From Ludwig van Beethoven to Johann Sebastian Bach, most music lovers can appreciate the fact that there’s a lot to learn. Music has been a huge part of history, and is one of the most ancient art forms. So, whether you just want to learn the structure of a symphony or you want to know everything there is to know, these awesome college lectures will increase your musical intelligence in ways you never thought possible.

Best of the Best

Here are the top online lectures for students researching the sound of music.

1. Bach: The Baroque and Beyond: Get an introduction to Bach by Timothy A. Smith, Northern Arizona University.
2. Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century Music: Jean Richards of the University of Minnesota, Morris discusses music history here.
3. Form and Analysis: Timothy A. Smith introduces more music discussion here.
4. Instrumental Literature: Study music and literature along with Katherine Norman from the University of North Dakota
5. Introduction to World Music: Dane Kusic from Towson University introduces you to music from around the world here.
6. Jazz Improvisation: Joan Wildman from the University of Wisconsin-Madison will teach you about the laid-back world of jazz.
7. Music Appreciation: Learn how to critically listen to music when you listen to this lecture by Scott Faulkner, University of Nevada, Reno.
8. Music Bibliography: John J. Deal takes you through a music bibliography here.
9. Music Fundamentals: Gil Trythall of West Virginia University tackles music fundamentals.
10. Music and Religion: Study the relationship between music and religion when you listen to this lecture from Dane Kusic, University of Maryland Baltimore County.
11. Opera: Get an introduction to opera with Tim Cordell from the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
12. Psychology of Music: Steve Hedden explains that music is more complex than you might have thought.

MIT Open Courseware

Believe it or not, MIT offers free open courseware for everyone. Even if MIT seemed like a pipedream growing up, you, too have an opportunity to take classes from one of the most renowned universities in the world.

13. Introduction to Western Music: This course gives a broad overview of Western music from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, with emphasis on late baroque, classical, romantic, and modernist styles (1700-1910).
14. Intro to World Music: This course explores the ways that music is both shaped by and gives shape to the cultural settings in which it is performed, through studying selected musical traditions from around the world.
15. Fundamentals of Music: This class introduces students to the rudiments of Western music through oral, aural, and written practice utilizing rhythm, melody, intervals, scales, chords, and musical notation.
16. Introduction to Musical Composition: Through a progressive series of composition projects, this course investigates the sonic organization of musical works and performances, focusing on fundamental questions of unity and variety.
17. Developing Musical Structures: This course features projects which are completed using the computer music authoring environment Impromptu.
18. Early Music: This class covers the history of Western music from antiquity until approximately 1680, about 2000 years worth of music.
19. Introduction to Anglo-American Folk Music: This course examines the production, transmission, preservation and qualities of folk music in the British Isles and North America from the 18th century to the folk revival of the 1960s and the present.
20. Schubert to Debussy: This course is a survey of developments in Western musical style, 1815-1915.
21. Modern Music: 1900-1960: This subject covers a specific branch of music history: Western concert music of first sixty years of the twentieth century.
22. Music Since 1960: This course begins with the premise that the 1960s mark a great dividing point in the history of 20th century Western musical culture, and explores the ways in which various social and artistic concerns of composers, performers, and listeners have evolved since that decade.
23. Symphony and Concerto: This course is a survey of significant orchestral masterworks composed during three centuries. Listening assignments include 34 symphonies and 24 concertos, composed from the 1720s to the 1990s.
24. Music of India: This course focuses on Hindustani classical music of North India, and also involves learning about the ancient foundations of the rich classical traditions of music and dance of all Indian art and culture.
25. Music of Africa: This course is an introduction to selected musical traditions of West Africa. A variety of musical practices and their cultural contexts will be explored through listening, reading, and written assignments, with an emphasis on class discussion.
26. Popular Musics of the World: This course focuses on popular music, i.e. music created for and transmitted by mass media.
27. Harmony and Counterpoint: In this subject we will study the basic harmonic, melodic, and formal practices of western music, principally the classical music of central Europe during the eighteenth century.
28. Writing in Tonal Forms: Written and analytic exercises based on 18th- and 19th-century small forms and harmonic practice found in music such as the chorale preludes of Bach.
29. Composing for Jazz Orchestra: This class explores composition and arrangement for the large jazz ensemble from 1920s foundations to current postmodern practice.
30. Musical Analysis: This class is an introduction to the analysis of tonal music. Students develop analytical techniques based upon concepts learned in previous music classes.
31. Composing with Computers I: This class explores sound and what can be done with it. Sources are recorded from students’ surroundings – sampled and electronically generated.
32. Vocal Repertoire and Performance: African American Composers: The primary focus of this Vocal Repertoire and Performance course is placed upon the works of African American composers and concert artists.
33. Vocal Repertoire and Performance: Women Composers: This course is for the singer and/or pianist interested in collaborative study of solo vocal performance.

