In this course, award-winning historian Jay Winik examines the climactic period near the end of the Civil War - a period that could have destroyed America, but saved it instead. April 1865 is a month as dramatic and devastating as any faced in this nation's history - and it proved to be the most moving and decisive month not simply of the Civil War, but quite likely, in the life of the United States.

Mark R. Polelle of the University of Findlay examines the origins, major events, and consequences of the Second World War. Taking into account the First World War’s effect on politics, economics, culture, and the international system as a whole, the course illustrates the ideologies at play as communism, fascism, and democratic capitalism came into direct conflict.

This course will examine the growth and development of the largest empire in world history - the British Empire - beginning with the late 15th century Tudor dynasty in England and ending with the death of the Queen-Empress Victoria in 1901.

This all-encompassing investigation of a highly influential time period includes the major events of the era and informative discussion of empire, papacy, the Crusades, and the fall of Constantinople. During the course of these lectures, Professor Madden also addresses the rise of Islam, reform movements, and schisms in the church. In so doing, Professor Madden underscores the significance and grand scale of an age that continues to hold an undeniable fascination for people today.

The first Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722) was a soldier of such genius that a lavish palace, Blenheim, was built to honor his triumphs. Succeeding generations of Churchills sometimes achieved distinction but also included profligates and womanizers, and were saddled with the ruinous upkeep of Blenheim. The Churchills were an extraordinary family: ambitious, impecunious, impulsive, brave, and arrogant. Winston - recently voted "The Greatest Briton" - dominates them all. His failures and triumphs are revealed in the context of a poignant and sometimes tragic private life.