Now that you've seen Mark's lectures on the great thinkers of the past,you might want to carry your interest to the next level - and the Open University have some wonderful introductory courses which might appeal. For courses, weblinks and books relating to individual subjects, try the list at the foot of the right-hand column.

For a general introduction to the humanities:
A103 - An Introduction to the Humanities - As part of a wide ranging exploration of arts, culture and literature, you'll learn about music, the French Revolution and much more.

To start discovering more about the social sciences:
DD103 -An  Introduction to the Social Sciences: Understanding Social Change - Picking up on many of the themes which reoccur through The Mark Steel Lectures, this course can help you understand some of the big issues in the contemporary world, such as changes in family, work and identity, risk and the environment and the impact of globalisation

If you'd like to take an interest in the history of thought further:
A211 - Philosophy and the Human Situation - An introduction to Philosophy, the course explores the basics of human thought, samples work from a range of philosophers across history and considers a number of philosophical questions. Rather than offering up a bite-size guide to the ideas, the course is a practical one, designed to engage the student and demonstrate the active study of the subject.

A further list of Philosophy courses can be found in the Philosophy section on the Open University website.

Content last updated: 24/09/2004