Graduate Classes

Anyone can enjoy the wealth of knowledge presented in these classes, but they will be especially useful for graduate students.

34. History of Media and Technology: Sound, the Minority Report — Radical Music of the Past 100 Years: This course looks at the history of avant-garde and electronic music from the early twentieth century to the present.
35. The Anthropology of Sound: This class examines the ways humans experience the realm of sound and how perceptions and technologies of sound emerge from cultural, economic, and historical worlds.
36. The Physics of Music: From the vibration of strings to the resonation of melody, find out what makes music, music.
37. Turkish Muslim Devotional Music: A Program on the History, Theory, and Performance of Turkish Music: In this concert, two members from the world-renowned Turkish ensemble Lalezar perform classical Ottoman devotional songs.
38. Columbia Interactive Arts: These art classes offered through Columbia often include music classes such as the history of the pops or music from the renaissance and baroque.
39. The Open University Arts and History: Search this section of The Open University’s courses to find plenty of music classes that include examples such as Creating musical sounds and Using film music in the classroom.
40. Harvard University Extension School: These classes change every semester with only two semesters offered at a time, so stay updated with the course offering here. Some classes have included topics such as History of Blues in America.
41. Gresham College: The lectures assembled here include several courses on music including such varied topics as Chamber Music Fights Back and The Composer in Action.
42. Sofia Project. This project of the Foothill College offers only one music class at this time, but stay tuned for any potential additions in the future.
43. Fathom. Search this site to discover all music courses offered from any of Fathom’s member institutions.
44. Utah State University: The anthropology department offers a class on cultural anthropology that includes information about music, dance, and more in early civilizations.
45. Brigham Young University Division of Continuing Education: The free classes offered here include organ workshops, English horn, and adult modern dance.

Music-Only Resources

These resources focus only on music instruction through either specific instrument lessons or with classes on music theory, songwriting, and more.

46. Berklee Shares: This premier free music lesson site offers a wide variety of classes any musician can enjoy. Study specific instruments or more technical aspects of making music.
47. Ricci Adams’ Musictheory.net: Search by lessons, trainers, or utilities to find a vast amount of free lessons and classes from this site.
48. May Music Studio: Learn to play an instrument with the free lessons on this site or find out about music theory, songwriting, and more with the more academic classes offered.
49. Gary Ewer’s Easy Music Theory: Get 26 free lessons complete with an instruction sheet, quizzes, and answer sheets to learn the basics about music theory.
50. GetPianoLessons.com: These ten lessons culminate with an examination to see how far you’ve come. Using a combination of video, text, and photos, these lessons will have you playing the piano in no time.

Literature and Language

These courses will help you learn to do a wide variety of things, from conversing with the elves of Lord of the Rings to analyzing the deeper meanings of zombies and vampires in popular literature.

