Many people make New Year’s resolutions to learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby. This January (or as we like to say, #Learnuary) let CCPL help you! Hoopla, one of our online digital resources, offers The Great Courses series to help you with your lifelong learning goals. With over 600 different course options, we’re sure you will find something that piques your interest!
What are The Great Courses?
The Great Courses are a series of college-level audio and video courses produced and distributed by The Teaching Company. Lectures cover a wide range of topics, including: history, literature, philosophy, fine arts, and religion.
Why are The Great Courses a great option?
Courses are led by award-winning experts and professors from the most respected institutions in the world. There is no homework, no tests, and no pressure! Learn when you want, where you want. It’s easy and convenient. And best of all, when you access The Great Courses through Hoopla, it’s 100% free!
Still not convinced?! Keep reading to see a sampling of the courses you can take:
Art of Travel Photography: Six Expert Lessons
This is your ticket to capturing the beauty and awe of any scene, anywhere in the world. Filled with practical tips, techniques, and field demonstrations, this course, taught by National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore, helps you learn to see the world through the eyes of a professional photographer, so you can take compelling travel photographs worth framing and sharing.
Everyday Gourmet: Essential Secrets of Spices in Cooking
Whether oregano, chiles, coriander, cinnamon, thyme, or even tea, spices add incredible dimensions to what would otherwise be plain, ordinary meals. In Essential Secrets of Spices in Cooking, join Chef-Instructor Bill Briwa of The Culinary Institute of America as he reveals the essentials of incorporating a variety of spices from around the world into your everyday meals.
Forensic History: Crimes, Frauds, and Scandals
Step into the world of forensic science and study the most fascinating crimes and mysteries from the last two centuries. Professor Murray, a forensic anthropologist with nearly 30 years of experience in the field, has crafted lectures that are a remarkable blend of storytelling and science. As you journey around the world and into the past, you’ll re-examine modern history’s great crimes and scandals using the tools and insights of forensic science. Having participated in hundreds of investigations in America and abroad, Professor Murray combines these historical examinations with some of her own, equally intriguing, personal experiences.
Fundamentals of Sustainable Living
If you bring your own reusable grocery bag to the supermarket, or buy “green” products, you’re already engaging in sustainable living practices. But you might not be aware of other steps you could be taking to make an impact and save money. Every aspect of life can be reconsidered in terms of sustainability, from your choice of home and mode of transportation, to city design and the provenance of your produce – and you’ll learn about them all in Fundamentals of Sustainable Living.
Wonders of the National Parks: A Geology of North America
The Great Courses is proud to join forces with National Geographic to present Wonders of the National Parks: A Geology of North America. Beautifully illustrated, these 36 half-hour lectures take you to more than a hundred spectacular sites guided by geologist and former college professor Ford Cochran, who is currently the Director of Programming for National Geographic Expeditions.
How to Play Chess: Lessons from an International Master
Chess is a sport, a science, and an art. The fun of the game is that anyone can play, and there is always something more to learn-especially with the right guide. From the basics of the game to advanced strategy and tactics, and everything in between, How to Play Chess: Lessons from an International Master is any chess enthusiast’s opportunity to enhance your understanding of the game.
To see the full catalog of The Great Courses offered, please click here. Happy #Learnuary!
