-
The Modern Scholar
- Visions of Utopia: Philosophy and the Perfect Society
- Narrated by: Professor Fred E. Baumann
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
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Publisher's summary
Professor Fred E. Baumann looks at what some philosophers have had to say on this subject, mostly in the form of stories about utopias. Five are written by great philosophers and the last by a challenging, nearly contemporary American scholar. All have exerted great influence on the history of thought or have expressed influential currents of thought. Professor Baumann's lectures not only examine these texts, but also address the results of attempting to put these utopias into practice.
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In this course, Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman imparts a clear understanding of what the Dead Sea Scrolls are, and even more importantly, what they are not. Indeed, everything about the Scrolls, from their long road to full publication to the haggling over dating and translation, has been shrouded in controversy. In these lectures, Professor Schiffman gives a fascinating explanation of the content of the Scrolls and the times in which the Scrolls were kept.
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A well-balanced account of the Qumran Scrolls
- By Jacobus on 12-27-12
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The Modern Scholar
- Epochs of European Civilization: Reformation to the 21st Century
- By: Professor Geoffrey Hosking
- Narrated by: Geoffrey Hosking
- Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
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The period from the Reformation to the 21st century proved a time of radical change for Europe - and with the continent's far-reaching influence, for the entire world as well. In terms of religion, day-to-day home and work life, and national identity, this epoch of European history abounds with fascinating events that include everything from violent revolution and conflict to breathtaking scientific discoveries.
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Very concise wrapup of European history
- By Scott on 01-29-14
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The Modern Scholar
- Jerusalem: The Contested City
- By: Professor Frank E. Peters
- Narrated by: Frank E. Peters
- Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
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Located in the heart of Israel, Jerusalem is the center for the spiritual world's three largest religions. Throughout its millennia-old history, Jerusalem has been known by many names: Salem, Zion, Hierosolymae, Al-Quds and others, and no city has ever been in more dispute. Through an in-depth study of the various holy sites in Jerusalem, you'll begin to see which are considered sacred and to whom.
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excellent
- By stefini200 on 07-27-19
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The Modern Scholar
- Dante and His Divine Comedy: The Modern Scholar
- By: Professor Timothy B. Shutt
- Narrated by: Professor Timothy B. Shutt
- Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
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Kenyon College professor Dr. Timothy B. Shutt examines Dante's greatest work, The Divine Comedy, both in terms of its autobiographical elements and its allegorical meaning for the human race.
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A Tour de Force on a Tour de Force
- By John on 05-19-14
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The Modern Scholar
- Wars That Made the Western World: The Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War
- By: Timothy Shutt
- Narrated by: Timothy Shutt
- Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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This course addresses three wars fought in antiquity, each of which had - even 2,000 years and more later - a decisive effect in shaping our communal sense of who we are, not only in Europe, but throughout the European cultural diaspora, in the Americas, in Oceania, and to some degree, at least, in Asia and Africa as well - wherever, in short, Western values hold.
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Those Are Names to Remember...
- By John on 09-26-13
By: Timothy Shutt
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The Modern Scholar
- Heavens Above: Stars, Constellations, and the Sky
- By: Professor James Kaler
- Narrated by: James Kaler
- Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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This course guides listeners through the sights of the naked- eye sky, wherein we directly witness the effects of the turning and revolving of the Earth, the artistry painted by the human mind using the sky and stars, and how the view changes with time and with our place on the planet.
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Not as Good as Professors Kaler's Other Lectures
- By Patrick on 07-19-09
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The Modern Scholar
- One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic: A History of the Church in the Middle Ages
- By: Thomas Madden
- Narrated by: Thomas Madden
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
- Original Recording
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Renowned professor Thomas F. Madden turns his scholarly eye on the intrigue and politics swirling about the Medieval Church. Professor Madden explores the compelling events that shaped the culture and forever altered history, from the Monophysite Controversy to reform movements to the Inquisition, Black Death, and Great Schism.
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Modern Scholar Wins!
