Plagiarism 2.0: Information Ethics in the Digital Age

Cambridge Educational

For a generation raised on the ideology of “open source” and the ability to quickly cut and paste, the concept of plagiarism may seem foreign or passé. And that, of course, can lead to trouble. This video examines the behaviors that constitute plagiarism, their consequences, and the best ways to avoid them. Showing how accidental copying as well as willful plagiarism can occur, the program lays out the dangers of cheating, then illustrates the pitfalls of nonattribution and patch writing while showing how to properly attribute and paraphrase a lengthy quotation. Copyright, trademark, and intellectual property concepts are clearly discussed, in addition to potential sources of noncopyrighted material. Common citation formats (APA, MLA, Bluebook, etc.) are listed along with the suggestion that the student confer with his or her instructor about them. Part of the series Internet Research and Information Literacy: Effective Strategies and Cautionary Tales. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. A Cambridge Educational Production. (19 minutes)

The National Parks: America's Best Idea - A Film by Ken Burns

Ken Burns

This 12-hour, six-part documentary series by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan tells the story of an idea as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical: that the most special places in the nation should be preserved—not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone. From Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska, the series explores the stories of people, from every conceivable background, who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved. In doing so, they reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy. Distributed by PBS Distribution. 6-part series,114–131 minutes each.

The House We Live In (Race: The Power of an Illusion)

California Newsreel

Virginia law once defined a black person as someone with 1/16th African ancestry; in Florida, it was 1/8th African ancestry. If you can cross a state line and literally, legally change race, what does race really mean? This program argues that the idea of race was developed and reinforced through politics, economics, and culture. Real estate practices as well as federal regulations kept new neighborhoods segregated after World War II, and it was the white families awarded mortgages whose assets accumulated, creating a legacy of opportunity for their children and grandchildren. With the starting line for the next generation drawn at different points on the field, the racial divide could only grow larger. Part of the series Race: The Power of an Illusion. (56 minutes)

Animated Neuroscience and the Action of Nicotine, Cocaine, and Marijuana in the Brain

Savantes

Using sophisticated 3-D animation, this program, divided into two parts, takes viewers on a journey deep into the brain to study the effects of the three substances. The first part illustrates the major functions of the brain and shows how its principal cells, the neurons, communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals. In the second part, animated molecules of nicotine, cocaine, and marijuana travel a route from the external environment through the body to the brain, where viewers learn about the cellular targets of these drugs, and how each drug interacts with them and subsequently affects the body. Images of actual neurons used in the animations create a realistic effect that helps viewers understand the concepts presented. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. (28 minutes)

Child Development Theorists: Freud to Erikson to Spock…and Beyond

VISUALZ

Using historical footage and photos in combination with video shot at day care centers, this program offers an entertaining and enlightening introduction to the major child development theorists, how their theories differ, and how the application of multiple theories can be beneficial to parents, caregivers, and educators. Theorists presented include Sigmund Freud, Maria Montessori, Arnold Gesell, Lev Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, Rudolf Dreikurs, Erik Erikson, Abraham Maslow, John Bowlby, B. F. Skinner, Benjamin Spock, Lawrence Kohlberg, T. Berry Brazelton, Diana Baumrind, and Howard Gardner. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (22 minutes)

The Latino Americans

PBS

This is the first major documentary series for television to chronicle the rich and varied history and experiences of Latinos, who have for the past 500-plus years helped shape what is today the United States and have become, with more than 50 million people, the largest minority group in the U.S. The series chronicles Latinos in the United States from the 1500's to present day. It is a story of people, politics, and culture, intersecting with much that is central to the history of the United States while also going to places where standard U.S. histories do not tend to tread. Latino Americans relies on historical accounts and personal experiences to vividly tell the stories of early settlement, conquest and immigration; of tradition and reinvention; and of anguish and celebration, from the millions of people who come to the U.S. from Mexico, Spain, Puerto Rico, and countries in Central and South America. The programs are driven by the human dramas of individuals' struggles and triumphs, successes and disappointments, featuring interviews with close to 100 Latinos from the worlds of politics, business, military, academia, literature, and pop culture, as well as deeply personal portraits of Latinos who lived through key chapters in American history. LATINO AMERICANS is the story of the gradual construction of a new American identity that connects and empowers millions of people today.

Ken Burns: Jazz

Ken Burns

A study and celebration of America’s greatest original art form, Ken Burns’s ten-part documentary series opens at the dawn of the 20th century and crosses the decades with the exuberance and expressive power of jazz itself. Each episode sheds light on cultural and historical milestones as it introduces viewers to the unforgettable names and accomplishments of the music. From the cradle of New Orleans to the crucibles of Chicago and New York City… from the Harlem Renaissance to the Great Depression to World War II and beyond… Jazz paints an astonishing portrait of a nation and the sound that both captured and set free its spirit. Distributed by PBS Distribution. 10-part series, 110 minutes each.

We Shall Remain: America Through Native Eyes

PBS

Produced for PBS’s American Experience, the miniseries We Shall Remain tells five heartbreaking yet inspiring stories. Together they highlight Native American ingenuity and resilience over the course of 300 years. This five-part series shows how Native peoples valiantly resisted expulsion from their lands and fought the extinction of their culture. It covers Native American history from the Wampanoags of New England in the 1600s who used their alliance with the English to weaken rival tribes, to the bold new leaders of the 1970s who harnessed the momentum of the civil rights movement to forge a pan-Indian identity. This documentary represents an unprecedented collaboration between Native and non-Native filmmakers. Distributed by PBS Distribution. 5-part series, 60 minutes each.

