School May Be Out for Summer, But The Great Courses Reports 50% Growth in its ‘Student Body’

The Great Courses Plus has just released its monthly statistics on the most watched lectures through the video learning service, and the courses seeing the most traffic include long-standing favorites such as art and history, as well as surprises like logic, linguistics and Spanish.

In addition to the “What America Is Learning” chart, the lifelong learning leaders also shared information about the exponential growth the company has seen over the past few months.

“The ‘student body’ of The Great Courses already includes intellectual heavyweights such as Bill Gates, and our streaming service is expanding the appeal of lifelong learning even more,” said Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer at The Great Courses. “In the last quarter, the number of people subscribing to The Great Courses Plus has doubled. Not surprisingly, with so many new users the hottest topics are introductions and lectures on the fundamentals.”

The 10 chart-topping lectures from May:

1. Why Study Logic? (from the course An Introduction to Formal Logic)
   An overview of biases humankind is predisposed to and the ways in which logic can correct them as taught by Professor Steven Gimbel, Ph.D.
2. Introduction to Logical Concept (from the course An Introduction to Formal Logic)
   How grammatical analysis can identify the type of argument and inform how it can be addressed as taught by Professor Steven Gimbel, Ph.D.
3. Introduction to the Spanish Language (from the course Learning Spanish)
   The basics of how to approach, study and speak Spanish, as well as an introduction to the basics of conversation as taught by Professor Bill Worden, Ph. D.
4. An Introduction to Drawing (from the course How to Draw)
   The history and impact drawing has had on culture; how analytic and abstract thought enhance artistic ability; and a basic drawing exercise focusing on our ancestors’ art as taught by Professor David Brody.
5. Drawing Materials for Line (from the course How to Draw)
   A closer look at the tools to be used throughout the course and suggestions for maximizing your workspace as taught by Professor David Brody.
6. Informal Logic and Fallacies (from the course An Introduction to Formal Logic)
   Explore four of the most common logical fallacies as taught by Professor Steven Gimbel, Ph.D.
7. Drawing Fundamentals and First Exercises (from the course How to Draw)
   Learn about the basics of composition, proportion, perspective, value, texture and color. See how to apply these skills to complex subjects as taught by Professor David Brody.
8. Making Great Pictures (from the course Fundamentals of Photography)
   An examination of the essential elements of iconic and memorable photos as taught by National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore.
9. Definite Articles and Nouns (from the course Learning Spanish)
   A closer look into the gendering of Spanish nouns, knowing when to use which and how to pluralize them as taught by Professor Bill Worden, Ph. D.
10. Earliest History of the Indian Subcontinent (from the course A History of India)
    Looking back to the geographic formation of the region and its impact on culture as taught by Professor Michael H. Fisher, Ph.D.

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About The Great Courses

The Great Courses is the nation’s leading developer and marketer of premium-quality media for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Delivered in engaging, expertly produced video and audio (in convenient online, digital, video on demand and disc formats), these carefully crafted courses provide access to a world of knowledge from the most accomplished professors and experts. The content-rich, proprietary library spans more than 550 series with more than 14,000 lectures designed to expand horizons, deepen understanding, and foster epiphanies in the arts, science, literature, self-improvement, history, music, philosophy, theology, economics, mathematics, business, professional advancement, and personal development. Creating unique learning experiences since 1990, The Great Courses is the premier brand of The Teaching Company Sales, LLC of Chantilly, Virginia, which is owned by Los Angeles-based Brentwood Associates. More information can be found at www.thegreatcourses.com.

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