves. In this book, however, readers can gain insights into what life was like for an upper-middle class woman in the south, as Chestnut’s diary records her life as many of the major battles of the war raged on right outside her front door.
16. The Negro’s Civil War: How American Blacks Felt and Acted During the War for the Union by James M. McPherson: The Civil War, while complicated in its causes, was largely a battle over the right to own slaves, so it only makes sense to take a look at the way that this conflict impacted the African-Americans living in the South at the time. McPherson documents the experiences of everyone from former slaves to intellectuals, drawing on speeches, books, and letters for his information. The result is a great account of the African-American reaction to the conflict, emancipation, and President Lincoln.
17. Hard Tack and Coffee: Soldier’s Life in the Civil War by John D. Billings: First published in 1888, this book was written by an actual Civil War vet. John D. Billings had served with the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War, and in this book he shares his own experiences as a soldier.
18. Hiram’s Honor: Reliving Private Terman’s Civil War by Max R. Terman: Max Terman follows in the footsteps of his ancestor, a soldier who was captured at Gettysburg and held in Andersonville prison during the war. He visits the camps, prisons, and battlegrounds, reliving them through the eyes of the elder Terman, creating a compelling mix of fact and fiction in this book.
19. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James McPherson: If you’re looking for context, then this book by James McPherson is a great read. He spends a great deal of time explaining the causes of the war before ever moving into the conflict itself, which, with such a complicated history, is an amazing asset when learning about the Civil War. While lengthy, the book is far from boring, and won McPherson the Pulitzer Prize in 1988.
20. When the World Ended: The Diary of Emma LeConte by Emma LeConte: Seventeen-year-old Emma LeConte was living in Columbia, South Carolina during the thick of the Civil War. She was witness to the occupation and destruction of the city she called home, and her diary is an amazingly personal account of life in the South during the war.
21. Life of Johnny Reb/Life of Billy Yank by Bell Irvin Wiley: Wiley wrote two classic studies of the average Civil War solider, one focusing on the Union and the other on the Confederates. Both are great reads for learning about the men who were in the middle of the battles, how they lived, their personal reactions, and the attitudes of the common man on both sides of the conflict.
22. The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara: A novel might not seem the most logical place to learn factual information about the Civil War, but in this case, it makes sense. Shaara won a Pulitzer for his fictional take on the Battle of Gettysburg, following troops from both sides as they engage in one of the bloodiest battles in American history.
23. The March by E.L. Doctorow: One of only two novels included on this list, Doctorow won the National Book Award and the Pen/Faulkner Award for this best-selling book. It follows General William Tecumseh Sherman as he marched his 60,000 troops through the South, enduring battles, demolishing cities, and trekking through often desolate Southern landscape.
24. Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory by David W. Blight: Was the Civil War a fight over slavery or a fight over state’s rights? While today we tend to focus on slavery (and rightly so), in the 50 years following the war, history was rewritten to support the other aspect, perhaps to facilitate the reunion of the two halves of the country. This book documents this strange twisting of the truth, and the long-term effects it has had in the decades since the war ended.
25. Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War by Tony Horowitz: This incredibly fascinating book takes a look at people in the South, from re-enactors to serious Civil War buffs, whose lives are dominated with their obsession with a bygone past. Strange and perhaps even unsettling at times, the book is a must-read for anyone curious about the lingering affects the war has had on American society.

1. Dream Home/library

   
   Pinterest (and even Jason McNeely’s Dream Home album!) enjoys no shortage of lush libraries, which could fill an entire list. This particular beauty sports an Old World classical aesthetic, complete with a sepia-toned globe, wrought iron, and even a sliding ladder! Droooool!

2. Books/a literal love of reading

   
   This photo attempts to capture what it feels like to get lost in a beloved read, whether picking it up for the first time or fiftieth. It’s a quirky, creative interpretation of what it means to super duper love books and everything they offer.

3. Things I love/books books books

   
   Fans of both the written word and The Smiths should check out this adorable bit of art blending lyrics and illustration. Darling little children enjoy some books in both a structural and entertainment sense, surrounded by one of the more fit-to-print moments from “Handsome Devil.”

4. Frozen in Time/book sculpture

   
   Pinterest’s digital seams creak beneath some of the Internet’s most wondrous examples of sculptures created from repurposed books. They depict a wide range of subjects in an even wider range of styles, but this particularly striking piece takes a comparatively minimal approach with its depiction of a man’s face.

5. Places to Go/Trinity College, Dublin

   
   One of the most gorgeous institutes of higher learning in the world not only houses the spectacular Book of Kells, but a Long Room sure to make any avowed bibliophile swoon. No pictures out there — even this particularly gorgeous specimen — truly do the archives justice. Experience them in person, if possible.

6. All things Beautiful/bookworm

   
   Art and bibliophilia collide in a drop-dead stunning photo worthy of high-end fashion glossies and galleries. For those willing to experience a visual assault of bright blue, a spectacular dress and chair partly constructed of discarded books await.

7. Paint and Polish/bibliophile nails

   
   Click the pic for The Looks for Less’ instructions on creating an absolutely adorable manicure using newspapers. It’s a fashionable, rather simple strategy for showing off a love of books and an appreciation for all things aesthetic.

8. Bookishness/Literature vs. Traffic

   A 200-book pile-up might very well prove a dream come true for photography and literature buffs nursing a love of all things surrealist. Beautiful and clever, many a bookish type will likely find this fun image quite the show-stopper.

9. MAKE!/Books Books Books

   
   This modular bookshelf is so amazing, readers might not want to use it for storing their collections! Design aficionados should also check out this super cool pin that seriously shouldn’t be spoiled here because of its awesomeness.

10. pretty things/literary

    
    Bibliophilia no doubt inspires multitudes of tattoos, some beautiful works of undeniable art, some ill-advised, and others somewhere in between. As one can probably imagine, the ink featured here falls into the first category, featuring a wonderful visual proving that a love of literature is far more than skin deep.

11. School stuff/book cover

    When seeking strategies for customizing new or old reads, looks towards this simple and simply divine sewn felt job. Any decoration works, of course, but nothing says bookwormitude (and an appreciation to any gift receivers!) like the little heart featured here.

12. a dreamy home/british literary map

    
    Anglocentric, yes, but we’ll have to let that slide for a moment because the design work here is so lovely. Images constructed of nothing but words, words, words might not be anything new, but this one depicting the British Isles with the names of famous British and Irish authors adds literary spice to any home, classroom, or library.

13. Homey Home Home/Library Beauty

    Not every bibliophile enjoys the standard leather-chair-and-antique-maps look for their home library, so the more modern among them might want to consider this particular aesthetic. Blonde wood floors, contemporary minimalist white lamps, and a cozy red chair make this an ideal hideaway for readers of certain beauty inclinations.

14. photo love./reading

    
    Many may find this dreamlike photograph a small slice of heaven on the humble terrestrial plane — provided they aren’t afraid of the water, of course! Live vicariously through the lovely lady spending an afternoon feeding her brain on an old pier.

15. Vintage & Victoriana/Altered book cover.

    Inside a handmade linen cover evoking nineteenth-century stylings lays a wonderful little journal suitable for giving or keeping as a sumptuous self-gift. One can imagine the book flapping back in time and landing in the lap of a fanciful young writer needing to jot down quicksilver inspiration.

