Gresham College Courses

Why Are Cities Going Bankrupt?

Explore the decline of British local government finances from Victorian civic pride to modern bankruptcy, examining historical taxation systems, policy failures, and potential solutions for urban regeneration.

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

Carbon Offsetting: Does It Really Work?

Explore the controversial world of carbon offsetting with Professor Myles Allen as he examines different strategies, their effectiveness, limitations, and the path toward genuine climate solutions and geological net zero.

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

Modern Pagan Witchcraft - Origins, Beliefs, and Cultural Impact

Explore the origins and cultural impact of modern Pagan witchcraft, from Gerald Gardner's foundational role to Wiccan beliefs, rituals, and its counter-cultural significance today.

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

How Does Surveillance Work?

Explore the evolution of surveillance systems from ancient Rome to digital monitoring, examining historical contexts, legal frameworks, privacy concerns, and the balance between security and civil liberties.

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

The Turbulent Brain: Ageing and Dementia

Explore how mathematical modeling can predict dementia progression, understand Alzheimer's mechanisms, and discover potential approaches for personalized treatment through innovative brain network analysis.

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

Growth Unleashed: Reigniting the UK's Appetite for Positive Risk

Explore Lord Mayor Alastair King's vision for "Growth Unleashed" as he discusses reforming the UK's risk culture, unlocking investment potential, and maintaining London's position as the world's leading financial center despite regulatory challenges.

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

From Machiavelli to Nietzsche - How Modern Thinkers Saw Ancient Lawgivers

Explore how Machiavelli, Rousseau, and Nietzsche viewed ancient lawgivers as founders of civic identity, examining their roles in shaping political philosophy and cultural values.

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

What Rights and Duties are Missing from the U.S. Constitution?

Explore the debate over constitutional evolution with human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith, examining potential new rights, cultural differences in rights interpretation, and global justice issues from Gaza to Guantanamo.

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

Does Net Zero Mean the End of Livestock Agriculture?

Explore how methane emissions from livestock are misrepresented in climate models and discover sustainable approaches to agriculture that can be compatible with climate stability and net zero goals.

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

Divine Law, Human Prophet: Moses in Hebrew and Greek

Explore how ancient Jewish authors compared Moses to Greek lawgivers like Lycurgus and Solon, examining their views on education, ethics, prophecy, and political rule in this lecture by Melissa Lane.

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

The Turbulent Brain: Rhythms and Waves

Explore the complex wave dynamics of the brain, from neuronal communications and oscillations to chemical and mechanical waves, and understand how these phenomena influence cognitive processes and brain function.

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

Writing Women Back into History Matters - Rediscovering Medieval Female Power and Influence

Discover how medieval women like the Birka Warrior and Hildegard of Bingen wielded significant power and influence, challenging traditional historical narratives and revealing a more diverse, complex past.

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

Who Gets to Be Healthy? Understanding Social Determinants and Health Inequalities

Explore how social justice and societal conditions shape health inequalities, examining evidence-based strategies beyond healthcare to create fairer health outcomes across different social gradients.

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

Origins of Modern Paganism in Victorian and Edwardian Eras

Explore the evolution of Modern Paganism from Victorian times, examining how perceptions shifted from viewing ancient pagan practices as primitive to celebrating their artistic and cultural contributions.

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

Do Microbes Have Immune Systems?

Explore the diverse immune mechanisms of microorganisms, from bacteria to amoebae, in their constant battle against viruses and each other.

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