- By Steven on 12-13-13
By: Thomas Madden
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The Modern Scholar: The Iliad and The Odyssey of Homer
- By: Professor Timothy B. Shutt
- Narrated by: Timothy B. Shutt
- Length: 4 hrs and 40 mins
- Original Recording
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One of the Modern Scholar’s most popular professors, Timothy B. Shutt, brings his literary acumen and trademark enthusiasm to the study of the epic poems that sit at the very wellspring of Western culture. The earliest surviving works of Greek literature, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey exert a continuing influence on modern culture, even today shaping people’s values and conduct. In the tales of Achilles and Hector, of Odysseus and Penelope, Homer explored the notion of arête, which translates as "excellence" or "virtue".
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wonderful introduction to fundamental texts
- By EmilyK on 05-05-24
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The Modern Scholar
- Rings, Swords, and Monsters: Exploring Fantasy Literature
- By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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In this course, the roots of fantasy and the works that have defined the genre are examined. Incisive analysis and a deft assessment of what makes these works so very special provides a deeper insight into beloved works and a better understanding of why fantasy is such a pervasive force in modern culture.
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An Informative, Stimulating, and Enjoyable Class
- By Jefferson on 09-27-11
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The Modern Scholar
- Way with Words: Writing Rhetoric and the Art of Persuasion
- By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
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Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout brings his expertise in literary studies to the subject of rhetoric. From history-altering political speeches to friendly debates at cocktail parties, rhetoric holds the power to change opinions, spark new thoughts, and ultimately change the world.
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A Very Unique Read...(J/K)
- By Jade on 06-10-09
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The Modern Scholar
- Archaeology and the Iliad: The Trojan War in Homer and History
- By: Eric H. Cline
- Narrated by: Eric H. Cline
- Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
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The Trojan War, captured forever in Homer's epic poem the Iliad, resonates to the present day in the popular imagination. But did Troy actually exist? And if so, where is it located? Was the Trojan War actually fought? And why? In this course, professor Eric H. Cline examines the history of Troy and delves into the archaeological discoveries that help to answer the questions above. Through an incisive analysis of known data, Professor Cline provides a fuller, richer understanding of this historic clash.
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I can see the windy plains of Troy
- By Nathan on 10-05-08
By: Eric H. Cline
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What listeners say about The Modern Scholar
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- ESK
- 07-22-12
A look at some of the most famous utopian works
What made the experience of listening to The Modern Scholar the most enjoyable?
I felt a compelling need to read those works after listening to each lecture. If you like dystopian literature you just have to know what utopia is about.
What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?
The narrator isn't monotonous at all. Usually listening to lectures like that lulls you to sleep. Mr. Baumann did a marvellous job!
What about the narrator’s performance did you like?
The author gives his opinion on the subject in a rather unobtrusive way.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Perhaps the singing was a bit unexpected :)
Any additional comments?
I will certainly listen to the lectures again.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Sara
- 11-20-12
Excellent Coverage of an Ever-Relevant Topic
Whether or not most people are consciously aware, the idea of perfectibility or lack thereof in human life is a moving force in most politics and philosophical study. It also affects most of us in our daily lives.
These lectures are an excellent overview of the history of Utopian philosophies and societies, with the lecturer offering a good survey of the relevant materials, recommendations about further reading, and interesting discussion and conclusions.
The lecturer is extremely conscientious about presenting his own opinions separately from the facts, and he is very careful to point out when his scholarly opinions are less widespread than other scholars' views. This is all as it should be.
Based on the criticism of some reviews, I must conclude the reviewers may lack experience with the structure of actual college courses. Professor Baumann does a superb job presenting a broad overview of the material, which is extremely difficult to do in an introductory survey course. Naturally, he discusses many other relevant materials that the reader may choose to study-- but he does not assume the reader has done or will do so. In addition to an excellent basic introductory course, Professor Baumann presents a certain amount of his own scholarly view; exactly that which is expected and valued in a college course, which this series hopes to replicate.
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5 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 03-01-19
Splendid Job!
This was a wonderful audio book, it was very thought provoking. I loved hearing the professor's own opinions as well.
