In a fast-moving, ever-shifting world, news is continuously breaking. The Great Courses is here to help you understand full story behind the soundbites. Here are a handful of stories from the week of July 16, 2018, and their accompanying lectures on The Great Courses Plus.
Vive la France!
Given the World Cup victory, France is—and always has been—a force to be reckoned with. The 14th of July is the national day of France, called La Fête Nationale Française, or known to English-speaking countries as Bastille Day. Uncover the story behind this turning point in the French Revolution.
Hey Now, You’re an All-Star
We’re breaking out the peanuts and Cracker Jacks for the upcoming All-Star baseball game. Ever wonder how this American tradition began? Join the experts from the National Baseball Hall of Fame as they walk you through the conception, motivation, and unexpected ramifications of the 1933 inaugural All-Star Game that culminated with an enduring legacy.
Revisiting the Right to Privacy
Abortion rights are a hot topic right now with the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Trace the constitutional right to privacy that brought us to this point, invoked in two landmark Supreme Court cases: Griswold v. Connecticut in 1965 and Roe v. Wade in 1973.
Aging Athletes
Wimbledon showcased some of the greatest tennis players of all time. Former champions Roger Federer and Serena Williams show that age is just a number by remaining fierce opponents against younger peers. Learn what it takes to keep up skills and performance levels and how to stay competitive well beyond the age of peak performance.
Negotiations Are in the News
From NATO to the NBA, the art of negotiation is making headlines. Bargaining over a salary, the price of an asset, or some other fixed resource in which you try to win at another’s expense is known as distributive negotiation. Discover ways to handle such negotiations with wisdom and grace.
Hurricane Season Is Here
Officially, the Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1 and runs until Nov. 30. Last year brought some extreme weather and intense storms. Plot the historical tracks of these gigantic storms to help determine where, when, and how badly areas may be affected in the future.
The Good in Gaming
The dangers of screen addictions has made headlines recently, but it’s not all bad news. Get guidance on children’s gaming habits and discover how, in moderation, video games can boost intelligence and creativity, improve vision and attention, and be valuable tools for boosting mental development.
