Probe three powerful topics ranging from an ancient language to questions and concerns we ponder now, and will continue to think about in this time-traveling edition of The Torch. Join Ed Leon of the Great Courses along with three notable professors as they first examine the legalities of a question that has been debated for centuries and is even more relevant today: Should you sacrifice your privacy in exchange for your security? Then look at the past, present, and future of how, where, and why we use energy to power our lives. Lastly, spend some time learning why Ancient Greek is just as vital in the modern world if you truly want to understand great works of literature and philosophy. All of this, and more, in this exciting new edition of The Torch.

On its 100th anniversary, Einstein’s prediction about his theory of relativity has been validated. Just this month, two facilities in the U.S. recorded gravitational waves resulting from the merging of two black holes that happened 1.3 billion years ago. These ripples are so small — only a fraction the size of an atom – that capturing them was a seemingly insurmountable task. It was a feat that, although Einstein predicted, he never believed we would be able to confirm. In this special episode of The Torch, join Ed Leon of the Great Courses and Dr. Joshua N. Winn, Associate Professor of Physics at MIT, to learn how this cutting-edge discovery pushes the frontiers of knowledge and technology.

With reported cases in the U.S. and a travel advisory out from the CDC, there has been a lot of confusion around what the Zika virus is, how it spreads, and who is at risk. Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and Dr. Barry Fox, Clinical Professor of Infectious Disease, as they separate fact from fiction, put to rest the rumors, and examine the true nature of this virulent and alarming disease.

Spend 30 engrossing minutes exploring two areas of history that provide some enthralling context for the events and characteristics of our modern world. Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and two renowned professors as they first illuminate pivotal moments in the history of the Middle East, then outline the captivating history of American English, in this new edition of The Torch.

Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors present 30 illuminating minutes with this new edition of The Torch. Join them as they explore the "big questions" of philosophy, shed light on a little-known yet highly influential ancient civilization, and embark on a stellar journey into why science fiction is so important to our society.

Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors present 30 mindboggling minutes with this new edition of The Torch. Join them as they strive to define and understand the true nature of information, investigate the cultural context of Jesus and how the society of his time influenced who he was, and discover why it’s never too late to learn Spanish as you take the first steps into mastering this beautiful and useful language.

Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors have something for everyone in this edition of The Torch. Join them as they shed light on the engineering marvels we take for granted every day, reveal a history of Eastern Europe that is often overlooked, and help you discover your hidden talent for drawing.

Solving mysteries is the key theme in this information-packed podcast hosted by The Great Courses’ Ed Leon and three expert professors. Learn how doctors solve medical mysteries and save lives in the ER, discover the intricate and profound process that created the grandeur and natural beauty of our national parks, and ascertain the secrets to navigating the complex process of getting your book published.

What can we learn when we view history through the lens of failure? What does the search for exoplanets tell us about life on other planets and the likelihood of “another Earth?” Host Ed Leon travels across time and space with Dr. Gregory S. Aldrete and Dr. Joshua N. Winn to answer these questions in this episode of The Torch.

The appointment of Pope Francis has signaled a shift in the Catholic Church. From eschewing the traditional papal chambers for a small two-room apartment, to advocating more liberal-leaning views on social issues, his reign has been nothing short of influential and controversial among Catholics. Even his selection of name was unconventional. Examine the history, beliefs, and legacy-in-the-making of Pope Francis, the 266th vicar of Jesus Christ on Earth.