16. I want to go to there…/bibliophile magic

    
    Some of the more starry-eyed bookworms out there describe the reading experience as close to a fantasy world as it gets, so it makes sense they’d see a bit of their philosophy alive in this photo. Suspended by invisible lines, a curtain of books flows through an old arch and leaves a small space through which the appreciative can stroll.

17. creative cats/book sculptures

    Make sure to click the accompanying link for a truly riveting real-life mystery (or is it?) about curious little book sculptures left at the Scottish Poetry Library. The one of a tiny victrola and coffin boasts a Gothic aesthetic made whimsical by its bookish medium.

18. Art and Design/Postertext of Classic Literature

    
    Postertext, in case the company’s name didn’t give it away, takes the entire text of a classic literary work and forms images using negative space. Their glorious take on Moby Dick must absolutely be seen and adored, even by those who find Melville detestable.

19. Things/library

    
    Here, a rich, classic, and heavy wooden table works side-by-side with more contemporary elements for a library representing the best of two worlds. Consider it as an option when hitting snags with a cozy room or corner devoted to book collections and reading.

20. Clothing/Literary scarf, from the Literary Gift Company

    
    When winter starts biting the air, gift or whip out an undeniably conversation-sparking scarf celebrating the written word. Laser-cut lowercase letters dance around and allow tiny flashes of clothing and flesh to peek through.

21. Interior design and architecture/Reading

    
    A simple, straightforward image of a man reading in a simple country room, mug on a magazine and head in a book. It quite nicely captures the contemplative solitude so many bibliophiles need in order to concentrate and soak up what the pages tell them.

22. Design/bookworm

    
    Lovers of book sculpture — or even books, of course — might want to check out this thoughtful, life-sized work. It reappropriates old tomes and portrays a man with large hands and feet enjoying a read on his couch.

23. Nifty Thrifty Ideas/Bookshelves. No really. Bookshelves. : )

    
    “Invisible bookshelves” hit the internet DIY and design scenes a few years ago, tantalizing the frugal and/or green with their creative use of old hardcovers. Securely ratcheting them into the wall creates a fun optical illusion making it look like displayed reads hover without any support.

24. inlaid shell + art deco/deco book cover

    
    Simple geometry creates timeless elegance in an antique book sure to inspire design aficionados and bibliophiles alike. Even when rendered in nothing but black and silver, the abstracted sunburst looks brilliantly radiant.

25. to do/book bag

    
    Not a bag for holding books (save for perhaps the tiniest of tomes), but one literally made from what remains of a hardcover! Get inspired to whip up DIY projects or seek out more crafty types willing to recycle something old into something beautiful.

Stephens’ ideas about education have entered the scene at a time when many are questioning the value of a college degree. Skyrocketing tuition costs and a shrinking job market have led many students and parents to wonder—is an average $25,000 debt-load worth it when graduates cannot find full-time jobs that enable loan repayment? More alarming still, a relatively recent study indicates that college students, for all the money they are paying, aren’t necessarily learning very much. An increasingly cynical attitude toward higher education is precisely what Stephens taps into with UnCollege and his upcoming book Hacking your Education.

But strip away the “revolutionary”, mostly empty rhetoric, and UnCollege leaves us with little that is valuable to a typical student, whether or not she decides to stay in school or drop out. A brief reading of UnCollege’s “manifesto” demonstrates the same tired, motivational speaker tropes—the importance of finding yourself, doing what you love, etc. Much of his site is aimed toward self-promotion. And for those who don’t receive funding for startups, for those who don’t get book deals and write entire articles congratulating themselves for it, dropping out of college is probably the worst decision anyone can make. A recent Association of Career and Technical Education article notes that by 2020, an overwhelming 75% of jobs will require at least a two or four year college degree.

Of course, there is no denying that many institutions of higher education are financially bloated and inefficient, and it is often the case that students lose out intellectually and professionally in the process. But to persuade the youth of today that a college degree is something that should be skipped out on altogether is to rob many of what is, at the very least, a backup plan. As Atlantic columnist Edward Tenner notes:

“American culture loves extreme points of view, whether it’s extolling the virtues of advanced math and science education or encouraging leaving it. Occasionally the timing of dropping or “stopping” out does work perfectly, as with Microsoft and Google (whose founders were in a prestigious Ph.D. program). But there’s something to be said for a degree as employability insurance. After all, startups can be as profitable as a few are, only because the great majority of other entrepreneurs with similar ideas fail. It’s better to discourage than to encourage dropping out, so that it’s done only for compelling reasons.”

In the final analysis, what the media, parents, and college students should understand about future success is this: a college degree does not guarantee a job, nor does hard work, nor does talent, nor does luck. It is a combination of all of these factors that enhances the possibility of rewarding career prospects. Why deliberately sell yourself short on one factor?

1. Zeresenay Alemseged looks for humanity’s roots: This TED Talk sends viewers to Ethiopia on a paleoanthropological journey digging for truths behind mankind’s ancient origins. Zeresenay Alemseged shares the stunning true story of his team’s excavation of the oldest known child skeleton. A discovery that might very well open more doors toward better understanding our biological history.

2. Aubrey de Grey says we can avoid aging: Step from humanity’s past to one option in its multiple-choice future, courtesy of a respected Cambridge professor. Likening aging to a degenerative disease, he believes that the right science can reverse, even “cure,” the natural process, and describes the benefits of doing so. Time will ultimately reveal this mindset’s true outcome, but it certainly provides nourishing food for thought today.

3. Wade Davis on endangered cultures: An enviable position with National Geographic granted Wade Davis the extraordinarily rare opportunity to immerse himself in indigenous and marginalized societies worldwide. His multimedia TED Talk exposes audiences to these threatened peoples, often displaced and threatened thanks to imperialism and globalization. It’s a somber look at a tragic anthropological reality for tens of millions (if not hundreds of millions) worldwide.

4. Nicholas Christakis explains how social networks predict epidemics: Today’s anthropologists should probably pay attention to the role social media plays in forming cliques and subcultures. As Nicholas Christakis’ thorough research reveals, mapping Facebook, Twitter, and the like actually provides the quickest conduit for tracking the spread of everything from diseases to creative ideas. Suffice it to say, valuable (if not life-altering) applications for this technology exist beyond the anthropological realm.

5. Jane Goodall discusses what separates us from apes: Because biology and evolution make up a significant chunk of a future anthropologist’s education, paying attention to one of the world’s most pre-eminent primatologists is essential. After a lifetime among Tanzanian chimpanzees, Jane Goodall marveled at the eerie parallels between humans and their closest genetic relatives. But at least one glaring departure exists, revolving around differences in language and communication complexities.

6. Dan Dennett: Cute, sexy, sweet, funny: Such simple, though often subjective, concepts like those in the title actually involve some seriously complex social and biological constructs. Though, scarily enough, the latter doesn’t always exactly gel with the former. In fact, sometimes one’s physical wiring declares the exact opposite of the philosophical.

7. Nina Jablonski breaks the illusion of skin color: In a TED Talk sure to spark some controversy and discussion, Skin author Nina Jablonski harnesses NASA’s TOMS7 satellite to draw conclusions about pigmentation and UV exposure. She notes some interesting points about UV rays’ role in darkening skin, and believes that the phenomenon eventually infiltrated humans at the genetic level. It’s compelling science, to be certain, and one anthropology students should keep in mind as their studies progress.