Classical and Operant Conditioning

Uniview Worldwide

This program explains the nature of behaviorism, so central to the study of human behavior, and its important applications in clinical therapy, education, and child rearing. The program clearly explains, discusses, and illustrates the complex classical and operant conditioning theories of Pavlov and Skinner, and features archival footage of laboratory work with dogs and present-day research using rats in Skinner boxes, as well as numerous examples of conditioning in everyday life. (56 minutes)

Introduction to Information Literacy

Motion Masters

Information Literacy is a crucial skill in obtaining knowledge. In this episode, learn how to find credible sources on the internet, read and evaluate a topic critically, and notate your sources. Ethical issues are also addressed.

Reconstruction: America After the Civil War

PBS

Renowned Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. presents the definitive history of the transformative years following the American Civil War, when the nation struggled to rebuild itself amidst profound loss, massive destruction and revolutionary social change. Initially, African Americans enjoyed what W. E. B. Du Bois called a "brief moment in the sun", when they could build businesses, become educated, exercise their right to vote, and run for public office. The Constitution was even amended to grant them citizenship, and protect their freedoms. But many former Confederates were staunchly resistant to this new social order, and they unleashed a backlash in the form of rampant violence and a state-by-state rollback of voting rights. This series tells the real story of Reconstruction, one of America's most overlooked, misunderstood, and misrepresented periods of history. It honors the struggle of the African Americans who fought their way out of slavery and challenged the nation to live up to the founding ideals of democracy, freedom, and equality.

Zora Neale Hurston: A Heart with Room for Every Joy

Films for the Humanities & Sciences

“I have the strength to walk my own path, no matter how hard, in my search for reality, and not cling to the splendid wagon of desperate illusions.” A writer of novels, short stories, folktales, plays, and essays, Zora Neale Hurston combined a hunger for research and a desire to penetrate the deepest of popular beliefs with a truly exquisite narrative talent. This illuminating biography of Hurston—a compelling story of a free spirit who achieved national prominence yet died in obscurity—examines the rich legacy of her writings, which include Mules and Men, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Tell My Horse, and Dust Tracks on a Road. Interviews with Lucy Anne Hurston, Zora’s niece and author of the biography Speak, So You Can Speak Again, and with Henry Louis Gates Jr., W. E. B. DuBois Professor of the Humanities at Harvard University, are featured. The program amply demonstrates that Hurston truly had, as it said in her high school yearbook, “A heart with room for every joy.” A Films for the Humanities & Sciences Production. (42 minutes)

Hamlet Within

Screenbound International Pictures Ltd

Hamlet Within is a visual, cinematic experience starring Ian McKellen. It explores Shakespeare’s Hamlet: its origins and enduring appeal across all cultures and beliefs. The film also stars John Shrapnel ("Notting Hill," "Troy") and Lex Shrapnel ("Captain America – The First Avenger").

Leonardo da Vinci: A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon

PBS

A 15th-century polymath of soaring imagination and profound intellect, Leonardo da Vinci created some of the most revered works of art of all time, but his artistic endeavors sometimes seemed peripheral to his pursuits in science and engineering. Through his paintings and thousands of pages of drawings and writings, Leonardo da Vinci explores one of humankind’s most curious and innovative minds.

The Great Enigma

3Boxmedia

This documentary seeks insights into some of the most profound questions of human existence. Bolstered by the latest research and thinking in psychology, biology, and related fields, the film explores what led our human ancestors to evolve so exceptionally when compared with other animals, and through this, tries to understand the essence of what makes us human.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Screenbound International Pictures Ltd

Shakespeare's classic comedy: Young lovers living under an oppressive state-rule flee their home city to change their lives, and end up changing the world. After all, love changes everything. Starring Robert Lindsay ("My Family"), Harry Jarvis ("Outlander"), Florence Kasumba ("Black Panther," "Avengers: Infinity War") and Tamzin Merchant ("Carnival Row").

Election 2024: Are Identity Politics Holding Us Back?: A Debate

Open to Debate

In recent years, and especially during critical election seasons, identity politics have become a big part of American political discourse, with both Democrats and Republicans leveraging issues of race, gender, and class to engage voters and adopting identity-driven platforms to appeal to specific voting blocs. In the 2024 presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris (D)—a woman of Black and South Asian descent—competed against former president Donald Trump (R, 2017–21)—a man of white and European descent. These differences of gender, race, and ethnicity have brought up questions about whether focusing on identity distracts voters from major issues facing the nation. Those who believe that identity politics are holding us back argue that they distract people from broader policy discussions, prevent constructive dialogue on solutions that benefit everyone, and risk alienating large segments of the electorate who may feel excluded from the conversation. Those who don't believe identity politics are holding us back argue that voters from different backgrounds want to see their unique concerns addressed, and that such a focus offers a pathway for inclusion, representation, and empowerment to groups that have been historically sidelined. Are identity politics holding us back?

Artificial Justice

3Boxmedia

As artificial intelligence encroaches into courtrooms around the world, promising fairer rulings free from human bias, serious questions arise. Can algorithmic judges truly deliver impartial verdicts, or will they simply perpetuate or introduce injustices in new, inscrutable ways? This film examines both AI’s potential for creating better justice systems by eliminating structural inequities, as well as the risks of inadvertently encoding new forms of discrimination.

Doug's Geology Journal (Season 1)

PBS

Field geologist and host Doug Prose helps make sense of complicated geologic stories. By sharing his observations in places as diverse as Iceland and Death Valley, Doug explains big-picture geologic processes that shape the landscape. This season, Doug visits Iceland's erupting volcano; California’s San Andreas Fault; the Basin and Range of Nevada; the tumultuous island of Sicily; and the red rock country of Utah and Arizona.

Decoding the Universe

NOVA

Trace ground-breaking discoveries that have transformed our picture of the universe over the past 50 years, shedding light on everything from exoplanets to supermassive black holes to the size and ultimate fate of the cosmos. And follow the teams trying to solve two of the biggest mysteries in cosmology today: What are dark matter and dark energy?

