Introduces the geography, history, economy, culture, and people of the fourth largest country in Europe.

Discusses the cultural and social meanings behind the clothing and jewelry worn by people around the world.

Children can try their hand at re-creating ancient Israelite culture along with the cultures of their neighbors, the Philistines and Phoenicians in a way that will provide perspective on current events. The book covers a key period from the Israelites settlement in Canaan in 1200 B.C.E. to their return from exile in Babylonia in 538 B.C.E. This part of the Middle East no larger than modern-day Michigan was the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity,...

An introduction to the geography, history, economy, culture, and people of England.

An introduction to the geography, history, economy, culture, and people of Mexico.

An introduction to the geography, culture, and people of Canada, including a map, legend, recipe, craft, and game.

In America, death rituals display a remarkable diversity and range from the minimalist to the extravagant. Chart the evolution of American funerals by looking at three major periods: the traditional (exemplified by Puritan burial rites), the modern (characterized by professionalization), and the post-modern (where loved ones play a more active role).

Since the dawn of humanity, corpses have held lasting significance for us. In this lecture, probe the various ways human civilizations have "disposed" of corpses - from burial (the oldest method for which evidence still exists) and mummification to cremation and natural exposure (known as "excarnation").

Should death be considered "bad"? Should we even bother fearing it? As you reflect on philosophical arguments by the ancient Epicurus (who thought death wasn't bad for the dead) and the modern Thomas Nagel (who believes we should fear death), you'll consider the possibility that both sides are right.

Explore how it's possible for us to find meaning in life - even when confronted with the finality of it. Drawing on the work of cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker, discover how forms of death denial serve to allay fears about our insignificance, and how we can cultivate meaning in the face of mortality.