8. A.J. Jacobs’ lives biblically for a year: Anthropology majors nurturing a healthy interest in religion and its role in inspiring humanity toward both good and evil will undoubtedly find this particular lecture fascinating. Here, they can explore one journalist’s attempts to spend an entire year following the Bible literally, and the resulting internal and external stresses. Considering the topical nature of fundamentalism and ensuing cultural and political controversies, his insight might very well prove beneficial in the long run.

9. Chris Abani muses on humanity: This Nigerian activist’s modus operandi is simple, straightforward, and noble: “to chronicle, to share and to document stories about people.” This also happens to be the core goal of the entire anthropological community. Chris Abani collects stories the way some people collect baseball cards, and he shares some here that uphold humanity’s dignity without paying lip service to its more sinister corners.

10. Spencer Wells builds a family tree for humanity: Even though the human race boasts incredible genetic diversity these days, that coding had to start programming itself somewhere. This TED Talk by Spencer Wells, the National Geographic Society’s genographic project head, discusses how he’s currently working backwards to discover the biology every human on earth currently shares. For anthropology students and anyone else fascinated by the life sciences, his lecture is a satisfying mental treat.

11. Rodney Brooks says robots will invade our lives: Because mankind’s machines have left an indelible impact on its evolutionary, social, and cognitive development since pretty much the beginning, it stands to reason that they’ll continue to do so forever. These days, robots infiltrate so many facets of daily life in the First World, many people can’t visualize a future without them. And though this TED Talk hails from the dark ages of 2003, much of what it has to offer still applies to contemporary times.

12. Louise Leakey digs for humanity’s origins: Another amazing anthropological lecture inquiring about the beginnings of modern humans, this time coming from the Rift Valley and Lake Turkana. Here, mysteries about Homo erectus and other species who may have eventually spawned us battle it out for scientific dominance. After all, “until 30,000 years ago, at least three upright walking apes shared the planet Earth,” so right now, the real ancestor could be any one of them, or one that continues to remain unknown.

13. Kevin Bales advises us how to combat modern slavery: Slavery has plagued humanity since ancient eras, and continues netting millions of billions of dollars annually, particularly when it comes to labor and sex. Kevin Bales’ research, which he shares here, exposes the tragic, inhumane reality behind some of the world’s wealthiest industries. And then he tells viewers exactly what needs doing to ensure equitable economic treatment for all the world’s peoples.

14. Amber Case claims we are all cyborgs now: Technological advances in communications, particularly cell phones and the internet, will inevitably lead to evolutionary changes to accommodate them more and more in our daily lives. Whether or not this turns humanity into “Terminator” or useless blobs with “external brains” is anyone’s guess, but anything’s possible. Regardless, though, anthropologists will inevitably end up dealing with the aftermath, so they may as well start preparing now.

15. Robert Sapolsky shares the uniqueness of humans: TED frequently shares its favorite videos from around the web, and one particularly human-centric example comes straight from Stanford University’s Class Day in 2009. Primatologist Robert Sapolsky hilariously skewers the human animal and its often inexplicable behavior patterns. It certainly makes you wonder what the rest of the world’s biomass makes of such curious bipedal creatures.

16. Stefana Broadbent discusses how the Internet enables intimacy: Social media critics frequently lambast the isolationist components of the Internet, but cognitive scientist Stefana Broadbent heartily disagrees. Her two decades’ worth of research regarding communication via cell phone, instant messaging, social networks, and more lead her to believe that they actually encourage individuals to stay connected with one another. Loved ones separated by distance or time can use these available tools to foster closeness rather than staying apart or constantly waiting for correspondence.

17. Aaron Huey looks at America’s native prisoners of war: America’s inhumane, brutal treatments of indigenous peoples is a well-known, but tragically under-addressed, atrocity. Aaron Huey’s photographs of the shocking, impoverished conditions at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation showcase how such historical injustices continue stretching into contemporary times. The suffering of the Lakota people summarizes how horrifically imperialism’s marginalization hits native civilizations and serves as a clarion call toward social action.

18. Devdutt Pattanaik: East vs. West — the myths that mystify: Despite frequent interactions (and an extended period of British exploitation), India and “Western” society still manage to perpetuate myths and misunderstandings about one another. Drawing from his experiences as Future Group’s Chief Belief Officer, Devdutt Pattanail explains that these assumptions likely stem from religious roots. Although this TED Talk expresses a businessman’s perspective, his insights resonate far beyond the boardroom.

19. James Watson on how he discovered DNA: James Watson and Francis Crick built upon Rosalind Franklin’s research to unlock the scientific reality of DNA — although only the first two received any sort of recognition for it. Nevertheless, the story remains one of the most important in life science history, and its relevance to anthropology should be self-evident. Majors and non-majors alike should still sit and marvel over the triumphs, drama, and tragedies behind piecing together the mysteries driving living matter.

20. Adam Ostrow: After your final status update: Archaeologists and anthropologists of the past (and today, obviously) dig through ancient dirt to discover as many truths about human culture and evolution as they can. Those in the future will have completely different territory to excavate: the digital landscape. Social media sites unwittingly serve as virtual memorials to the deceased, providing a first-person view of contemporary cultural memes.

The Basics

These lectures will teach you the basics of finance so you’ll be ready to move onto more advanced topics.

1. Financial Literacy: Take a listen to this lecture to learn more about just what it means to be financially literate.
2. Liquidity, Asset Prices and Market Efficiency: This business-focused lecture will help you to better understand these absolute essentials to financial success.
3. Managing Financial Risks: If you want to know more about investing, you can learn some of the basics from this lecture.
4. The Use of Derivatives: "Derivative" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but if you don’t quite know what it means, check out this lecture.
5. Foreign Exchange and Currency: This short lecture will give you an idea of how different currencies work together.
6. Financial Strategy: Business owners and regular working people alike can take away some great lessons from this lecture.
7. Risk and Money: Here you’ll be able to learn about the essentials of managing risk when it comes to money.
8. Hedge Funds: You’ve no doubt heard of hedge funds, but do you know what a hedge fund really is? This lecture will explain it.
9. Private Equity: Give this lecture a try to learn more about private equity and what that means for you.
10. FRAs and Futures: These elements of the economy can be confusing, but you can get a great overview of them in this short lecture.
11. Financial Math: While focused on the health care industry, this series of lectures can be useful to anyone hoping to learn more about managing finances.
12. Stocks: Learn the basics of the stock market and its component parts in this lecture.
13. Options Markets: This lecture will teach you what option markets are and how they can add to a portfolio.

Personal Finance

Make sure you’re managing you’re money intelligently with a little guidance from these lectures.

