ONLINE Read Homer's Odyssey in English translation. The epic poem explores many themes, including the psychological difficulties of returning home from war, the importance of trust in human relationships and the role of storytelling in human life. While many of the stories are familiar, find some of the less well-known parts quite interesting and surprising. The Robert Fitzgerald translation is recommended.

NEW Learn how the intrepid Maryland 400, “Washington’s Immortals,” saved the nascent nation from destruction less than two months after the Second Continental Congress declared independence. Follow this unit and other patriotic Continental Army units as they battle through the next few months of the “Times that try men’s souls.” Analyze how they endured the discouragement of the New York Campaign and the retreat across New Jersey while securing the survival of the U.S. See our 2 day bus trip, 10/8 and 10/9,on page 69.

NEW The U.S. had two beginnings: in Jamestown and in Philadelphia. Epidemics and disease struck both places, threatening to destabilize government and the economy. Examine what archaeological work and historical records tell us about the management of public health.

NEW Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 aimed to stop Ukraine from joining the European Union and NATO. After four years of fighting, despite the US withdrawing military assistance, the balance of the conflict now is tipping in Ukraine’s favor. Ukrainian drones are decimating the Russian army’s front lines and destroying fuel and equipment in its rear. How will Russia respond? Is peace around the corner? A new Cold War? The beginnings of WWIII? 

NEW Take a walking tour of historical Philadelphia without leaving the Main Line. Through images and stories, cover the same territory as the standard two hour walking tour available downtown, reviewing the landmarks and history of America's founding.

NEW While celebrating the country’s 250th year, remember some of the best (and worst) moments of past milestone birthdays. Our most consequential milestone event, the Centennial Exposition, drew 10 million people to Fairmount Park in 1876. Learn what came from the Expo and where all those buildings went. See how women saved the day!

Americas Founding Fathers could not have succeeded without the Founding Mothers. Their actions during the foundation period were significant. Women’s importance in that period was underrated but they were vital to the founding of this nation. Take a focused look at how Pinckney, Warren, Wheatley and others helped ensure that this nation was born. You’ll find that without them the successful founding would have been problematic. 

NEW Jordan is the runt of the Middle East. Compared to Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, it has the smallest population, scarcest resources, and greatest vulnerability to regional conflict. And yet this contrived Arab country, with a divided society and antiquated monarchy, has outlasted endless predictions of collapse. Jordan is an accidental crucible where titanic forces have created an important, if misunderstood, state that is now central to the Palestinian question and Middle East peace. Sean Yom, Assoc Prof, Poli Sci, Temple U.