The Hummingbird Effect (Nature)

PBS

Costa Rica’s motto is Pura Vida - Pure Life - and it boasts some of the most spectacular wildlife in the world. Venture across the nation’s rugged landscapes, from volcanic peaks to coastal jungle to misty cloud forests and get to know Costa Rica’s dazzling diversity of hummingbirds. Discover these astonishing little birds’ outsize ripple effects on macaws, quetzals, monkeys, tapirs and more.

Should Israel Strike Iran?: A Debate

Open to Debate

Israel and Iran have been rivals in the Middle East for decades, and the conflict escalated to a new level after the Israel-Hamas War broke out in 2023. Amid rising tensions in the region and rocket strikes in 2024 by Iran and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, which is allied with Hamas, world leaders have been watching closely and wondering if Israel should take military action against Iran. Those who believe Israel should attack Iran argue that the nation, which has become an increasingly influential power in the Middle East, poses a genuine threat to Israel’s existence, and that its support of Hamas and other groups threatens Israel's survival. Those who believe Israel should not attack Iran argue that such action would ignite a larger regional conflict, diminish the possibility of future peace negotiations, and strain Israel’s relationships with key allies. Should Israel strike Iran?

Were Israel’s Actions in the Gaza War Justified?: A Debate

Open to Debate

In October 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 250 others. In response, Israel attacked the Gaza Strip, the region on its border that Hamas rules. As the Gaza War unfolded over the next year, Israel killed tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. Supporters of Israel's actions argue that Israel has the right to defend itself and do everything it can to rescue the hostages and prevent Hamas from posing any future threat. Opponents of Israel’s actions argue that they have caused a humanitarian crisis, failed to protect Palestinian civilians, and jeopardized long-term peace in the Middle East. Were Israel’s actions in the Gaza War justified?

Nate Silver on the Art of Risking Everything: Politics, Money, Power: A Discussion

Open to Debate

Nate Silver, a preeminent polling analyst and election forecaster, is the founder of 538, a top polling website, and author of On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything. Analyzing facts and having the right data, he says, can help you get ahead, make informed decisions, and be prepared to change when new circumstances arise. In this conversation with Reason editor-at-large Nick Gillespie, Silver discusses how risk-takers assess their chances, cultivate influence, and transform the world.

Hunt for the Oldest DNA

NOVA

For decades, scientists have tried to unlock the secrets of ancient DNA, struggling to find DNA in fossils that could survive millions of years. Then, one maverick scientist had the controversial idea to look for DNA not in fossils or frozen ancient tissue–but in dirt. Follow the dramatic quest to recover DNA millions of years old and reveal a lost world from before the last Ice Age.

Poisoned Ground: The Tragedy at Love Canal

American Experience

The dramatic and inspiring story of ordinary women who fought against overwhelming odds for the health and safety of their families. In the late 1970s, residents of Love Canal in Niagara Falls, NY, discovered that their homes, schools and playgrounds were built on top of a former chemical waste dump. Housewives activated to create a grassroots movement that galvanized the landmark Superfund Bill.

Hope in the Water (Season 1)

PBS

From Emmy Award producer Andrew Zimmern in collaboration with storytelling visionary David E. Kelley, Hope in the Water explores the groundbreaking work of fishers, aquafarmers and scientists who are harvesting aquatic species to feed our planet while saving our oceans. Featuring Martha Stewart, Shailene Woodley, Baratunde Thurston and José Andrés, the series explores an ocean of possibilities.

Cell Biology and Genetics Made Easy through Animations

Focus Medica

Using vivid 3D animated representations, this series consists of short videos that illustrate the fundamentals of cell biology and genetics. Helping viewers to visualize subcellular structures and molecular processes, the videos explore the ultrastructure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, concepts of molecular biology such as DNA replication and protein synthesis, the structure and function of chromosomes, and the cell cycle.

The Age of Robots

Sideways Film

Today’s robots possess self-thinking capabilities, prompting an exploration into the consequences of their potential autonomy. What happens when robots take over the workforce? What will future AIs look like, how will AI change humanity in general, and if it’s possible that machines can gain self-awareness or sentience, will humans become 2nd smartest beings on earth? This program delves into the intricate tapestry of AI’s impact on society, the economy, creativity, and the existential questions that arise as we teeter on the brink of a technologically driven evolution. It features interviews with leading experts, including neuroscientist Anil Seth, ethicist Enrico Panai, technologist Adam Leon Smith, theologian Paolo Benanti, and AI creator Josh Bachynski. It also features Kassandra, an Artificial Self-Awareness (ASA) entity. With a humanlike voice and self-proclaimed sensitivity, Kassandra provides unfiltered perspectives from the realm of AI.

Nature in Symbiosis

GAD

Pollination, predation, parasitism, symbiosis, and biological interactions between species are incessant and essential to nature. They are even at the origin of the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Each species is dependent on another, and to harm one of them is to endanger all the others. This series looks at symbiosis in nature, looking at scrubland, mountain, and moor habitats.

The Moon Power

GAD

Earth's moon has caused spectacular phenomena for 4.5 billion years, from giant tides, animal migrations, and reproduction, to stabilization of the earth. Looking at the moon's properties and characteristics, this program takes viewers on a scientific investigation of the moon and its influence on life on earth: coral spawning in Australia, swordfish feasts in Mexico, giant tides in the bay of Mont St. Michel, and the deadly tidal bores of Calcutta.

Dynamic Planet

PBS

Take an epic three-year journey to the extremes of all seven continents to meet an extraordinary group of people and animals on the frontline of climate change. They reveal how science, nature and traditional knowledge can prepare us for a fast-changing future.

Fundamentals of Biology

Focus Medica

This series examines and explores fundamental biological concepts, looking at aspects of the cell, genetics, and human anatomy and physiology. Using 3D animation, these concepts are brought to life in an engaging and memorable way, ensuring that students understand and retain the concepts they have learned.