14. The Challenges Retiring Baby-Boomers Face: As more and more of the baby boomers head towards retirement, the material covered in this lecture becomes ever more important.
15. Katherine Fulton: You are the future of philanthropy: This lecture will explain how new technologies and innovations make it possible for even people without large amounts of money to make a difference with philanthropy.
16. Going for Broke: Middle Class Families: Learn more about the home economics that are a reality for most middle-class families today.
17. Managing Personal Finances: Learn the basics of getting a handle on your personal finances with help from this lecture.
18. Paying for College: The Rising Cost of Higher Education: Hear from experts on what the rising costs of college will mean for students and their families in this lecture.
19. What Retirement Means to Me: In this lecture, you’ll hear a panel of seniors who are economists on what retirement means to them and what it means to many now.
20. Make Smart Decisions: This lecture aims to help guide you towards better money management.
21. Money Matters: The Ins and Outs of Personal Finance: Here you’ll get some pointers on understanding and managing your money more intelligently.
22. The Importance of Saving: Check out this lecture for motivation to keep saving instead of spending.
23. Personal Finance: Retirement: If you’re wondering how to plan for retirement, this lecture offers basic guidance.
24. Debt and Self-Restraint: Many people have charged their way into massive credit card debt, and this lecture offers advice on battling debt and keeping spending in check.
25. Finding Financial Wisdom in Unexpected Places: Learn how you can find financial understanding where you least expect it in this lecture.

Economics

Check out these lectures to learn the basics of economics.

26. Beyond Freakonomics: New Musings on the Economics of Everyday Life: Hear from this well-known University of Chicago professor on his economic ideas and theories in this entertaining lecture.
27. Game Theory: Take a look at this lecture to learn more about what game theory is and how it can apply to finances.
28. Financial Markets: This series of lectures will help you understand just what the financial markets are and how they function.
29. Economic Theory for an Innovative World: Take a look at this Columbia lecture that attempts to show why traditional economic theories need to be replaced with more modern ideas.
30. Women and Economic Development: In this video you’ll hear from a panel of experts at Harvard on the role women can and are playing in the world economy.
31. Economics and the Roots of Terrorism: This Princeton lecture will help illuminate some of the economic factors that have helped foster terrorism.
32. The Economics of Climate Change: In this lecture you’ll see what the real economic impact of global warming may be.
33. Barry Bluestone: Socio-Economics: Watch this video to learn about the current social and economic conditions of the lower and middle classes in America.
34. Color of Wealth: The US Racial Wealth Divide: Learn why racial disparities in the US still exist through this financially-focused lecture.
35. Internet Economics: Through this lecture you’ll learn about the impact the Internet has had on global commerce and how business is done.

Economic Crisis

These lectures will explain the current economic climate to you.

36. Understanding the Crisis in the Markets: This video from Harvard will help you to get a grasp on how and why the markets are failing.
37. Capitalism and Confusion: In this lecture, you’ll hear from Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen on a range of pertinent economic topics.
38. What’s Ahead for Financial Markets?: Learn what you can expect in the coming years from an economic perspective in this lecture.
39. Origins of the Financial Mess: Alan Blinder, a professor of Economics and Public Affairs, delivers this lecture on where the current financial problems came from.
40. The Financial Crisis: Implications for Washington, Wall Street and Main Street: Learn what the economic crisis means for big business and everyday people alike in this lecture.
41. Financial Crises: This series of five lectures will help you understand where financial crises come from, what they mean and how they can be managed.
42. Preventing the Next Financial Crisis: Want to know how we can avoid another big economic downturn? Listen to this lecture to find out.
43. Feeling the Pain: How the Financial Crisis Is Affecting Brazil, Russia, India and China: This lecture will show you how the crisis has affected more than just the US.
44. The Outlook for the Global Economy and the Challenges That Must Be Met: Check out this video to learn some of the big obstacles that must have been faced before the market can get back on track.
45. Higher Education and the Recession: Here is a lecture that will show what effect the recession has had on higher education and the long-term implications it may have for society.

Investing

Get some help understanding the markets, how you should invest, and more with these lectures.

46. Why Stock-price Volatility Should Never Be a Surprise, Even in the Long Run: Learn why your investments may go up and down violently, even without market downturns, in this lecture.
47. Cash vs. Fixed Rate Investing: Unsure of the difference? This lecture will help you better understand what you’re getting into.
48. It’s Not About the Check: This lecture will explain why good investments shouldn’t be just about the payoff.
49. Investment Basics: Those who need a basic guide to investing can find some great advice here.
50. Investment No No’s: Learn just what you shouldn’t do when it comes to making smart investments in this lecture.
51. The Psychology of Saving and Investing: People don’t always make the best decisions when it comes to saving and investing. This lecture explains some of the psychology that lies behind it.
52. Equity Investment: This lecture will explain more about equity investments for those who are unfamiliar.
53. Human Judgment and Investment Manias: How do people get caught up in investment scams and manias? This lecture attempts to explain the reasoning.
54. What People of All Ages Should Know About Investing in the Stock Market Now: Scared to make investments in this economic climate? This lecture will explain what you can expect and what you need to know to do it well.
55. Investment Banking: You’ll find a basic primer on how investment banking works in this lecture.
56. The Universal Principle of Risk Management: If you’re going to make investments, make sure you can understand and manage the risks associated with it with help from this lecture.
57. Investing for the Long Run: Learn how to get your investments to take you into your retirement years from this lecture.

Business Finance

Whether you’re starting a business now, working in a corporation, or plan on going it on your own later, these lectures offer financial guidance.

58. Superclass: The Global Power Elite and the World They Are Making: In this lecture, you’ll hear more about the select few who make the bulk of financial and economic decisions worldwide–often to the detriment of others.
59. Adapting to Market Transformation: Learn how you can keep your business afloat even when the market is changing around you from this lecture.
60. Business, Knowledge and Global Growth: This lecture will explain how the MBA degree has contributed to the growth of entrepreneurship at home and worldwide.
61. David S. Rose on pitching to VCs: If you need some cash to get your business off the ground, this lecture will teach you the ropes of finding venture capital investments.
62. Daily Crisis: Developing Value-Based Companies: Learn how to create a company that will last for the long haul in this lecture.
63. Startup Garden: Growing Business to Fit Your Life: Creating a startup can be hard work, and you can get some great advice on how to do it right from this lecture.
64. Social Business Enterprise and a World Without Poverty: Those interested in social entrepreneurship can find a plethora of information on how to get started in this lecture.
65. Michael Goldberg Shares Lessons Learned on Entrepreneurship and Investing: In this lecture, Goldberg shares some of his personal lessons on these business aspects, letting you learn from his successes and mistakes.
66. Building a Business: Understanding Financial Control: If you’re a business owner or manager you’ll find some excellent advice on financial management here.
67. Crackdown on Executive Pay: Learn why giving execs big salaries may not always be the best thing for the long term success of a business.
68. TV’s New Economics: This lecture will show you the impact TV has had on how business and marketing are conducted.
69. Finance and the Financial Manager: Even if you’re a financial manger, you can learn great finance skills from this lecture.
70. Entrepreneurs: Then and Now: Learn about some of the changes that have happened in entrepreneurship over the past decades in this lecture.
71. Get the Business Basics: Get advice on mastering the basics of good business in this lecture.
72. Keeping a Financial Focus: It can be hard to keep your business focused on business when you’re trying to innovate, but this lecture stresses the importance of just that.

International Issues

Learn about fiance from a global perspective in these lectures.

