Inventions That Changed the World (The Great Courses Series)

History is made not only by kings, queens, presidents, and generals, but equally by inventors and the technological powers they unleash. This course explores the inventions that have changed the world- from prehistoric times to the 21st century. Along with recounting famous inventions, such as the steam engine, airplane, atomic bomb, computer chip, and internet these lectures explore a number of surprising innovations, including beer, pagodas, indoor plumbing, and department stores.

We're surrounded by inventions. Consider the clocks, appliances, and transportation that coordinate our days. Or the televisions, cell phones, and social media that connect us to each other. And the shopping malls, department stores, and catalogs that define the modern retailing experience. Where did all these inventions come from? How do they work? And how do they reflect-even define-the values of our culture?

Coal power gave rise to iron and steel, the basic materials of the Industrial Revolution. The integrated circuit opened the floodgates for our world of modern electronics. Now, you can learn the remarkable stories surrounding such monumental inventions-and how consequential these inventions were to history. You'll see how each invention is not only a product of engineering know-how, but a result of social and cultural conditions as well. You'll meet some of the inventors and companies responsible for these innovations, and you'll investigate what inspired these ideas. You'll also get an inside look at the sometimes spirited competition between innovators to see who could develop-and market-the best, most cost-effective product.

From ancient China to 21st-century America, from the English coal mines to the high-tech companies of Silicon Valley, this course takes you around the world and across the ages to show you some of the most innovative moments in human civilization. Assignments address the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) for Science.

This course is applicable towards the STEM Teaching Certificate.