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- Len V
- 01-23-13
Provocative and stimulating, albeit conservative
This is the most engaging and provocative entry in the "Modern Scholar" series. Despite the huge differences that divide my view of politics from Baumann's (I consider myself much more left-leaning), I was challenged by his strong arguments, which are very difficult to refute. He is particularly harsh on Rousseau and Marx, and you can feel a conservative animus driving his critique of Rousseau in particular (his stunning advice about how to read Rousseau at the end of the last lecture about him is much worthier than the critiques that precede it). But it's an animus, not a bias; he's passionate about the material, and communicates his sense of the stakes with piquancy and concision. He gives all the thinkers under consideration their due, without using the occasion as a personal soapbox. He even has some memorable one-liners. And that's everything that one could ask for from a professor.
N.B. You can probably tell from my review that the title of Baumann's course is misleading. This course isn't about the question of human perfectability, let alone about utopian literature. It's about some classic theorists' attempts to eliminate the contingency of politics and the (mostly disastrous) efforts that result.
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7 people found this helpful
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- M. S. Cohen
- 02-16-14
Not at all what I had hoped for
I was hoping for a study of the various literature of utopian societies: Brave New World, 1984, Shangri-la, etc.
Instead this is a study of philosophers comments and debates on utopia.
It's interesting, but not what I wanted.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Jonathan
- 01-28-12
Maybe one day, when I do all his work for him...
What would have made The Modern Scholar better?
I enjoy hearing the actual Discussion and Information on subjects, not simply hearing what conclusions the lecturer has reached themselves after reading the material 'skipped' actually addressing... The course covers lots of books but, by the lecturer's own admission, the course is not meant to actually tell you What is in the books, but to give you lots of conclusions drawn from material you have not yet covered... in the hopes that once you Have read all of the material, it will Finally somehow become coherent and the conclusions listed will Finally be explained sufficiently for you to Begin to think about them... Basically, I'd appreciate presentation of the MATERIAL itsself and not a discussion of what he thought about the material after he read it... which He Knows you have yet to read...
It's just pointless commentary that can only be either taken as read on some sort of 'faith' in his own 'Expertise' on the material, Or left completely hanging untill such time as you get the material, read it seperately, and then return in future to EACH AND EVERY PASSAGE to Then Apply that MISSING INFORMATION to the contemplation of what the lecturer has drawn from it...
I would rather have a lecturer who's intention is to REPRESENT the materials covered in a comprehensive way that allows for understanding and contemplation Without necisitating somehow Seperately Studying material to only Then return to the lecture to glean Any substance at all.
Would you ever listen to anything by Fred E. Baumann again?
No. He seems to think it is not his responsibility to actually Teach or Cover subjects but simply to Grace us with a list of his own opinions on topics, he knows full well, we do not, as yet, understand... Moreover, he insists on 'covering' topics and materials that by his own admission are difficult, dense, and posessing of a multitude of opinions to be drawn By 'skipping' the actual material... like it's not his job to 'bother' to teach it...
How could the performance have been better?
Teach the class! Don't Tell the class what you think they might think if they ever get someone to teach it to them. That's Your Job!
What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?
Frustration. Especially among philosophic and political subjects, giving students the info to judge your own opinions for themselves should be your FIRST priority... Dictating conclusions you just 'expect' your students to come to - especially when you don't even explain enough satisfactorally for them to even completely understand your own basis for the conclusions You draw just seems insulting and kinda completely misses the point of study of these subjects. All philosophy, sociology, and political students are interested in exploring subjects With their Own powers of reasoning and rationalisation. If your class Isn't here to present that material, Why would I bother - if I STILL have to do all the work alone eventually anyway.
Any additional comments?
I've read lots of the Modern Scholars, this speaker just gets lazy and doesn't really want to do the Real Work of Covering Material... chosing instead to just talk about his own opinions - BUT EVEN THEN without giving sufficient material to understand even Those Conclusions! I'd be better off skipping his jabber and just reading the book list...
two hours into it, that's exactly what I decided to do!
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7 people found this helpful