Big History
I just finished this lecture course from The Teaching Company:
http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/coursedesclong2.aspx?cid=8050
It is a shame it is so expensive $250, but having listened to it all, I would have paid $1000 for it. It is 48 half-hour lectures (so 24 hours of lecture, plus a 175 page guidebook (basically an outline of all the lectures). I'd suggest splitting it between your teammates for Christmas or something, or asking for it as a gift (or giving it and requesting a copy!).
If you can't afford the excellent lecture series, he also has a textbook: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Maps-Time-Introduction-History-California/dp/0520244761"]Maps of Time[/ame]. I've not seen it but I'm sure it is good.
Here's a description of big history from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_history
I consider myself somewhat of a history buff, especially classical and ancient civilizations. I also try to read my share of science, politics, and philosophy. Big History was one of the most illuminating and enlightening things I've ever experienced. Many of the lessons I've learned through various primary source and microscopic studies have been distilled, explained, and demonstrated more clearly than study of any time could hope to elicit; even more importantly, were the trends and lessons discovered that are completely occluded by any sort of 'history', especially since those of us that study it usually focus on a couple time periods.
I can't quite explain how amazing Christian presents the topics. I can't recommend this course for any group or groups in particular- this is a course all of humanity should take and would benefit from.
http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/coursedesclong2.aspx?cid=8050
It is a shame it is so expensive $250, but having listened to it all, I would have paid $1000 for it. It is 48 half-hour lectures (so 24 hours of lecture, plus a 175 page guidebook (basically an outline of all the lectures). I'd suggest splitting it between your teammates for Christmas or something, or asking for it as a gift (or giving it and requesting a copy!).
If you can't afford the excellent lecture series, he also has a textbook: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Maps-Time-Introduction-History-California/dp/0520244761"]Maps of Time[/ame]. I've not seen it but I'm sure it is good.
Here's a description of big history from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_history
I consider myself somewhat of a history buff, especially classical and ancient civilizations. I also try to read my share of science, politics, and philosophy. Big History was one of the most illuminating and enlightening things I've ever experienced. Many of the lessons I've learned through various primary source and microscopic studies have been distilled, explained, and demonstrated more clearly than study of any time could hope to elicit; even more importantly, were the trends and lessons discovered that are completely occluded by any sort of 'history', especially since those of us that study it usually focus on a couple time periods.
I can't quite explain how amazing Christian presents the topics. I can't recommend this course for any group or groups in particular- this is a course all of humanity should take and would benefit from.
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