1. Arguing with Judge Judy: Popular ‘Logic’ on TV Judge Shows: Ever felt like the plaintiffs on TV judge shows have some pretty questionable logic? This class addresses that subject directly, allowing students to pull apart courtroom excuses just like Judge Judy. [UC Berkeley]
2. The Adultery Novel In and Out of Russia: Who doesn’t love a good tale of adultery? This class asks students to consider it as a literary theme, however racy or immoral it may be. [U Penn]
3. The Vampire in Literature and Cinema: The growing popularity of vampires in popular media should make many students out there pretty jealous they can’t take this class focusing on the infamous bloodsuckers. [U of Wisconsin]
4. Invented Languages: Klingon and Beyond: You don’t have to be a sci-fi nerd to appreciate the subject matter in this course at the U of Texas focusing on the reasons, rules and social realities of created languages. [U of Texas, Austin]
5. Elvish, the language of "Lord of the Rings": This course was taught by the world’s foremost expert on this language, who was even a consultant to the makers of the films. While not practical, it certainly speaks to super fans of the series. [U of Wisconsin]
6. Harry Potter Lit: If you want to appreciate the Harry Potter novels as more than just a fun read, head to Ohio State to spend good money exploring the larger themes within the seven book series. [Ohio State]
7. Those Sexy Victorians: While sexy usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of an era shocked by the sight of ankle, this course delves into the interest in sexual matters behind the prudish exterior during the Victorian era. [Ole Miss]
8. The Living and UnDead: An Inquiry into Zombies in Cinema and Literature: While you might often feel like a zombie stumbling to your early morning classes, this course takes a deeper look at what is so fascinating and horrifying about these brain-craving monsters. [Ole Miss]

History

Learn about the aspects of history that are often overlooked in these courses.

9. The Phallus: Explore the role this part of the male body has played in society from the early, often sexist works of Freud to newer feminist theories. [Occidental College]
10. American Degenerates: Learn more about the relationship between writers and early Americans and their sense of personal identity in this course. [Brown]
11. Comparative History of Organized Crime: While the streets may be education enough for real gangsters, this course aims to teach students about the history and culture of the mafia around the world. [Williams College]
12. European Witchcraft: While so-called witches are still around today, you can learn about the origins of what people thought were witches and the often extreme and illogical measures they took to get rid of them. [Oneonta College]
13. Sex, Rugs, Salt & Coal: Not only does this course have a snappy name, it also is full of topics students find compelling, including sex, slavery, money and more. [Cornell]
14. Age of Piracy: Johnny Depp’s kooky but sexy Jack Sparrow has gotten many students interested in learning more about the pirating arts, and this course offers them the chance to take a look at the much less appealing, real-life lives of pirates. [Arizona State]

Sociology, Psychology and Anthropology

Gain a deeper understanding of social and cultural issues through these courses on often touchy subjects.

15. The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil: This course examines a question that many people ask themselves–how can good people do bad things? [MIT]
16. Border Crossings, Borderlands: Transnational Feminist Perspectives on Immigration: Here you can understand what feminists think about immigration. [U of Washington]
17. The American Vacation: Study your vacation time more closely with the knowledge this historical and social course offers. [U of Iowa]
18. Mail Order Brides? Understanding the Philippines in Southeast Asian Context: As off-putting as it sounds to most people, mail order brides are a real thing, and students at this prestigious university can learn why the phenomenon exists and is so prevalent in the Philippines through this course. [Johns Hopkins]
19. Whiteness: The Other Side of Racism: This course teaches students about their role as white members of society and has been much criticized for promoting guilt about students’ race. [Mount Holyoke College]
20. Alien Sex: Explore the weird, wild and depraved aspects of sex between humans and monsters alike. [University of Rochester]
21. Daytime Serials: Family and Social Roles: Students in Wisconsin can take this course that explores the familial relationships of characters on soap operas–essential for those who just can’t get enough of their programs. [U of Wisconsin]
22. It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine): While we all hope the world won’t be ending anytime soon, this course explores the variety of Armageddon scenarios out there and why we’re so obsessed with the end of it all. [Alfred U]
23. Purity and Porn in America: Through this course, students can learn about the role between sexuality and modesty–taking a hard look at the way it’s dealt with in modern society. [Alfred U]
24. UFOs In American Society: If you’re the Fox Mulder type, then you’ll be jealous of students at Temple U who get to learn more about the role of UFOs in popular culture in this course. [Temple U]
25. The Good, the Bad, and the Revolting: You might think you know what is revolting and what’s not, but this course offers to teach you what it really means to be disgusting, shameful and pitiful–among other things. [Alfred U]

Science

Make your science education a little more interesting with these courses that draw on sexuality, garbage and fiction for inspiration.