73. Globalization and Markets: David Dapice explains the impact globalization has had on how business, and therefore finance, is done around the world.
74. Conference on Chinese Capitalism: This video brings together scholars from around the world to talk about how the rise of Chinese capitalism affects politics, economics and more.
75. China and Financial Reform: Here you’ll learn how the rise of China has shaped financial reform around the world.
76. The Crisis of Global Capitalism: Professor John Gray explains the economic crisis from a global perspective and how it’s evolved over the past ten years in this lecture.
77. Navigating Global Economic and Financial Change: This lecture from the London School of Economics given by Mohamed A El-Erian will help you learn more abut the changes occurring today in global economics.
78. Bad Money: The Global Crisis of American Capitalism: Learn how the "bad money" has changed America’s place in the world economy, and get some ideas on how we’ll rebound and at what cost to the average person.
79. The Economics of Climate Change: Risk, Ethics, and a Global Deal: This Princeton University lecture will help you learn what the economic effects of climate change are around the world.
80. The Impact of Economic Sanctions on Iraq: Learn about the real ramifications of economic sanctions and the many lives these political limits had on everyday people.

Finance, Society and Behavior

Learn about the role that finance has played in history and how it is influenced by our psychology in these lectures.

81. Cultural History of the Great Depression: Learn more about the entertainment and daily life of people living during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression in this lecture, proving you can still have a good time on little money.
82. Finance and Insurance as Powerful Forces in Our Society: This lecture will make it easier to understand the roles insurance and finance play in our society as a whole.
83. New Research in Behavioral Finance: Listen as the faculty of Yale discuss their latest research in this interesting field.
84. In Search of Homo Economicus: This lecture addresses the idea that humans act rationally when it comes to making financial decisions.
85. Ponzi’s Scheme: The True Story of a Financial Legend: With a name that now is synonymous with get-rich-quick schemes, learn how this man found his own path to riches and ultimate way back down again.
86. The Democratization of Finance: Learn about some of the most important aspects of risk management, including those that are government sponsored, in this lecture from Professor Robert Schiller.
87. Human Foibles, Fraud, Manipulation, and Regulation: Check out this lecture to learn how phenomena like magical thinking, overconfidence, and representativeness heuristic cause people to make poor financial decisions.

Miscellaneous

These lectures offer inspiration and information about the future of finance and much more.

88. So Damn Much Money: Senior correspondent for The Washington Post, Robert Kaiser, shows how lobbyist money has changed the way government works in this lecture.
89. Deciphering the Future of Social Security: Here you’ll get some insights into what the major problems facing social security are.
90. The Widow Cliquot: The Champagne Empire: Check out this lecture to learn about this inspiring woman who built the Veuve Cliquot brand.
91. Cornelius Vanderbilt: The First Tycoon: If this classic story of rags to riches doesn’t inspire you to strike out on your own, nothing will.
92. The History of Financial Innovation: This lecture from Yale will give you an overview of how finance has changed over the years.
93. The Future of Banking and Financial Regulation: Hear from several experts in the field in this London School of Economics lecture on how the economic crisis may impact how finance is done.
94. The Evolution and Perfection of Monetary Policy: In this lecture, you’ll be able to hear more about how central banks work.
95. Real Estate Finance and Its Vulnerability to Crisis: Real estate may generally be a good investment, but this lecture will make you think twice before you dive in.

General Feeds

These science feeds cover all types of topics, so you’ll get a range of discussions each time you tune in.

1. Yale Science: Subscribe to this feed if you want a diverse stream of science topics. [Yale]
2. Science Talks: Award-winning scientists, including Nobel Laureates, talk about science in this feed. [92nd Street Y]
3. Science and Nature: These talks address topics in physics, biology, environmental science and more. [KQED QUEST]
4. Natural Science: From the Big Bang Theory to Newton’s theories to physics topics, you’ll find a range of natural science topics here. [Stanford]
5. Lectures: Science lectures in this feed cover medical geology, ecology, quantum mechanics and more. [Wellesley College]
6. Mellon College of Science: Lectures here cover sustainable technology, biomedicine and green chemistry. [Carnegie Mellon]
7. Highlighted lectures and interviews: You’ll get to listen to lectures on evolution, gender ethnicity, astronomy, political science and HIV. [Cambridge]
8. Physical Sciences: Earth sciences, astrophysics, astronomy and chemistry topics are all discussed in these lectures. [Australian National University]
9. Speaking of Science: Recent lectures here discussed sustainability, agriculture, wildfire preparation, biodiversity, biofuels and corn breeding. [University of Minnesota]
10. Science C100: This group of interdisciplinary science lectures cover astronomy, climate change, evolution and more. [Columbia]

Biology and Health

Study biological issues like reproduction, aging, microbiology, cell division, genetics and biodiversity from these feeds.

11. DNA, RNA and Protein Formation: This intro class covers human proteins. [The Open University]
12. Human Biology: This feed includes lectures on genetics, cell division, basic chemistry, the digestive system and more. [Harrisburg Area Community College]
13. Microbiology: Get lectures relating to microbiology topics here. [HACC]
14. Introductory Biology: From biochemistry to molecular biology, you’ll get an introduction to various sub-fields of biology. [MIT]
15. Contemporary Biology: From pandemics to birth control to mad cow disease to death and aging, you’ll find important health and biology issues studied today.
16. Science and Medicine: This feed includes talks about the future of medicine. [Brown University]
17. Biology: Uniformity and Diversity: From microbes to fungi, to spiders’ webs, you’ll learn about biology uniformity and the diversity of life here. [The Open University]
18. Darwin’s Legacy: Study genes, evolution, science and religion, and other topics related to Darwin’s impact on science. [Stanford]
19. Microbiology: These microbiology recaps are hosted by the Chair of the Health Sciences Department. [East Tennessee State University]
20. Biology: Review DNA, anatomy, neurons, carbohydrates, lipids and other bio topics here. [Cassiopeia Project]
21. Complexity: Try to understand the inner workings of the human brain here. [Cassiopeia Project]
22. Introd Acids/Bases: Hemoglobins, protein structure, enzymes and carbohydrates are just some of the topics covered here. [Oregon State University]
23. Biology: Biology lectures here include "Who Owns Life?" and "The Biology of Autism." [Stanford]
24. Medicine and Life Sciences: From sex chromosomes to DNA to biosecurity, you’ll find a range of biology and health sciences topics here. [Australian National University]
25. Microbial Genetics: So far, there are over 35 lectures about microbial genetics in this feed. [University of Arizona]

Astronomy

You can learn about galaxies, physics principles, and black holes when you subscribe to these feeds.

26. Astronomy: Learn about the sun, the shape and scale of the galaxy, and other topics. [The Open University]
27. Exploring Black Holes: General Relativity: This physics and astronomy feed covers X-Ray Binaries, Einstein and more. [MIT]
28. Survey of Astronomy: Get lectures from an astronomy survey course here. [Missouri State University]
29. Stargazing for Everyone: If you’re just getting into astronomy, subscribe to this feed to learn about lunar eclipses, the planets and more. [Arizona's IDEAL eLearning Platform]
30. Astronomy and Astrophysics Lecture Series: Talks here cover relativistic jets, acoustic astronomy and colliding galaxies. [Florida Institute of Technology]
31. Astrobiology and Space Exploration: Consider life in space when you follow this feed. [Stanford]
32. Spaced Out: Study stars, galaxies, energy waves and more. [Ohio]

Chemistry

These lectures will introduce you to organic chemistry, the periodic table, atomic theory and more.