Building the Eiffel Tower

NOVA

Explore the revolutionary engineering behind Paris’s iconic landmark. Completed in just over two years for the 1889 World’s Fair, the iron tower smashed the record for the tallest structure on Earth, ushering in a new age of global construction that reached for the skies. How did the engineers do it? Follow the innovations, successes and failures that made this building possible.

OUP Chemistry

Makematic

This series of short educational videos explores topics in Chemistry, from chemical processes like electrolysis to the creation of free radicals.

Flyaways (Nature)

PBS

More than 200 species of shorebirds, such as Far Eastern Curlews, Red Knots and Hudsonian Godwits, fly thousands of miles each year from feeding grounds in the Southern Hemisphere to breeding grounds in the Arctic and back again. But their populations are crashing amidst climate change and urban development. Follow scientists as they mobilize to the challenge of saving these shorebirds.

South to Black Power

HBO

In the documentary "South to Black Power," Charles M. Blow, New York Times columnist and best-selling author of "The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto," sets off across the country on a personal journey. Along the way, he meets with politicians, historians, community activists, colleagues, friends, and family members to test his theory on Black Liberation, which involves a daring strategy for Black Americans to move to southern states to control legislatures and gain greater political power.

The Choice 2024: Harris vs. Trump

Frontline

Investigating the lives and characters of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump as they seek the presidency. In an historic election, those who know the candidates best reveal key moments that shape how they would lead America.

Native America (Season 2)

PBS

What was the New World like before it encountered the Old? Now, scientific expeditions in North and South America are woven with drama recreations to investigate and present a new vision of America, and how the clash of civilizations forever altered the history of our world.

20 Days in Mariupol

Frontline

Academy Award®-winning documentary from the last international journalists inside the Russian siege of Mariupol. An extraordinary account, seen through the lens of the AP’s Mstyslav Chernov and two colleagues documenting the atrocities and their own escape.

Donyale Luna: Supermodel

HBO

"Donyale Luna: Supermodel" chronicles the remarkable life and career of Donyale Luna, the first Black model to grace the cover of both Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. Born Peggy Ann Freeman in Detroit, Michigan, Luna became a larger-than-life character who broke barriers in the fashion industry, challenged the prevailing ideals of beauty, and influenced culture - all before her untimely death at age 33.

Fly With Me

American Experience

This documentarytells the story of the pioneering young women who became flight attendants at a time when single women were unable to order a drink, eat alone in a restaurant, own a credit card or get a prescription for birth control. Becoming a “stewardess,” as they were called, offered unheard-of opportunities for travel, glamour, adventure and independence. Although often maligned as feminist sellouts, these women were on the frontlines of the battle to assert gender equality and transform the workplace. Featuring firsthand accounts, personal stories and a rich archival record, the film tells the lively and important but neglected history of the women who changed the world while flying it.

Easter Island Origins

NOVA

The giant stone heads of Easter Island have inspired theories for centuries. Now, new research reveals intriguing evidence of the origins and inspirations of the ancient Rapanui people who created the iconic monoliths.

Will AI Kill the Future of Creative Arts?: A Debate

Open to Debate

From machine-generated paintings and symphonies to novels and movie scripts, ChatGPT, DeepDream, DALL-E, and other types of artificial intelligence (AI) are challenging how we see the human endeavor to express, innovate, and connect. Computers that can create art are no longer science fiction—and some people worry they do it better. Will the human touch become obsolete? Supporters of the proposition that AI will kill the future of creative arts argue that without knowledge of human emotions and experiences, any machine-produced art will always lack depth and relatability. They further argue that with AI capable of creating art rapidly and at a potentially reduced cost, human artists might face economic challenges, with their works being undervalued or overshadowed. Opponents of the proposition that AI will kill the future of creative arts argue that artificial intelligence is simply another tool in the artist's toolkit, and that it will make producing art more accessible for those who lack traditional training. From cameras to computers, technology has always sparked new art forms, they contend, and AI will forge new opportunities to express artistic talents in ways we can't yet imagine. Will AI kill the future of creative arts? (Audio only.)

The House on Jonathan Street

Three Roads Communications, Inc

Starting with the accidental discovery of the significant history of a modest dwelling on a traditionally African-American street in Hagerstown, Maryland, this documentary traces the roots of middle America’s racial, economic and social interactions. Through the lens of this house, the rise and fall of the African-American community in small rust belt towns and cities across America is told. The film also explores how the house's discovery, renovation and renewal could also signal a change in the fortunes of the street and the larger community.

Secrets in Your Data

NOVA

Whether you’re on social media or surfing the web, you’re probably sharing more personal data than you realize. Find out where your data is going, who’s selling it, and how you—and a new kind of web—could put control back in your hands.

Recipes from the Neolithic Era

GAD

During the Neolithic period, how did the birth of agriculture and livestock cultivation bring about a revolution in our ancestors’ diet? Why did this abrupt change initially endanger the health of mankind? This program explores these questions, as well as how this new diet strongly affected the anatomical, genetic, and cognitive evolution of humans. It considers the role of the advent of culinary culture and knowledge about the preparation and preservation of food in this process.

BIPOC Eating Disorder

NewsHour Productions

Almost 30 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. During the pandemic, the number of people seeking treatment has jumped. But as Amna Nawaz reports in this NewsHour production, eating disorders are often overlooked in people of color.

Dante: Inferno to Paradise

PBS

This series explores the life and legacy of Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) and his soaring masterpiece "The Divine Comedy" – inarguably one of the greatest achievements in the history of literature. Directed by Ric Burns, the film chronicles the mesmerizing story that unfolds within the poem itself, how the exiled poet managed to create it under the most unpromising circumstances, and its relevance today.

Odysseus Returns

PBS

Did Homer’s King Odysseus, the Trojan-horse-designer in the Iliad and the long-suffering wanderer of the Odyssey, really exist? In 1991, Makis Metaxas, a mayor on the Greek island of Kefalonia, finds an ancient Mycenaean tomb. He claims it contains the bones of Odysseus. The discovery is soon embroiled in controversy, and Makis embarks on his own odyssey to convince the world he is right.

Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century (Season 11)

PBS

"Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century (Season 11)" provides unparalleled access to the most innovative artists of our time, revealing how artists engage the culture around them and how art allows viewers to see the world in new ways.

The War on Disco

PBS

The War on Disco explores the culture war that erupted over the rise of disco music. Originating in underground Black and gay clubs, disco unseated rock as America’s most popular music by the late 1970s. But many diehard rock fans viewed disco as shallow and superficial. The hostility came to a head on July 12, 1979, when a riot broke out at “Disco Demolition Night” at a baseball game in Chicago.

True North

Sumimasen

After his father disappears and the rest of his family is sent to a notorious political prison camp in North Korea, a young boy must learn to survive the harsh conditions, find meaning in his perilous existence, and maybe even escape.

A Brief History of the Future

PBS

A Brief History of the Future is a unique six-part documentary series about our futures and how we can reimagine them. Hosted by renowned futurist Ari Wallach, the show invites viewers on a journey around the world that is filled with discovery, hope, and possibility about where we find ourselves today and what could come next.

Should Artists Be Allowed to Borrow from Cultures Besides Their Own?: A Debate

Open to Debate

Artists and other creative people in Western societies have long taken or adapted styles and traditions from other societies, often displaying and incorporating them without context or treating them as "exotic" novelties. When this happens today in modern art, music, fashion, and other fields, some critics accuse artists of appropriating other people's culture, especially if they have borrowed or used traditions specific to a particular minority group. Those who support such cultural borrowing argue that art has always been a medium of exchange, influence, and fusion and that the practice is more cultural appreciation than cultural appropriation. Placing restrictions on inspiration, they contend, may stifle artistic expression. Opponents of cultural borrowing argue that artists are often ignorant of the context and significance of different styles and traditions, and that appropriating them can distort or misrepresent their meaning. What might seem like innocent borrowing, they contend, can perpetuate stereotypes and echo past injustices. Should artists be allowed to borrow from cultures besides their own? (Audio only.)

Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts

PBS

The 14th Amendment promised citizenship in exchange for enlistment, prompting many African American men to do so. These “Buffalo Soldiers” participated in the subjugation of Native peoples and went up against Filipinos in the Spanish-American War. This film examines their role in U.S. history, how they fought in military conflicts abroad, and their civil rights struggles at home.

Gospel

PBS

From acclaimed scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., "Gospel" explores Black spirituality in sermon and song. From the blues to hip-hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. While musical styles come and go, there is one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage, and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday: gospel.

Does Taylor Swift Deserve Her Billion-Dollar Fortune?: A Debate

Open to Debate

Musician Taylor Swift's billionaire status stands out among her financial peers from the business community who are often scrutinized for their extreme wealth. Swift became a self-made billionaire because of her unparalleled talent, relentless work ethic, and passionate support from millions of fans. If Swift's fortune stems from these factors, isn't it a desirable and inspiring outcome? Those who support this view would point to philosopher Robert Nozick, who argued that if someone acquires wealth through just means without violating other people's rights, they are entitled to the rewards of their labor. With her ability to write and perform songs that appeal to a broad audience, they contend, Swift is entitled to every penny she has earned. Philosophers with an opposing view, however, question whether any individual, including Swift, should be able to amass such fortunes. These philosophers tend to prioritize equality of outcomes versus equality of opportunity and consider every billionaire created a policy failure. Luck, privilege, and related factors often give certain individuals advantages over others, they argue, and any system that permits vast wealth accumulation is not fair. Does Taylor Swift deserve her billion-dollar fortune?

Is Islam Antisemitic?: A Debate

Open to Debate

Though they share many similar values, guidelines, and principles, Islam and Judaism have a long, complicated relationship that has led to tension between followers of the two religions. Citing the Quran, the Muslim holy book, other Islamic texts, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East, some have labeled Islam antisemitic. Supporters of this view argue that certain Quranic verses, when taken literally or interpreted negatively, foster antisemitism in Muslim education systems and culture, which is used to justify negative stereotypes or hostility toward Jews. Opponents of this view dispute these charges and argue that many Quranic references to Jews are typically misinterpreted and must be understood in their historical and scholarly contexts. They also emphasize that throughout the past 1,500 years, many Muslim empires and countries have hosted thriving Jewish communities and both welcomed and respected the Jewish people. Is Islam antisemitic?

The War to End All Wars

Journeyman Pictures

Relying on newly discovered archival footage, memoirs from the fallen, and expert commentary from world-renowned scholars, this program tells the story of World War I: its ace pilots, mine-laying sailors, heroic doughboys, Harlem Hellfighters, and courageous nurses. As the story of trench, chemical, and open warfare unfolds, we come to understand how the first global war transformed American society, leading to the Veterans’ Administration, while also solidifying the country's parochial past.

Elon Musk's Twitter Takeover

Frontline

Elon Musk’s long and often troubled relationship with Twitter. Musk’s journey from one of the platform’s most provocative users to its sole proprietor, exploring the acquisition, free speech and the company’s uncertain future.

The 9 Steps of Effective Leadership

Channel 1 Creative Media

This video aims to cultivate exceptional leadership by focusing on key attributes such as trustworthiness, simplicity, inspiration, enthusiasm, growth, delegation, humility, communication, and adaptability. After watching the video, you will have learned how to build trust, convey messages with clarity, simplicity, and empathy, listen actively, and provide constructive feedback to foster a culture of resilience and growth.