26. The Science of Superheroes: While it might sound like fun and games, this course takes superheroes as a means to teach students real lessons about physics. [U of California Irvine]
27. The Science of Harry Potter: Unicorns and magical spells might not be real, but this course addresses the magical happenings of the Harry Potter series through a scientific lens, applying physics to things like quidditch. [Frostberg]
28. Joy of Garbage: While it might sound like an ideal course for clutterbugs, this course is actually designed to teach students how to manage garbage and encourage them to make less waste and recycle more. [UC Berkeley]
29. "Far Side" Entomology: The much-beloved Far Side comics form the basis for this course that addresses the relationship between people and insects. [Oregon State]
30. Facial Reconstruction: This course isn’t so much ridiculous as it is weird, being one of the few in the country that teaches students how to puzzle together the bones of the face to help figure out the identity of recovered remains. [U of Montana]
31. The Amazing World of Bubbles: No, this course isn’t about bubble baths or even bubble wrap. Instead, it explores the energy potential of the bubble. [Cal-Tech]
32. FemSex: Women of all ages and orientations enrolled in this course, teaching women about different definitions of sex, orgasms, sexual norms and even taboos like incest. [Carleton College]

Technology

With technology becoming such a major part of everyday life, it’s no wonder these courses have sprung up on college campuses nationwide.

33. The Strategy of Starcraft: Fans of this game say it’s one of the most difficult to master, but this course at Berkeley aims to help students learn the game better through lessons from one of its creators. [UC Berkeley]
34. Cyberporn and Society: WIth the internet housing more porn that one could look at in a lifetime, this course explores the role of porn in the development of the web and the effects it has had on relationships and expectations. [U of New York - Buffalo]
35. Cyberfeminism: Learn just what the heck cyberfeminism is in this course. [Cornell]
36. Learning from YouTube: If you can’t figure out how to watch videos and learn on your own, this course will teach you how. [Pitzer College]
37. Personal Robots: Like something out of the Jetsons, this course offers students a chance to learn about the development of little helper robots. [MIT]
38. Human Computer Interaction: Whether you love or hate your computer, you can learn more about the relationships people develop with their machines from this course. [MIT]
39. The Anthropology of Computing: What role does your computer play in your life? In society? This course examines how computers function in culture and change human communications. [MIT]
40. Lego Robotics: Legos can help you build more than just that TIE Fighter, they can also be used to make real robots, as this course will show students. [MIT]
41. Human Beings and the Machines of Sunshine: While this course is based on the technical, it addresses more of the social issues that have arisen since machines have become more and more a part of daily life. [Rice]
42. Street-Fighting Mathematics: While math and street-fighting aren’t two things that logically fall together, this course shows students that there is a way to analyze fighting through a mathematical pattern–something that might get you beat up in the first place. [MIT]
43. Games and Civic Engagement: Learn about the role video games might play in the future of education and community programs through this course. [MIT]

Philosophy

These courses promise to help you think deeply about philosophical and religious issues while often using pop culture as a reference point.

44. The Simpsons and Philosophy: While the Simpsons may appear to be just good entertainment, this course shows the deeper philosophical issues under all those "d’ohs." [UC Berkeley]
45. Philosophy and Star Trek: Students who take this class will not only get to watch Star Trek, but delve into the issues the show discusses like time travel, a sense of reality, free will and more. [Georgetown]
46. Star Trek and Religion: Look at religion through the lens of the Star Trek world, with discussions that address both supporting and criticizing religion. [U of Indiana]
47. Myth and Science Fiction: Star Wars, The Matrix, and Lord of the Rings: Explore larger issues of myth and speculative fiction through these popular movies. [Centre College]
48. Taking Marx Seriously: The oddest thing about this course’s name is that it implies that people haven’t been taking Marx seriously, odd considering the antipathy towards the economist and social theorist since the Cold War. [Amherst]

Music

Explore music from some different perspectives in these courses.

49. Queer Musicology: According to this course, those who are homosexual create and experience music differently than their straight counterparts. While many experts in the field see this as a growing field of study, most outside were quite critical when this course was introduced in the 90s. [UCLA]
50. History of Electronic Dance Music: If you love clubbing or just the thudding beats of dance music, you can learn more about where it came from and where it’s going in this course. [UCLA]
51. The Beatles: True Beatles fans can learn everything there is to know about the band in this course, though unfortunately there is no extra credit for mastering their catalog on Expert on Rock Band. [UCLA]
52. Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang: Embrace your inner thug with this course that explores the history of gangsta rap. [Oberlin Experimental College]
53. Introduction to Turntablism: Students who have dreamt of being great DJs can add to their college experience by taking this class on the art and business of operating the turntable. [Oberlin Experimental College]

Visual Arts

From videogames to horror films, these courses help college students analyze visual culture.