33. Principles of Chemical Science: Professors at MIT discuss periodic trends, atomic theory, hybridization, bond energies and other chemical science principles. [MIT]
34. Chemistry: Study density, heat transfer, bonding, the periodic table and more. [Miami Dade College]
35. Chemistry: Learn about properties of matter, molarity and mole problems, and more. [Michigan's MI Learning]
36. Organic Chemistry Lecture II: Get chapter study guides and recaps for organic chem here. [University of New Orleans]
37. General Chemistry: Lectures here cover stoichiometry, electrolytes, acids, Lewis structures and more. [Seattle Pacific University]
38. Fundamentals of Chemistry: Study chemical fundamentals and applications from lectures here. [Missouri State University]
39. Elementary Biochemistry: Study protein purification, membranes, nucleic acids, DNA and RNA synthesis and more. [Oregon State University]
40. CHEM 111: These lectures come from a Chemistry 111 class that discussed gas laws, kinetic theory, acid-base properties and more. [Case Western Reserve University]
41. Chem 105: Get lectures on atomic structure, molecular structure, bonding and more. [Case Western Reserve University]
42. Chemistry: Learn about entropy and heat engines, chemical equilibrium, buffer solutions and more. [University of Utah]

Physics

From kinetic energy to Einstein’s theories and relaxed discussions with top scientists, you’ll explore all kinds of fascinating physics principles here.

43. Physics I: Classical Mechanics: Study vectors, friction, Hooke’s Law, kinetic energy and more. [MIT]
44. Einstein and the Mind of God: Listen to interviews about Einstein’s impact on science, ethics, string theory and more. [American Public Media]
45. Physics III: Vibrations and Waves: This advanced physics feed covers forced oscillation and more. [MIT]
46. The physical world: quantum: Study Einstein’s and Bohr’s principles in this feed. [The Open University]
47. Principles of Physics: These short physics recaps tackle gravity, fluids, Newton’s laws of motion and more. [Denison University]
48. Modern Physics: The Theoretical Minimum: These physics lectures address classical and quantum mechanics, theories of relativity, cosmology and more. [Stanford]
49. The physical world: waves and relativity: Learn about the nature of sound waves and get tips on making your own radio here. [The Open University]
50. Saturday Morning Physics: These interviews with physicists are relaxed and easy to understand.

Environmental Science

Study issues like renewable energy, biodiversity, sustainability and global warming in these feeds.

51. Earth’s physical resources: renewable energy: Learn all about biofuels, hydroelectricity and what European countries are doing to promote renewable energy. [The Open University]
52. Smart Energy: Margo Gerritsen’s lectures are on nuclear energy and naturally powered energy solutions. [Stanford]
53. TERRA: The Nature of Our World: This feed tackles various subjects in environmental science, sustainability and biodiversity. [TERRA]
54. Environment: Biodiversity, oil, and climate change are all addressed here. [Cambridge]
55. Yale Environment: From global warming to sustainability to ethical eating, this feed covers many different aspects of environmental science. [Yale]
56. Environment: Learn about the effects of coal, lead and oxyfuels on the environment. [Public Radio International]
57. 4 Degrees Celsius and Beyond: Discover the effects of global warming on food systems and agriculture. [University of Oxford]
58. Environmental Science: Lessons here are entitled "Nature’s Economy," "The Earth in the Balance" and "Global Warming." [Stanford]
59. Energy Seminar: This lecture series is partly sponsored by the Woods and Precourt Institutes. [Stanford]
60. Nicholas Talks: From global warming to the future of the forests, listen to lectures from various professors and scientists here. [Duke]
61. Environmental Studies: This interdisciplinary feed considers conservation and other environmental studies topics. [Bowdoin College]

Technology

Computer science students and those who are interested in how technology systems are collaborating with other scientific fields will appreciate these feeds.

62. Science and Technology: You’ll explore various technology topics by subscribing to this feed, from brain development and music, to drug treatments to technology management. [UCTV]
63. The next big thing: Nanotechnology: Learn the basics of nanotechnology and why it’s "the next big thing." [The Open University]
64. Computer Science: Listen to lectures on computer science topics like mechanism design and more. [Duke]
65. Science and Technology: Lectures here address technology’s role in research in biology, chemistry and other fields. [McGill University]
66. The Naked Scientists Podcast: This weekly podcast covers topics in medicine, science and technology. [Cambridge]
67. School of Computer Science: Lectures in this feed discuss green computing, robots and more. [Carnegie Mellon]
68. Computer Science 61A: Study user interface, generic operations and programming here. [UC Berkeley]
69. Higher Computing: Learn about coding and computing history, among other CS topics from this feed. [UNSW]
70. Microcomputer Applications: Lectures here cover networks and the Internet, peripherals and digital media. [Bacone College]
71. Computer Science: Design and Analysis of Algorithms: This is a graduate-level computer science class covering network flow applications, graph algorithms and more. [UC Davis]

Geology and Earth Science

From oceanography to geographic formations, you’ll get to listen to exciting lectures on geology here.

72. Earth and Life: Study volcanoes, the geological history of Tibet and various geological phenomena in this feed. [The Open University]
73. Diving Deeper: Listen to discussion with the scientists from the National Ocean Service here. [Virginia Department of Education]
74. Rocks in the Field: Study rocks and rock formations on the Antrim Coast and elsewhere. [The Open University]
75. Geological Time: Get an introduction to how geological time is measured. [The Open University]
76. Fossil Detectives: Study fossil excavation and the dinosaurs here.
77. Geology and Earth Sciences: Lessons here cover turbidities, boundary layers, petroleum, virtual geology and other topics. [UC Davis]
78. Geological structures exposed: Consider rock deformation and special geological structures here. [The Open University]
79. The Forest Files: Study water cycle, soil cycle, and human impact on forests. [Virginia Department of Education]
80. Perspectives in Ocean Science: Oceanography students will like these video lectures. [UCTV]

Math and Engineering

From green design to sketching and differential equations, these feeds can provide a good foundation for other science courses too.

81. Green Buildings, Design and Practices: Green engineering students can subscribe to this feed for discussion about sustainable design. [UC Davis]
82. Engineering: Recent lectures in this feed discussed renewable energy, jet engines and Einstein’s theories.
83. Going Green: Explore green building and sustainable engineering topics here. [SUNY - ESF]
84. Mathematics and Science Conference: Learn about the various math and science research studies going on today. [Abilene Christian University]
85. Discrete Mathematics: Study algebraic structures, discrete probability and more. [UC Berkeley]
86. Differential Equations: This feed can help you build a solid foundation for your science and engineering studies too. [MIT]
87. Mathematical Methods for Engineers: Study matrices, network flows, optimization and more. [MIT]
88. Introduction to Lean Six Sigma Methods: Engineers who need to work with Six Sigma will benefit from the lectures here. [MIT]
89. Design and Designing: Get tips on creating cubic designs and sketching. [The Open University]
90. Single Variable Calculus: These lectures cover differentials, Newton’s laws, and more. [MIT]

Social Sciences

Study psychology, archaeology, geography and brain capacity when you listen to these feeds.

