San Mateo County Libraries’ movie streaming service platform, Kanopy, has 6,441 Great Courses videos, opens a new window you can stream from home. Our Great Courses collection puts thousands of college-level lectures at your fingertips. Subjects include History, Humanities and Sciences, Lifestyle, Skills, and Hobbies. Learn everything from genealogy, dog training, and screenwriting to algebra 1, astronomy, and managing stress. The Great Courses collection is an incredibly powerful tool making lifelong learning a pleasure and a joy.
How to Use Kanopy
If this is the first time you've tried Kanopy through San Mateo County Libraries, watch this useful tutorial, opens a new window. The tutorial has several sections, so stick around for the duration to get the most out of it. If you're using a computer, smartphone, or tablet, we’ve got you covered!
A Sampling of Lectures
America in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, opens a new window
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Go back in time with America in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. Over six decades marked by economic, political, social, and technological upheavals, the U.S. went from an agrarian, isolationist country to the greatest industrial power and a nascent geopolitical superpower. Meet inventors, conservationists, robber barons, civil rights activists, and industrialists, who forged a new nation.
, opens a new windowThe Science of Gardening, opens a new window
When scientists examine home gardens and landscapes, one fact stands out: The leading cause of landscape failure is not disease and it's not pests - it's our own gardening practices. Create a beautiful and sustainable home garden guided by the newest information from applied plant physiology, biology, soils science, climatology, hydrology, chemistry, and ecology.
, opens a new windowThe Decisive Battles of World History Series, opens a new window
Discover the military conflicts that have had the greatest impact in shifting the direction of historical events and shaping our world in The Decisive Battles of World History. Covering nearly 4,000 years, this course explores more than three dozen history-making military engagements, from the landmark battles of the Western world to their counterparts across Asia, India, and the Middle East.
, opens a new windowDiscovering Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy, opens a new window
Genealogy is a journey of self-discovery that can teach you as much about yourself as about those who came before you. But what holds many of us back from unearthing our family history is uncertainty about how to go about it. Discover which resources you should use and trust, how you should make your way through tangles of public records, and so much more.
, opens a new windowYoga for A Healthy Mind and Body, opens a new window
Today, millions of people practice yoga, from young to old, from the hyper-athletic to those dealing with chronic diseases. The 12 half-hour lectures of Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body, taught by acclaimed yoga teacher Dr. Heidi Sormaz, are the ideal first step for a newcomer and a fascinating journey of discovery for those who already practice.
, opens a new windowThe History of Spain: Land on A Crossroad, opens a new window
Spain has played a unique and pivotal role in Western civilization. Learn its epic history, from its rule under Rome and the breathtaking drama of Islamic Spain to its emergence into the modern world, as well as its phenomenal contributions to art, architecture, literature, music, and learning. Travel with us to this remarkable culture, and savor the great human drama of the story of Spain.
Watch Some Great Courses!
Now that you know how to use The Great Courses series, you may wish to browse Kanopy for a lecture matching your interests. We hope you enjoy this fun and engaging way to continue your journey of lifelong learning.
If you've already viewed a few Great Courses on Kanopy, share your favorite titles in the comments below!