54. Underwater Basket Weaving: Here it is, the course that has been the butt of numerous jokes about the declining quality of college education in America. Yes, it really exists and you can take it at this school and others for credit. [Reed College]
55. Muppet Magic: Jim Henson’s Art: Explore the fine art of elaborate puppetry through this course. [UC Santa Cruz]
56. Dirty Pictures: Take a look at the history and art of sexy, dirty and explicit photos in this course. [Rhode Island School of Design]
57. The Horror Film in Context: If you love a good scare, consider this course at Bowdoin to gain a better understanding of the format of the horror film. [Bowdoin College]
58. The Road Movie: From Easy Rider to Thelma and Louise, this course looks at the road trip movie and the concept of the journey. Curiously omitted was the college age favorite Road Trip. [Barnard College]
59. The Art of Sin and the Sin of Art: This course will look not only at controversial artwork but also at the practice of creating art and its moral implications. [Rhode Island School of Design]
60. The Art of Warcraft: A Closer Look at the Virtual World Phenomenon: Through this course, nerds and artists alike can learn about the aesthetics of the video game world. [Oberlin Experimental College]

Physical Education and Recreation

These courses help students all over the nation stay in shape and get active.

61. PE for ME: This course is pretty much phys ed for nerds, using physical activity to teach lessons about mechanical engineering. [MIT]
62. Xtreme Lit: If you like to get totally extreme, then this course would be for you, asking students to engage in sometimes adventurous recreational activities while reading authors who loved the great outdoors. [Northern Illinois]
63. Whitewater Skills: What would college be without learning how to manage some rapids? This course offers to teach students just that. [West Virginia U]
64. Circus Stunts: Whether you want to join the circus or just need a more interesting workout, this course can teach you all kinds of acrobatics. [Triton College]
65. The Art of Walking: While you would think that most able-bodied students would know how to walk by the time they entered college, this course hopes to teach them to do it better, and more consciously. [Centre College]
66. Tree Climbing: Students who never learned to climb a tree as a child can now receive college-level education in the subject through this course. [Cornell]
67. American Golf: Aristocratic Pastime or the People’s Game?: Through this course, students learn about the history and social aspects of golf. [Carnegie Mellon]
68. Knitting for Noobs: For many students, it’s totally worth the cost of a college course to learn how to knit a few scarves. [Oberlin Experimental College]
69. Golf Course Management: This practical course will teach students how to take care of those greens and pesky sand traps. [Tarleton State]

Popular Culture

Focusing on popular culture phenomena and icons, these courses catch a lot of guff for their seemingly superficial subject matter.