91. World Archaeology: From Pompeii to the origins of the field, you’ll learn a lot about archaeology here. [The Open University]
92. Roots of Humanity and Civilization: Recent lectures here are titled "How did the universe begin?" and "When did culture begin?"
93. Geography of Europe: Study cultural and economic geography of European societies. [Arizona State University]
94. Cannabis, Consciousness and the Imagination: You’ll explore the nature of consciousness and substances that impede brain capacity. [The Open University]
95. Great Ideas in Psychology: Consider the scientific method in psychology. [Missouri State University]
96. Understanding Social Change: You’ll learn how globalization, welfare and the notion of work affect society. [The Open University]
97. Child Developmental Psychology: If you’re studying psychology, you’ll want to tune into this feed that explores gender identity, emotions, attachment and child abuse. [UMBC]
98. Brain Facts: Study the effects of sleep, stress and aging on the brain. [Denison University]
99. Understanding Human Behavior: This multidisciplinary feed considers evolution, genetics and more. [Santa Fe Institute]
100. Ethnic Relations in the U.S.: Study ethnic relations in the U.S. from English colonization to now. [Arizona State University]

Economics

Get a handle on how the world economic system functions through these courses.

1. Economic History: Get a foundational course in world economic history here. [MIT]
2. Applied Macro- and International Economics: This course uses case studies to understand key economics issues. [MIT]
3. Working in a Global Economy: This course introduces the main debates about the new global economy with perspectives from scholars and businessmen. [MIT]
4. Political Economy of Globalization: Take this course to learn more about the ways in which changes in the international economy and governance interact with domestic politics, policy-making, and the institutional structures. [MIT]
5. International Trade: Here you can learn more about the theory of international trade and finance. [MIT]
6. International Economics I: This course takes a more advanced look at international trade and trade theory. [MIT]
7. International Political Economy: In this course students take a look at some of the policy and theoretical issues that come into play in economics. [MIT]
8. International Political Economy of Advanced Industrial Societies: This course focuses on the topics of international trade and international monetary and financial relations in industrialized nations. [MIT]
9. International Economics: Try out this course to learn some new skills that can help you when working in international business, from trade theory to international finance. [USU]
10. Capital Markets: Through this course students will examine the many purposes and facets of capital markets around the world. [UC Irvine]
11. Economy and Business in Modern China and India: As China and India become ever bigger players in the international economy, this course will help you keep pace and know how to understand and relate to these markets. [MIT]
12. Political Economy of Latin America: In this course students learn about the politics of economic reform in Latin American countries. [MIT]

Business

From marketing to negotiation, these courses will help you in all your international business endeavors.

13. Global Strategy and Organization: This course is designed to teach businesspeople how to work more effectively in the ever changing and complicated world marketplace. [MIT]
14. Global Markets, National Policies, and the Competitive Advantages of Firms: Take this course to learn how to navigate differing laws and markets around the globe. [MIT]
15. G-Lab: Global Entrepreneurship Lab: In this course you can learn more about the challenges faced by startups utilizing resources and employees that often come from all corners of the world. [MIT]
16. Global Marketing Strategy: Learn how to work more effectively at selling your products anywhere your business wants to expand in this course. [USU]
17. Social Entrepreneurship: Here you’ll find the syllabus for a course all about new, creative and potentially profitable uses of social entrepreneurship around the world. [U of Maryland]
18. Project in Global Entrepreneurial Management: Check out this syllabus for resources and lessons you should pursue to learn more about global management. [Syracuse]
19. Management of Supply Networks for Products and Services: Take the time to go through this course material to learn how to manage supply networks on both a national and international level. [MIT]
20. International Multilateral Negotiation: Negotiation can be hard at home, but even harder abroad. This course will teach you the ins and outs so you can come out ahead. [Tufts]
21. International Development Management: Learn ways your business can take part in helping developing areas with this course. [OpenLearn]
22. The Market Led Organization: No matter the market, whether at home or abroad, this course will help you learn to manage your selling points. [OpenLearn]
23. Law for the Entrepreneur and Manager: Make sure you understand how national and international laws work and pertain to your business by taking this course. [MIT]
24. No Sweat Speaking: Learn to become a more confident and able speaker with help from this free public speaking course. [Columbia]
25. Competitive Decision-Making and Negotiation: This course will help you learn to make big decisions and negotiate with people in all kinds of business. [MIT]
26. Power and Negotiation: Knowing how to get what you want in international business can be a big advantage, and this course can help teach you some useful tricks. [MIT]
27. Listening to the Customer: It doesn’t matter if your customer is down the street or around the globe, this course will teach you why it’s important to listen to his needs. [MIT]

Management

Learn to work with a wide variety of people and cultures through the guidance of these courses.

28. Strategic Management I: Get a technological and global outlook on strategic management through this two part course. [MIT]
29. Strategic Management II: This course expands on the lessons offered in the first part, but in a much more in-depth manner. [MIT]
30. Advanced Managerial Communication: Take this course to improve your communication with coworkers, other managers and employees at home and overseas. [MIT]
31. Negotiation and Conflict Management: Differences of opinion are bound to arise in any workplace, especially one with blended cultures, and this course will teach you how to effectively deal with these issues and move one. [MIT]
32. Cross-Cultural Leadership: Take this course to learn what it means to be a leader in different cultures around the world and how you can adjust your management style. [MIT]
33. Building and Leading Effective Teams: This course will help you create a more effective workplace no matter where or who you’re managing. [MIT]

Technology

Understand the role of technology in countries around the world with the information provided in these courses.

34. Information and Communication Technology in Africa: Learn ways that your business may be able to make an impact on technology and communication in Sub-Saharan Africa in this course. [MIT]
35. Designing and Sustaining Technology Innovation for Global Health Practice: If your business is based around health care, then you’ll appreciate the lessons offered in this course that promotes innovation and action in developing and marketing new health care solutions around the world. [MIT]
36. The Geopolitics and Geoeconomics of Global Energy: Those in the industry and business of energy can find some useful information on markets and politics all over the globe. [MIT]
37. New Global Agenda: Exploring 21st Century Challenges through Innovations in Information Technologies: Learn how advances in technology are having a big impact on international relations in this course. [MIT]
38. International Politics in the New Century – via Simulation, Interactive Gaming, and ‘Edutainment’: Take this course to get a technological perspective on world governmental affairs. [MIT]
39. Communication, Technology and Policy: This course will help you to better understand the huge impact technology has had on how people relate, communicate and do business. [USQ]
40. Technology and Culture: Taking a look at both the past and present, this course addresses the interplay between culture and technology from Melanesia to Massachusetts. [MIT]
41. Cultural History of Technology: Learn a little bit about what technology has meant for culture throughout time in this course. [MIT]
42. Internet Technology in Local and Global Communities: Take a look at this course to learn more about the MIT-African Internet Technology Initiative and the role it’s playing in changing the prevalence of Internet technology in education and business. [MIT]
43. Integrating eSystems & Global Information Systems: When your business decides to expand overseas, look through this course material to make sure your IT will expand with you. [MIT]

Globalization

Check out these courses to learn more about the process and implications of globalization.

