The Aspen Institute Courses

The Mystery of Mastery - Exploring Skill Acquisition and Expertise

Exploring the nature of skill acquisition and mastery through various activities, examining the difference between superficial skill and confident expertise.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Man Who Saw Inside Himself - Pioneering Self-Quantification in Medicine

Pioneering self-tracking approach to health management, featuring Larry Smarr's journey using data and imaging to revolutionize his Crohn's disease treatment and surgical outcomes.

• YouTube
• 42 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Creating Space for Music - A Conversation with Frank Gehry

Explore how architectural design enhances musical experiences with Frank Gehry, focusing on acoustics, intimacy, and the symbiotic relationship between performers and audience in concert spaces.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Facebook and the Future - Navigating Truth, AI, and Social Connection in the Digital Age

Explore Facebook's impact on truth, AI, and society with Chris Cox and Nicholas Thompson, discussing technology's role in shaping our interconnected world.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

North Korea - Beyond Brinkmanship: Challenges and Future Prospects

Explore North Korea's complex challenges, nuclear program, and future prospects through expert analysis of its leadership, economy, and international relations.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Beyond Words - What Animals Think and Feel

Explore animal cognition, emotions, and self-awareness through scientific studies and anecdotes. Discover similarities between humans and animals in empathy, communication, and intelligence.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Age of Euroscepticism - Challenges to European Unity

Exploring challenges to European unity, including Brexit, terrorism, and rising nationalism, while examining the future of the EU and its relevance in maintaining peace and stability.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Artificial Intimacy - Solving Loneliness in a Data-Driven World

Explore the impact of AI companions on human connection and loneliness. Interactive discussion on outsourcing emotional needs to technology and its implications for society.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 7 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Bias in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence - Protecting Against Algorithmic Discrimination

Explore the impact of algorithmic bias in AI and big data on marginalized communities, discussing ethical standards, regulation, and strategies for protecting against discrimination.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 5 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The (Un)Making of an Extremist - Rebuilding Lives After Extremism

Former extremists discuss their journeys out of radicalization, offering insights on rebuilding lives and strategies for reintegrating individuals into society after involvement in extremist movements.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Has Modern American Feminism Failed Us? - Examining the Impact on Society

Exploring feminism's impact on society, relationships, and gender roles through social science research and personal experiences, questioning its effectiveness in achieving intended goals.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 1 minute
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

In Conversation with Ava DuVernay and Ai-jen Poo

Engaging dialogue exploring intersections of art, activism, and social change with acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay and labor organizer Ai-jen Poo, moderated by Samhita Mukhopadhyay.

• YouTube
• 28 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

How the Private Sector is Leading the Clean Energy Revolution - Apple's Renewable Energy Journey

Exploring Apple's journey to 100% renewable energy, challenges in going green, and the private sector's role in clean energy innovation, featuring insights from Lisa Jackson.

• YouTube
• 52 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Challenges to Growth in a Globalized World

Insightful discussion on US economic policy, trade, and global growth with Larry Summers, exploring alternative approaches and strategies for ensuring economic prosperity.

• YouTube
• 50 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Clash of Values: Free Speech, Inclusion, and Safe Spaces on College Campuses

Explore the tension between free speech and inclusion on college campuses, examining how universities balance diverse perspectives with safe spaces and the challenges of fostering open dialogue in higher education.

• YouTube
• 50 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video