70. Oprah Winfrey: The Tycoon: While no longer offered, this course gave students a chance to look deep into the life of one of the most successful and recognizable women in the world. [U of Illinois - Urbana]
71. How to Watch Television: Though most of us are pretty adept at turning on the TV and vegging out, this course aims to teach students how to watch TV actively. [Montclair]
72. Through the Darkness of Future-Past: An Exploration of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks: Delve into the weird world of this TV cult classic in this course. [Oberlin Experimental College]
73. Breaking the Rules: An Intellectual Discussion of Fight Club: While perhaps not the newest movie, this film (and the book it’s based upon, presumably) still elicits enough interest to have a course that talks all about the issues addressed within it. [Oberlin Experimental College]
74. Video Game History: Rise of a New Medium: Whether you loved your NES back in the day or can’t get enough X Box, this course teaches students about the history of games and where they’re headed in the future. [Oberlin Experimental College]
75. The Future is Lost: TV Series as Cultural Phenomenon: Some people might feel that Lost deserves its own course just because it’s so darn hard to figure out what’s happening on the series, but this course goes deeper, examining the popularity of shows like this and their expansion into other media. [Tufts]
76. Goldberg’s Canon: Makin’ Whoopi: While not offered since 2004, this course was the first and only to examine the sometimes controversial public persona of this comedienne, actress and now daytime talk show host. [Bates]
77. Chosen: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Those who were addicted to Buffy can now examine the series in-depth through the material presented in this course. [Oberlin Experimental College]
78. The Office: Awesome, Awkward, & Addicting: Let’s hope this course on the popular show isn’t nearly as uncomfortable to watch. [Oberlin Experimental College]
79. Calvin & Hobbes: This iconic comic was much more than just simple Saturday morning entertainment–or so this course aims to show. [Oberlin Experimental College]
80. Superheroes: What do superheroes really mean in our culture? Why create such figures? This course examines this and a myriad of other issues. [Oberlin Experimental College]
81. American Pro Wrestling: While the words "MIT" and "pro wrestling" may not be two you’d bring together, this course asks students at the tech-savvy school to think about the cultural implications of the often-theatrical wrestling world. [MIT]
82. American Soap Operas: What is it about soap operas that makes them so addicting? Students at MIT get a chance to delve into the logic behind these series in this course. [MIT]
83. It’s News to Me: the Role of Media in Your Life: Most of us may not even realize how big of a role the media plays in our lives, but this course aims to bring it to the forefront. [Ole Miss]
84. Zombies in Popular Media: Every year it seems like there are more and more movies about zombies. What is the fascination with these fictional creatures? Students at Columbia College can take this course and become zombie experts. [Columbia College-Chicago]

Food and Drink

Everybody has to eat, so why not learn more about it from these courses?

85. Food and Power in the Twentieth Century: In this course, students learn how sometimes having all the food means having all the power. [MIT]
86. Kitchen Chemistry: Students in this course will learn how to turn their kitchens into their own private laboratories, teaching them not only about science but about cooking as well. [MIT]
87. Cultural Aspects of Food: Do foods from your childhood elicit specific emotions from you? This course will delve into what the cultural connections we have with food are and why these relationships are so strong. [Oneonta College]
88. Campus Culture and Drinking: As many students may have been sad to learn, this course doesn’t encourage students to go get trashed, instead asking them to more carefully consider the social and cultural aspects of drinking on campus. [Duke]
89. From Ban to Bar: The History, Politics, & Taste of Chocolate: Chocoholics can take their love of the sweet substance one step further and learn how it goes from the field, gets processed and ends up in their mouths. [Oberlin Experimental College]
90. Maple Syrup: The Real Thing: While most students won’t be pursuing a career as a maple syrup maker, this course offers to teach them everything they need to know about the business, should they decide they need a career change. [Alfred U]

Life Skills

College doesn’t just have to be academic, as these courses that provide valuable life lessons prove.

91. Tightwaddery, or The Good Life on a Dollar a Day: While the title might elicit some laughs, this course offers some sage advice on breaking the bonds of consumerism and fighting back against the status quo. And if that isn’t part of a well-rounded college education then what is? [Alfred]
92. Finding Dates Worth Keeping: Students who find themselves constantly falling in love (or just in bed) with Mr. or Mrs. Wrong can take this course to learn to make better dating decisions. [University of Sioux Falls]
93. Field Equipment Operation: It might have a fancy title, but this class gets down and dirty with teaching students how to drive a tractor. [UC Davis]
94. Getting Dressed: While many students wouldn’t have made it to college without some idea of how to get dressed in the morning, this class takes it one step further and takes a look at what it really means to wear those Uggs or backwards baseball cap. [Princeton]
95. Biblical Model for Home and Family: Here you’ll find a female-only course that will make all but the most traditional women bristle. With lessons on how to properly serve your husband and bake cookies, it’s useful, no doubt–but the lack of a male counterpart course is questionable. [Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary]
96. Furniture Making: While you might already feel like you know how to build furniture after a few intense Ikea assemblies, this course will teach you more in-depth ways of building just about anything around the home. [MIT]
97. How to Learn (Almost) Anything: While it might seem odd to take a course on how to learn from the rest of your courses, this practical class from MIT asks students to use technology and tools to stretch their minds. [MIT]

Miscellaneous

These courses touch on a wide range of interesting, if not always normal, subject matter.