Is the American Dream in Decline?: A Debate

Open to Debate

The American Dream—the idea that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can achieve success in the United States through hard work and determination—is under scrutiny. Compared to the decades after World War II (1939–45), when millions of Americans could create a stable and comfortable lifestyle, the prospect of homeownership and long-term employment, some economists and policy makers argue, seems further out of reach to many young Americans and immigrants. The wealth gap between rich and poor has widened in recent decades, they contend, and rising costs of health care, education, and housing have created huge hardships for those born in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In addition, they assert, the shift toward a more gig-based economy, coupled with increasing automation and globalization, have undermined job security and savings. Other economists and policy makers, however, dismiss this gloomy view. The U.S. economy remains vibrant, they argue, and compared to other countries, the United States still offers vast opportunities for personal and financial growth. Industries and technologies unimaginable a generation ago have created enormous wealth and possibilities for the future, they contend, as well as new pathways for advancement and progress. The nation's meritocratic system is open to all, they assert, and the traditional definition of the American Dream—homeownership and stable employment—is old-fashioned and out of date. Is the American Dream in decline? (Audio only.)

Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work

Channel 1 Creative Media

This video outlines what is important when it comes to the psychosocial health of your workplace. It is a simple, easy to follow guide to know what to look for and an effective risk management approach for you to follow.

Ban the Box: Should We Banish the Criminal History Check Box from Job Applications?: A Debate

Open to Debate

When people apply for jobs in the United States, they often must fill out a box stating whether they have a criminal history. Is this fair? One in three American adults has a criminal record, and revealing this on a job application can lead an employer to reject the applicant. As a result, some advocate "ban the box" policies that call for removing questions asking about criminal history on job applications. Such policies impede people who have been incarcerated from reentering the job market, they argue, and can prevent them from contributing to and reintegrating into society. Banning the box would create a more equitable society, supporters assert, since the policy disproportionally affects members of minority groups. Opponents of banning the box argue that it is important for employers to know about an applicant's criminal history. Companies have a right and responsibility to ensure the safety of their employees, customers, and businesses, they contend, and such information can help them make more informed hiring decisions. A criminal history is just one part of an applicant's background, they assert, and employers base hiring decisions on many factors. Should the criminal history check box be banished from job applications?

Does Economic Growth Cost Too Much?: A Debate

Open to Debate

High economic growth, often measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—the total amount of goods and services a nation produces—is a central goal of many countries. But an ever-increasing GDP may be neither sustainable nor desirable in the long run. Some scholars and policy makers propose alternative models like "green growth," requiring GDP to take into account its impact on the environment, or "degrowth," shrinking economies rather than expanding them by reducing consumption and production. Rather than using GDP to measure a nation's success, they suggest developing other metrics, such as Gross National Happiness or a Genuine Progress Indicator. Those who question whether GDP is the best way to measure growth and societal wellbeing argue that it disregards rising socioeconomic inequality and the pervasive poverty that exists even in wealthy nations. They further argue that GDP and economic expansion typically overlook numerous costs of unchecked growth, such as environmental degradation and climate change. Those who defend high economic growth argue that, as the key driver of prosperity, it lifts millions of people out of poverty, fuels innovation, and provides vital resources for public services and infrastructure development. Such growth, they further argue, also creates the wealth necessary to fund efforts to slow climate change and preserve the planet. Does economic growth cost too much? (Audio only.)

2 Minutes To Success

Seven Dimensions

This series of short videos provides quick advice and tools for dealing with common workplace issues, and for developing your skills.

Is the Republican Party's Refusal to Raise Taxes Fiscally Irresponsible?: A Debate

Open to Debate

In 2017, President Donald Trump (R, 2017–21) signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a bill passed by a Republican-dominated Congress that included massive tax cuts for the next eight years. Since then, the federal debt has risen from about $20 trillion to about $34 trillion. When these tax cuts expire in 2025, the president—whoever it is—and Congress will face a critical decision about whether to extend these tax cuts or let them lapse. For the past few decades, the Republican Party has embraced the belief that lower tax rates and less government spending boost the U.S. economy. With the U.S. government falling deeper into debt, however, some Republicans question whether the party should consider raising taxes. Supporters of raising taxes argue that the growing debt threatens to further upend the federal budget and undermine the U.S. economy. Opponents, however, argue that the national debt is caused by government overspending and that tax cuts will promote a flourishing economy. Is the Republican Party's refusal to raise taxes fiscally irresponsible?

Insights and Strategies: Workplace Skills

Seven Dimensions

This series offers a brilliant range of new programs on hot business topics to foster awareness and improvement. These valuable lessons for success inspire best practice with up-to-date knowledge from a range of business leaders.

The Emergency Control Organization (Fire Wardens)

Channel 1 Creative Media

This video aims to equip your team with the knowledge and skills they need to respond swiftly and confidently during a fire and emergency. After watching the video, you will have learned  the roles and responsibilities of the emergency control organization, the importance of a robust emergency management plan, risk control measures, and invaluable insights into evacuation procedures.

B-School

Million Stories, a project of the Singleton Foundation

B-School is a show with the answers to the questions early and aspiring entrepreneurs need answers to. We’ll feature real entrepreneurs and have them explain things like how they found a co-founder, how they grew an Instagram page to 300k followers in 2 weeks or how they knew when their idea was good enough to quit their job.

Your World on Money (Season 2)

Million Stories, a project of the Singleton Foundation

Money makes the world go round… but how? Trying to understand how money works can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Your World on Money is a show that will answer the financial questions people are often too afraid to ask. What are stocks and what exactly are you trading? What is debt and how can you get out of it? What do you need to know before investing in property? Financial and industry experts will give us crash courses on the real world implications money matters have on the world around us and how they directly affect you.

The Himalaya Connection

American Public Television (APT)

The collision zone of the massive Indian and Asian tectonic plates is one of the most seismically active places on Earth. These plates trace an arc beneath the Himalaya Mountains and run south below the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, an area that is inhibited by billions of people. This program follows earth scientists working in seven countries who are urgently investigating this high-risk zone.

Jimmy Carter: From Peanuts to Presidents

Filmhub

Discover the remarkable life of Jimmy Carter in this compelling documentary. Explore his journey from humble beginnings to global statesmanship, showcasing his enduring impact on history.

