What to do in the winter: 10 exciting online courses
Text: Veronika Kushnareva
In winter everythingI often want to spend cozy evenings at homeespecially during the upcoming January holidays. So that you do not wake up from hibernation without new knowledge and educational achievements, we have chosen several online courses on a variety of topics.
Interactive guide to the art of the twentieth century
"ACADEMY OF KHAN", FREE SCHEDULE
Free, 10 topics, 21 tasks
A large series of articles and assignments on art and architecture of the twentieth century. Ideal for those who have always wanted to explore abstract directions - if many already know everything about impressionism and fauvism, then few understand the art of the second half of the 20th century. The course not only includes a story about the most popular trends in painting, but also gives an idea of the history of less noticeable directions. To fill in the gaps in knowledge of foreign architecture of the XX century will help the section "Architecture and Design", where you can learn about a lot of personalities and look at the photos of outstanding buildings. The main thing is not to get lost in the numerous recommended links to third-party resources and bring it to the end, although a selective approach in this encyclopedic scale of the course is also appropriate.
How to listen to classical music
"Arzamas", free schedule
Free, 4 lessons, 12 materials
An online course on how to learn to understand music in general and classical in particular in our rapid age. Musicians Peter Aidu and Grigory Krotenko and art historian Konstantin Dudakov-Kashuro tell us that today the world of instrumental music is of itself, reinforcing the reasoning with fragments of performance on different instruments. The authors of the course dispel numerous myths and traditional ideas about the classics, raise problems, but do not give accurate answers, but invite the listener to form their own opinion. All Arzamas courses are recorded in HD quality, so feel free to expand to full screen and enjoy the company of smart people.
WW1 Heroism: Through Art and Film
University of Leeds, December 5
Free, 4 lessons, 1 task
If you are fond of history, we recommend the course on the heroism of the First World War. Here this topic is viewed through the prism of art and cinema. A century later, we are invited to re-reflect on one of the most terrible events of the 20th century, which turned people’s perceptions about what kind of hostilities could be, redrawing the political map of the world and launching a series of other bloody events. The course will demonstrate how the war heroes are represented today, how reflected she was in posters, paintings and films from different countries. Listeners as researchers will need to independently study a book, film or television program on the subject of the First World War - they will have something to do on cold winter evenings.
How to explore the city in creative ways
School of urban entrepreneurs Vector, is already available
2 999 rub., 5 lessons, 13 tasks
The online course in Russian offers a new look at the city. In winter, it doesn’t really take long walks with a camera, but you can start preparing for the new season in advance. In this course, along with three experts (a sociological photographer, a documentary filmmaker and an architect), you will learn about the concept of the "inherited city" and what can be learned from it. In addition, viewers will be told about the skills and techniques required for a researcher analyzing urban space, and how to build an entertaining story based on their discoveries. In general, the course will be interesting not only to those who are looking for a new look at the city, but also to those who just want to expand their horizons and learn photos, videos and maps as a research tool.
Teach English now! Lesson plan and certification
Arizona State University, November 21
Free, 6 lessons, 12 tasks
While the school season is in full swing, you might think how to use it. If the level of English allows, teaching can be a good option - and if you have thought about tutoring at least once, but did not know how to approach it, this course will help. Over the course of six weeks, you can get answers to all troubling questions, help in drawing up a training program and choosing the right sources. You will learn what is permissible and what is not in language teaching, and get other practical advice from several American lecturers. Improving the level of English is guaranteed.
Taoism and Western Culture
DeTao Masters Academy, from January 2
Free, 8 lessons, 2 tasks
Although Taoism originates from China and most of his followers are there, the influence of this ancient teaching has long spread throughout the rest of the world. In this course, you will learn how Taoism and its many interpretations can be applied in today's life, as well as how to recognize its elements in already established beliefs typical of Western thinking. Of course, Lao Tzu's treatise, one of the key ones for Taoism, will not be deprived of attention. The course is supported by various examples from the media to make it easier for the listener to understand and connect the ancient philosophy with modernity.
Glitter and poverty of the Russian Empire
"Arzamas" is already available
Free, 4 lessons, 6 materials
The ups and downs of Russian nobles, which ruined the aristocracy, and what helped her to maintain financial well-being, as well as what were the features and problematic aspects of the fiscal policy of the state and the life of the treasury of the XVIII-XIX centuries in the Russian Empire - in this short course by Elena Korchmina, Ph.D. all these topics are described quite vividly and graphically. Even if you are not fond of history, you will definitely like these lectures, because the issues of financial literacy and a reasonable income distribution are relevant everywhere and always.
Introduction to the printing house
California Institute of the Arts, November 28
Free, 8 lessons, 4 tasks
This course will be interesting to those who want to learn more about the art of typography, but do not know where to start. Its history dates back more than five centuries, and new trends and means of expression here coexist with clear rules and attitudes. The authors of the course promise to scrupulously go through all types of lettering, plunging, where necessary, into the historical and cultural context, and also consider the best examples of typographical works. The tasks at the end of each lesson will help to consolidate the past. The course is designed for all comers, but for the performance of tasks you must have any program for the layout - and basic knowledge about it.
Patterns
"Khan Academy" is already available
Free, 2 lessons, 10 tasks
A very interesting series of courses prepared by “Khan Academy” in partnership with Pixar tells about the essence of the work of animators, the necessary knowledge and a little about the everyday life of the studio staff. In the course of Patterns, two artists in the shadows - Beth and Anna - are not boring to tell about the peculiarities of coloring and creating textures for cartoon characters, which, in fact, make today's cartoon films so beautiful and realistic. Before our eyes, they model the skin texture of Arlo dinosaur and invite to participate in this process, having worked on their own pattern for the animated character. The course also involves interactive tests and assignments, where you can consolidate your knowledge of the principles and parameters for each phase of work on the simulator.
Sit Less, Get Active
The University of Edinburgh, December 28
Free, 3 lessons
A short course on how to motivate yourself to physical activity, simply and naturally integrating it into your life. It will suit everyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle and can not find time for exercise and fitness. No matter how you feel about sports, this course will help you choose the type of training that suits your temperament and rhythm of life. In general, in order to remain active for many years, listen to it (by the way, there are subtitles in Russian) and rather run to train. Actual not only after the New Year holidays.
Cover: Timur Zima