98. Nonviolent Responses to Terrorism: Recent news reports tell that most students today don’t even know what year 9/11 happened. With the memory of terrorism in the distant past (or so it seems) this course seems more and more relevant as anger fades and the American public grows tired of conflict. [Swarthmore College]
99. Stupidity: What better topic to rail against at college than stupidity? This course examines it at depth from literary, social and philosophical perspectives. [Occidental]
100. Daylighting: No, this course doesn’t refer to the opposite of moonlighting, it is designed to help students learn to better light things with, what else, the sun. [MIT]

General Resources

These Twitter feeds come from classroom teachers offering great advice no matter what age or subjects you may teach.

1. @beckyshandera. This former 2nd grade teacher is now a product manager for literacy and math. She shares helpful information for teachers on her feed.
2. @budtheteacher. Everything from links to interesting articles to information about using technology in the classroom is on this feed.
3. @christama. A 5th grade teacher seeking innovative ways to engage her students shares what she knows here.
4. @dmace13. While technology is Don Mace’s specialty, he graciously shares resources for all sorts of classroom teachers.
5. @janet_wright. Get resources mixed in with inspirational quotes here.
6. @JSW_EdTech. This popular Twitter feed includes links and discussion on a range of education topics.
7. @kchichester. Find a wide range of interesting information to help your teaching or just to keep up with current events.
8. @KidsLearnFromMe. The Twitter dialog here often offers helpful suggestions for teachers.
9. @Larryferlazzo. This high school teacher posts links to many fun and interesting resources and current events.
10. @misscalcul8. This math teacher opens up a great dialog that many will find helpful for teaching resources in general.
11. @MySchoolToolz. This homeschooling mom shares tons of educational resources that are useful for classroom teachers too.
12. @nchsucla. History and K-12 educators are joined with the information available here.
13. @paulbogush. An 8th grade teacher, Paul carries on a lively Twitter discourse with lots of information. He also enjoys collaborating with other classes.
14. @sgreenwa5. This educator literally wrote the book on remembering math facts for children and shares her knowledge here.
15. @ShiftParadigm. This education strategist posts great information for educators.
16. @starden. This feed is chock full of ideas for teachers to use in the classroom.
17. @TeachaKidd. As this teacher asks and recommends, you’ll find plenty of good resources on her feed.
18. @Techyturner. This 4th grad teachers shares lots of helpful resources.
19. @TheEngTeacher. Specializing in online ESL, this English teacher shares plenty of resources for teaching English in any venue.
20. @timgels. This 3rd grade teacher shares quotes, thoughts on education, and resources.
21. @tutor1235. This feed is full of helpful resources for the classroom, specifically with younger learners.

Early Childhood Education

If you work with younger children, you will love the advice available here.

22. @ECNews. Get news pertinent to teachers and parents of children 8 and under.
23. @LiteracyCounts. This early childhood educator provides tons of literacy tips and resources here.
24. @LiteracyLaunch. Teaching literacy to young children, this teacher has plenty to offer on her feed.
25. @OneTwoTieMyShoe. A resource for teaching young children to tie their shoes, this feed also includes helpful ECE resources.
26. @preschoolers. Education.com offers this feed for resources specific to preschool teachers and parents.
27. @Teach_Preschool. Preschool teachers and parents of young children can benefit from this feed.
28. @TootsiesTidbits. Find lots of fun activities for preschoolers here.

Technology

Stay current with the latest trends and opportunities for integrating technology in the classroom with these feeds.

