The Aspen Institute Courses

Tuning In - Classical Music and the Creative Mind

Explore Beethoven's string quartets as a model of creative thinking, with live demonstrations illustrating how musical inventiveness reflects human creativity and cognitive processes.

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

America's Online Enemies - Confronting Cybersecurity Threats to Democracy

Explore cybersecurity threats to democracy, infrastructure, and personal data. Learn how government, companies, and individuals can confront state-sponsored and criminal cyber-attacks.

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

Hacking, Disinformation, and the New Cold War with Russia

Explore US-Russia relations, cyberattacks, disinformation, and global implications with experts. Gain insights on Putin's strategies, propaganda tactics, and the future of international diplomacy.

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

Our Obsession with Genius

Explore the impact of genius on society, lessons from extraordinary minds, and the making of the "Genius" TV series with producer Brian Grazer.

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

Jeff Koons - Capturing America's Imagination Through Art

Renowned artist Jeff Koons discusses his journey, creative process, and impact on American pop culture with Michael Eisner, exploring how he transforms everyday objects into captivating art and democratizes access through public displays.

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

A Democrat, a Republican and a Road Trip - Lessons in Bipartisanship

Two congressmen from opposing parties embark on a 1,600-mile road trip, engaging with Americans and finding common ground through spontaneous discussions on pressing issues and core values.

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

Reclaiming Democratic Virtues - Moderation, Civility, and Compromise

Explore strategies to revitalize democratic values, focusing on moderation, civility, and compromise. Experts discuss practical steps to repair ethical fabric and rebuild moral infrastructure in today's polarized political climate.

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

What Are Machines Really Learning to Do? - Advancements in AI and Machine Learning

Explore the rapid advancements in machine learning, its impact on various industries, and the complex tasks AI systems are now capable of performing.

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

The Imagination of Leonardo da Vinci - Insights from Walter Isaacson

Explore Leonardo da Vinci's boundless curiosity and creative genius with Walter Isaacson, uncovering insights into innovation, art, science, and the Renaissance mind that continue to inspire today.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 2 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Machine, Platform, Crowd - Harnessing Our Digital Future

Explore the impact of technological progress on organizations with insights from economics and computer science, offering practical guidance for navigating disruptions in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

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

Youth Rise to the Challenge - Police Relations and Health Initiatives

High school teams present innovative solutions to community issues, including improving police relations, reducing food waste, and enhancing physical health programs in Chicago and Philadelphia.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 2 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Inside Story of How Presidents Prepare for Armageddon

Explore the secret doomsday plans of the US government, from Cold War-era preparations to modern-day bunker networks, and assess our readiness for potential catastrophic scenarios.

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

Tuning In - Classical Music and the Creative Mind

Explore Beethoven's string quartets as a model of creative thinking, with live demonstrations illustrating how musical inventiveness reflects human creativity and cognitive processes.

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

Robot Jazz - The Next Frontier in Music?

Explore the intersection of AI and music with Shimon, a robot musician, and its human band. Discover the implications of machine creativity and human-AI collaboration in redefining musical innovation.

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

The Second Mountain - The Next Big Challenge in Your Life

Explore life's deeper purpose beyond initial success with David Brooks, examining the journey to find meaning and fulfillment in your next big challenge.

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