44. Topics in Culture and Globalization: This course will examine the interconnectedness of cultures and societies geographically wide apart including America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. [MIT]
45. Power: Interpersonal, Organizational and Global Dimensions: Take this course to learn about some of the sociological implications of power and authority and differing ideas around the globe. [MIT]
46. Marketing, Microchips and McDonalds: Debating Globalization: Here you’ll be encouraged to think about just what globalization means in larger terms and for everyday people. [MIT]
47. Globalization of the Engineering and Construction Industry: This course addresses the challenges and risks faced by senior managers of construction, engineering and architecture companies in entering global markets. [MIT]
48. Globalization: This course asks students to consider if globalization is a really a new phenomenon, if it can be reversed and more. [MIT]
49. Globalization, Migration, and International Relations: In this course, you’ll learn how globalization has changed how nations interact and how goods, services and people travel. [MIT]

Culture

Take these courses if you’d like to learn more about the culture of the countries you’ll be doing business with in order to avoid an embarrassing faux pas.

50. European Thought and Culture: Take this course to learn more about the roots of European thought and culture so you can fit in at your next business meeting. [MIT]
51. Japanese Popular Culture: Get a crash course in pop culture from Anime to gadgets in this free offering. [MIT]
52. A Passage to India: Introduction to Modern Indian Culture and Society: Those working in India will appreciate this course which offers a chance to learn more about the culture and people of India. [MIT]
53. Topics in Indian Popular Culture: Spectacle, Masala, and Genre: Explore two decades of Indian popular fiction, music, television and Bombay cinema in this course. [MIT]
54. Topics in South Asian Literature and Culture: Take this course to learn about filmmakers and authors from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. [MIT]
55. Introduction to Asian American Studies: Literature, Culture, and Historical Experience: Learn about the interactions between Asian countries and America in this course. [MIT]
56. Communicating Across Cultures: This course will help you learn to work effectively and inoffensively with people from a range of backgrounds. [MIT]
57. Germany and its European Context: Here you can learn about modern German literary and visual culture and the impact it has had on the rest of Europe. [MIT]
58. East Asian Cultures: From Zen to Pop: Get a great overview of some of the biggest defining aspects in Asian culture past and present in this course. [MIT]
59. American Consumer Culture: Many people have criticized the spread of American values to other countries around the world and this course will help you understand just what those consumer values are, how they came about and what they mean for other nations. [MIT]
60. Japanese Politics and Society: Take this course to get a fundamental understanding of Japanese history, politics, culture, and the economy. [MIT]
61. Islamic Societies of the Middle East and North Africa: Religion, History and Culture: Here you’ll learn about religious practices, political governance and movements, gender, social relations and cultural norms in Islamic societies–essential knowledge for successful business overseas. [MIT]
62. Introduction to French Culture: These course materials, partially in French, will teach you about the history and culture of this European nation. [MIT]
63. German Culture, Media, and Society: If you want to learn about German films, radio and other forms of cultural expression this course offers a chance to do so free of charge. [MIT]
64. Introduction to Spanish Culture: In this course you will explore Spain’s history, architecture, art, literature and film. [MIT]

International Relations

If you’d like to learn more about the political relationships between countries, these courses can be a great free way to do so.

65. The Politics of Global Financial Relations: This course explores effects of globalization of finance on international relations and domestic politics.[MIT]
66. Political Philosophy: Global Justice: In this class you can learn about why certain norms of justice persist in multiple countries and theorize whether global justice is possible. [MIT]
67. International Relations Theory: Take this course to get an overview of the field of international relations. [MIT]
68. Advances in International Relations Theory: Here you can get a critical analysis of contending theories of international relations. [MIT]
69. International Relations of East Asia: Learn more about the relationships between the Asian powers, one of the most dynamic and consequential regions in world politics. [MIT]
70. International Politics and Climate Change: If you think climate change and international politics aren’t related, this course will teach you otherwise. [MIT]
71. Chinese Foreign Policy: Take this course to become more familiar with the foreign polices past and present of China. [MIT]

World History

In many places around the world, historical events are still having an impact on culture and social relations today. These courses can help educate you on the past to help you make more informed decisions in the present.

72. A Comprehensive Outline of World History: This course will give you an excellent background on thousands of years of world history. [Connexions]
73. Soviet Politics and Society, 1917-1991: Get a better idea of Russian history from the Revolution to the fall of communism in this course. [MIT]
74. Smashing the Iron Rice Bowl: Chinese East Asia: Take this course to understand the lives of the everyday people in China who lived through the major changes occurring in the 19th and 20th centuries. [MIT]
75. The Making of Modern South Asia: This course surveys Indian history from 2500 BC to the present day. [MIT]
76. Islam, the Middle East, and the West: Those working in Middle Eastern countries can brush up on their history and cultural knowledge with this course. [MIT]
77. The Middle East in 20th Century: In this course you can learn a bit more about the modern history of the Middle East. [MIT]
78. Modern Latin America, 1808-Present: Revolution, Dictatorship, Democracy: Check out this course to better understand the history of Latin America in the 20th century. [MIT]
79. Democratization in Asia, Africa, and Latin America: In this course you’ll learn about the impact colonization and democratization have had on countries around the world. [MIT]
80. Economics and World History: Learn about the interplay between government, economics and history in this course. [WGU]
81. The Age of Reason: Europe in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Go back to the Age of Reason in Europe and get a handle on some of the concepts that greatly affected modern thinking. [MIT]
82. The New Spain: 1977 to Present: Under a fascist dictatorship for many years, this course addresses the changes that happened in Spain since the fall of Franco and the lingering effects. [MIT]

Language

It can be a major asset when doing international business to know at least a little of the native language. These free courses will help teach you the basics and more of five different languages.

83. Chinese I: This course will introduce students to the basics of modern Mandarin. [MIT]
84. Chinese II: Here you’ll find a continuation of the introductory lessons to Mandarin. [MIT]
85. Chinese III: This intermediate course will help students in developing skills in aural comprehension, reading, and writing. [MIT]
86. Chinese IV: Through this course students will gain a basic understanding of written and spoken Chinese. [MIT]
87. Chinese V: Chinese Cultures and Society: Take this course to continue learning to speak Chinese while supplementing textbook material with real interaction with Chinese culture and society. [MIT]
88. Chinese VI : Discovering Chinese Cultures and Societies: In this course students will not only hone their speaking and writing abilities in Chinese but learn more about Chinese people and culture as well. [MIT]
89. Beginning Japanese I: Learn the basic characters and spoken language of Japanese using this introductory course. [MIT]
90. Beginning Japanese II: Take this course to learn to have simple and spontaneous conversations in Japanese. [MIT]
91. Intermediate Japanese I: This course is designed to increase your fluency in the Japanese language. [MIT]
92. Advanced Japanese I: Students in this course will expand their vocabulary and knowledge of Japanese even further addressing both grammatical and social appropriateness. [MIT]
93. Spanish I: This course offers a basic introduction to spoken and written Spanish. [MIT]
94. Spanish II: In this course, students will continue to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. [MIT]
95. Oral Communication in Spanish: This speaking course can be a great way for businesspeople to hone their Spanish skills. [MIT]
96. German I: Take this course to get an introduction to German language and culture. [MIT]
97. German II: Learn more German vocab and speaking skills as well as information about culture and history in this course. [MIT]
98. German III: This course uses German literature to help students continue to develop their language skills. [MIT]
99. French I: Here you can master the basic vocabulary and grammar skills needed to speak French. [MIT]
100. French II: If you want to learn more about the French language and culture take this free course. [MIT]