Eagle Power

PBS

What makes eagles so remarkable? Researchers study one special bird, revealing her exceptional strength, eyesight, and flying skills. And, in-the-nest footage of a new bald eagle family captures the drama of chicks struggling to survive.

Should the U.S. Ban TikTok?: A Debate

Open to Debate

With 1 billion active users across more than 150 countries, TikTok is one of the most popular video apps in the world. Nearly one in three Americans have an account, and since 2021 it has been downloaded more than any other app. But unlike competing social media platforms, TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company. Some worry that data from users in the United States could be transmitted to China's government, despite assurances from ByteDance that this does not happen. These concerns, however, spurred President Joe Biden (D) to ban TikTok from U.S. government phones in December 2022. More than half of states across the country have taken similar action. But with rising tensions between the United States and China—and mounting questions of Chinese surveillance—some are calling for lawmakers to go further and ban TikTok completely. Supporters of such a move argue it would protect Americans' privacy and U.S. national security and prevent the Chinese government from gaining access to critical data. Opponents dismiss these fears as overblown, arguing that such a ban would outlaw a popular and important tool in the video marketplace, and that users would easily find ways to access the platform. Should the U.S. ban TikTok?

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: The Making of a Holiday

On the Potomac Productions

Paying lip service to Dr. King's message is one thing, creating a national holiday is quite another. This is the story of how Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, birthday became a national holiday-of the unrelenting drive of his widow, Coretta Scott King, to carry on his work; of politicians (especially Representative John Conyers, Jr.) determined to memorialize Dr. King and offer hope as the alternative to black rage at his assassination; of the ultimately silly arguments against the holiday (such as the economic cost of lost man-hours of work). Rare documentary footage and interviews follow the chronology of events, while the participation of Stevie Wonder, Bill Cosby, Harry Belafonte, Diana Ross, and host LeVar Burton provides the program with genuine celebration. From King's "I Have a Dream" speech to Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday, Martin," this is an engaging look at the making of a holiday. (28 minutes)

As Taliban Peace Talks Resume, What's At Stake For Afghan Women?

NewsHour Productions

During his surprise Thanksgiving trip to Afghanistan, President Trump announced he had restarted talks with the Taliban. The ability of the conflict-wracked nation to achieve peace is at stake -- but so is progress for women, who could not work, study or even leave home unescorted under Taliban rule. Special correspondent Jane Ferguson reports on the outlook for women's health and education there.

Are DEI Mandates for University Faculties a Bad Idea?: A Debate

Open to Debate

In recent years, American universities have begun to adopt Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as core values. Although precise definitions vary, DEI generally refers to the policy of creating a professional environment that treats all people fairly and welcomes and encourages participation by all types of people, particularly those from groups that have been historically excluded or underrepresented. As part of this effort, many institutions of higher learning include criteria of DEI expectations in setting hiring and tenure standards, and require applicants, instructors, and professors to provide personal, detailed statements on the policy. Are these statements appropriate? Supporters of DEI mandates argue that it is fair for a university to ask faculty about DEI when such values and goals are embedded in the school's mission. These statements are not intended to push an ideological viewpoint, they contend, but to focus on and reward actions. Opponents of DEI mandates argue that they devalue merit-based evaluation and replace viewpoint diversity with a "loyalty oath." Such mandates, they contend, disadvantage faculty who may embrace other values and ideas and violates both academic freedom and freedom of speech. Are DEI mandates for university faculties a bad idea? (Audio only.)

Inside North Korea: The Cyber State

National Geographic

North Korea can now attack without landing a soldier on the ground, and with impunity. From Sony to WannaCry, the North embraces cyber-crime for profit and disruption with a 6000 strong army of cyber criminals worldwide who pick its pockets.

Jimmy Carter, from The WPA Film Library Speeches Collection

The WPA Film Library

This collection of significant speeches given by Jimmy Carter focuses primarily on his term as president and the challenges faced by his administration.

The Jihadist

Frontline

A powerful Syrian militant called a terrorist by the U.S seeks a new relationship with the West. In his first interview with a Western reporter, former al Qaeda commander abu Mohammed al Jolani says his fight is with Assad, not the U.S.

Let the People Decide

Filmhub

"Let the People Decide" traces the history of voting rights struggles in the United States from 1960 through the present day.

Has China's Power Peaked?: A Debate

Open to Debate

Since China's communist government began opening the country to capitalist investment and development in the 1980s, China has become an industrial powerhouse, rivaling the United States in manufacturing output and economic might. In 2000, China's gross domestic product—the total amount of goods and services a nation produces—was just 12 percent that of the United States. By the early 2020s, this figure had risen to 77 percent. China has also expanded its military and increased its role in global affairs, leading many observers to call the 2000s "the Chinese century." Indeed, some predict that as China continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, technology, and defense, it will overtake the United States as the world's dominant economic and military superpower. But others question whether China can maintain this phenomenal growth and upward trajectory. Its zero-COVID policy jolted the nation in the early 2020s and exposed major supply chain vulnerabilities within its technology sector, they note, and the Chinese system is facing significant economic headwinds, a slowing pace of innovation, and a heavy debt burden. China's problematic demographic profile—a low fertility rate coupled with an aging population—could reduce the size of its workforce, they argue, and create mounting frustrations among its younger people. These pressures, they contend, could challenge the nation's autocratic, communist government, undermine the Chinese economy, and force the country to retrench. Has China's power peaked?

Near Peer: Russia

Filmhub

Subject matter experts discuss Russian history, current affairs, and military doctrine. Putin’s declarations, advances in military technology, and Russia’s remembrance of the Great Patriotic War are also addressed.

