Social Studies

Investigates the driving forces behind this brilliant period of artistic and scientific achievement. Discover how humanists like Petrarch pioneered the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman culture, sparking an explosion of creativity and innovation. Changes abound in politics and religion as well.

What was it like to live during the Renaissance? This program explores the typical homes, diets, and clothing of the period. Examines how due to a surging economy, many people had more money to spend on new household items, spices, and clothing. Witness the changing roles of work, education, religion, art, and family life over three centuries across Europe.

Explores the newly discovered uses of realism, mathematics, and perspective in art; the introduction of new musical instruments and changes in musical style; and how literature flourished thanks to the innovation of the printing press. Explores Leonardo, Machiavelli, and Shakespeare, whose works continue to be admired and emulated today. DVD divided into chapters.

Explores the people, ideas, and inventions behind the major scientific breakthroughs in astronomy, physics, anatomy, and mathematics. Examines scientific greats including Galileo, Kepler, and Brunelleschi, and discusses how the life of a scientist often conflicted with existing religious beliefs. DVD divided into chapters. Includes discussion questions and Spanish soundtrack option.

During the Renaissance, sailors set off into uncharted waters in search of new trade routes and lucrative luxury goods. Advancements in navigational tools, including lateen sails and the astrolabe, aided explorers such as Columbus and da Gama on their journeys.

This exciting program uncovers the seeds of the American Revolution and explains that the causes were rooted in England's imperial policies. It introduces the resistance leaders, Patriots and Loyalists, and the events leading to the Boston Massacre. See how the Coercive Acts, passed in response to the Boston Tea Party, helped unite the colonies.

This program vividly presents the hardships faced by the first European settlers, giving viewers a sense of determination of the Jamestown and Puritan settlers. It traces the impact of the English in the New World, changes to Native American societies, religious diversity and freedom, and the role of the Pennsylvania Quakers.

See how the political, religious and social events of 16th-century Europe changed the course of history. Examine the context in which these factors sparked the birth of Protestant Christianity. Led by Martin Luther, this spiritual revolution gained momentum and, under the helm of other Protestant leaders, thrived and grew into new factions in Europe and North America.

From the public ministry of Jesus to the legendary battles of the Crusades, examine the interwoven histories of these two distinct branches of Christianity. Although its followers were long persecuted by the Roman Empire, Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean region and eventually became the favored religion of the Empire, following the ascension of Constantine to the Roman throne.

Examines natural disasters throughout history, highlighting how some disasters have led to important developments for future generations. Discusses the Potato Famine and the resulting wave of immigration to the U.S. Also looks at how the Bubonic Plague contributed to the end of feudalism in Europe.

"Wonders of the Ancient World" explores some of the world's most remarkable historic treasures in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. This far-reaching series features fantastic monuments such as the Pyramids, the Acropolis and the Taj Mahal, and investigates fascinating people such as the Maya, Inca and Ashanti.

"Wonders of the Ancient World" explores some of the world's most remarkable historic treasures in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. This far-reaching series features fantastic monuments such as the Pyramids, the Acropolis and the Taj Mahal, and investigates fascinating people such as the Maya, Inca and Ashanti.

"Wonders of the Ancient World" explores some of the world's most remarkable historic treasures in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. This far-reaching series features fantastic monuments such as the Pyramids, the Acropolis and the Taj Mahal, and investigates fascinating people such as the Maya, Inca and Ashanti.

I"Wonders of the Ancient World" explores some of the world's most remarkable historic treasures in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. This far-reaching series features fantastic monuments such as the Pyramids, the Acropolis and the Taj Mahal, and investigates fascinating people such as the Maya, Inca and Ashanti.

"Wonders of the Ancient World" explores some of the world's most remarkable historic treasures in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. This far-reaching series features fantastic monuments such as the Pyramids, the Acropolis and the Taj Mahal, and investigates fascinating people such as the Maya, Inca and Ashanti.