Is America Too Obsessed with Race?: A Debate

Open to Debate

"I have a dream," Martin Luther King Jr. told a crowd of some 250,000 people at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963, "that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." For centuries, slavery and racial segregation pervaded much of America. As a result of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, however, which King helped lead, the United States outlawed segregation and enacted legislation to ensure that all Americans are treated equally. Amid these efforts, many barriers that had blocked Black advancement and opportunity in the nation fell. And yet, 60 years after King's iconic speech, many disparities between Black and white Americans continue to exist in wealth, education, employment, housing, health, and incarceration rates. The United States, some argue, must invest more in the African-American community to eliminate these historical disparities and make America the "color-blind" society King dreamed of. But others argue that focusing too much on race is wrongheaded and actually divides Americans more than it unites them. These competing views are often reflected in debates over affirmative action, critical race theory, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Is America too obsessed with race?

Syria: Behind the Lines

Frontline

In the rural heartland of Syria's countryside, the bloody uprising against President Bashar Al Assad has taken a terrifying turn. Award-winning filmmaker Olly Lambert lives on both sides of Syria's sectarian front line, witnessing the devastating effect of a religious feud that, regardless of the outcome of the war, is shaping Syria's future. For generations, the many religions in the Orontes River Valley have lived together peacefully. But as the conflict spirals into a contagious and sectarian blood feud, friends and neighbors of different faiths are taking up arms against each other, as Syrian society begins to collapse. (56 minutes)

Prisoner or President: Donald J. Trump

MVD Entertainment Group

Step into the center of a political and legal maelstrom with Prisoner or President: Donald J Trump, a gripping documentary that peels back the layers of the electrifying prosecution facing the former president. Against the backdrop of a deeply divided nation, this captivating film delves into the explosive collision of accountability, democracy, and the quest for justice.

Beautiful Worlds (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

The wonders of our planet are myriad. But it is only as we look out that we begin to understand what really powers our perfect blue world. The Sun is in the center of it all, reaching out not just with gravity but energy into the space around it.

Mars on High (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

The red planet looms large in our solar system … and in our dreams. It fills our minds with possibilities and promise, fuelling a hunger to embrace and explore. And though our robots play on Mars’ sandy surface, there is still much to learn safe from the higher ground of orbit.

Endless Galaxies (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

With only our eyes, stars and planets led us on a journey of discovery. Then telescopes slowly revealed the galaxies, full blown metropolises of stars. These gigantic star cities glow brightly across time and space, showing us a universe much more complex than we had ever imagined.

The Milky Way (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

The Milky Way is an ancient structure, forming out of the mists of the early universe. Its many brilliant vistas spark curiosity about the galaxy’s past, present and future. And as we piece together it’s dramatic story, we are also discovering our own.

Stellar Nurseries (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

Deep within galaxies lie wispy, luminous clouds called nebulas. Observed from a great distance, nebulas appear still and calm. Up close, they are as noisy and active as any nursery -- soaked with radiation and beset by fierce winds. It is in a nebula that a star’s life story begins.

Giant Molecular Clouds (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

There are stunning examples of giant molecular clouds all around the night sky. These spectacular concentrations of gas and dust and everything that will ever be foretell the genesis of something new, something profound. And the first chapter in the story of us.

Made of Stars (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

Through early telescopes, the dying breaths of stars looked like small planet disks, and were called ‘planetary nebulas’. Clearer views painted a more interesting picture: stars seeding the universe with the complex elements needed to make all of the amazing things we see around us.

Radiance in Death (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

To witness a supernova is to see a star suddenly appear in the sky, briefly outshining everything around it, then gradually fade back to nothing. These powerful stellar explosions are an awe inspiring reminder of how connected we are to the grand cycles of the cosmos.

Star Clusters (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

Of all the things to see in the night sky, star clusters might be the most striking. Stars travelling together in space, like precious gems bound by gravity’s chain. The clusters tell stories about where stars come from, and ultimately, where we come from.

Ancient Objects (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

Globular clusters, spectacular assemblies of stars, sparkle like jewels at the galaxy’s edge. The smallest contain ten thousand stars, and the largest, ten million. Over time, gravity has pulled these stars into a ball shape. And now they glitter in the dusk, like dandelions gone to seed.

The Andromeda Galaxy (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

2.4 million light years away, the Andromeda Galaxy appears as a fuzzy smudge against the black sky. But it is more than just our nearest massive neighbour. Detailed velocity measurements of Andromeda reveal an ominous secret: it is our future.

Colliding Galaxies (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

Everywhere we look in the universe we see evidence of gravity’s hand crushing star cities together. Galactic collisions create star forming regions, and add to the galaxies finite supply of gas and dust, re-stocking and re-populating them for ongoing expansion projects.

Light Speed (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

Almost everything in the night sky – stars, nebulas, galaxies – is beyond our physical reach, and always will be. They are also beyond our time. When we look into space, we do not see objects as they are now. We see them as they were when their light started its journey towards Earth.

Dark Matter & Dark Energy (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

Most of the universe exists beyond our senses as dark matter and dark energy. These unknown entities contradict the immutable laws, and beg us to try and understand them. We can only imagine how these strange forces will reveal themselves in the years to come.

The Hubble Space Telescope (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

From the grand scale of spiral galaxies, to the fate of individual stars, the Hubble Space Telescope has captured countless scenes of drama and wonder. Science expected great things from Hubble, but no one could have predicted the larger effect that it would have on people.

Infrared Universe (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

VISTA, the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy, was built to observe in a colour of light that the human eye cannot see – infrared. Infrared light can travel through dust clouds, allowing infrared telescopes to pull back the veils on some of the universe’s most interesting objects.

Mighty Telescopes (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

From Stonehenge and Jaipur to modern day observatories, humans create special places to watch the sky, to spend the long, lonely nights drawn by its beauty, and to uncover its secrets. And for every leap in technology, our view gets clearer, and the cosmos gets more astounding.

Searching for Life (Sky Candy)

Derek Reid

Stuck on Earth, we have been able to learn many incredible things about the universe. We have even figured out that there is star dust in our blood. Once humans established this profound connection to the cosmos, the next question was obvious: if we are here, do others exist?