29. @bbray. This e-coach offers technology and inspiration for educators.
30. @BrianAlexander. Stay on top of all the latest technology news and gadgets here.
31. @cathyarreguin. Promoting learning in virtual worlds, Cathy posts plenty of useful information here.
32. @cyberteacher. This Google-certified teacher shares lots of information for integrating technology into curriculum.
33. @digimom. Find plenty of fun technology suggestions for both in and out of the classroom.
34. @j_allen. Sometimes provocative and always helpful, the discussions here offer much for those interested in technology in education.
35. @jrichardson30. This tech coach offers information about technology and how to use it.
36. @justinreeve. Find information on technology and education from this Web Manager of a district in Utah.
37. @karenjan. Focusing on helping struggling learners succeed with technology, this teacher shares her experience.
38. @mbteach. Learn about using Twitter, iPods, and many other technologies in education here.
39. @murphymath. This teacher loves technology and helps you learn how to integrate it in your classroom.
40. @ssjenk6. Find advice and resources here from this Technology Integration Specialist.
41. @SuzanBrandt. Suzan keeps up a great dialog with other Tweeters that includes plenty of helpful tech information.
42. @teachntech00. While technology is the main focus here, there is also an emphasis on technology for the special ed classroom, too.
43. @tomwhitby. This professor of education has plenty to share when it comes to using technology in education.
44. @thecleversheep. This Canadian shares a wealth of information on technology in education in his Twitter feed.
45. @tseale. This English teacher is all about the technology and has plenty to share.
46. @wshstech. A technology facilitator at a high school, Chris shares plenty of tech tips.
47. @yoopertechgeek. Find plenty of links for tech-related teaching information here.
48. @web20classroom. Help get your classroom Web 2.0 savvy with the advice here.

Special Education

Special ed teachers can learn from others in their fields from these Twitter feeds.

49. @astrang. This special ed teacher in Canada shares links to a variety of interesting information.
50. @autismcenter. Find tons of great resources for working with children on the autism spectrum here.
51. @beckyfisher. Working from home as an online special ed teacher, this mom shares a bit about everything.
52. @bwwojci. Specializing in assistive technology, Brian Wojcik posts about plenty of teaching tools.
53. @caitlingraham. Trained in special ed but teaching regular ed, this teacher shares plenty about green teaching, autism, and more.
54. @CSouthard. This inclusion teacher shares lots of links for teaching both special and regular ed.
55. @damian613. Get a psychological perspective on students and teaching from this school psychologist.
56. @dancallahan. Technology meets education at this feed by a special ed teacher in Pennsylvania.
57. @debbarrows. Conferences, demos, material, and more may show up in this special ed teacher’s Twitter feed.
58. @Grembe. This family creates iPhone apps that make a difference. They post about them and frequently include educational aids.
59. @irasocol. Assistive technology is the topic here, as is other education news and information.
60. @joannab. This special ed grad student posts tons of helpful information for those working with students on the autism spectrum.
61. @oregonsped. Teaching functional academics to elementary students, this teacher posts plenty about technology in the classroom.
62. @paulhami. Assistive technology and a pleasant perspective on teaching are features here.
63. @spedteacher. This special ed teacher posts helpful information for the classroom, but plenty about public education politics and policy as well.
64. @stewartn. This special ed teacher shares and seeks advice on technology and also spreads her positive attitude.

Library Sciences

Teachers can find lots of advice from librarians, who often find plenty of great information for helping students learn. Check out these feeds from librarians to see what you can gain.

65. @booklover472. Books, technology, and education all share a spot on this feed.
66. @buffyjhamilton. Library 2.0 is the focus of this librarian’s feed.
67. @cleverkus. This elementary and middle school librarian is new to Twitter, but is off to a good start posting helpful information.
68. @eabarbanel. This middle and high school librarian posts links and tips for helping young learners.
69. @janettefuller. This librarian from Houston covers books, children, and education here.
70. @janning. Teaching, books, and technology are frequent topics here.
71. @jessamyn. Follow this popular and entertaining librarian’s feed.
72. @kkliegman. Library and technology get equal billing on this feed.
73. @libsmatter. Kathryn Greenhill provides library information and news here.
74. @NancyW. This librarian has an eye on technology in her feed.
75. @shifted. Follow Jenny Levine on her popular Twitter feed as she shares library information with education often represented.
76. @teachlib. This Canadian school librarian keeps up a lively discussion as well as advice helpful for teachers on her feed.

Inspiration

Find inspiration with these great Twitter feeds.

77. @faroutlinks. The links here aren’t really far out, but more along the lines of helpful and inspirational.
78. @laroncarter. The links and words of advice here will help you find a positive attitude and are directed to both teachers and students.
79. @writinginrain. Find lots of inspirational quotes here.

Ex-Educators Turned Consultants and Various Corporate Feeds

These teachers who have become educational consultants and corporate feeds offer plenty of advice and links to resources.

80. @Abcteach. Get lots of great ideas as well as news about educational resources here.
81. @AngelaMaiers. This feed is popular for good reason as it includes links to many great resources for educators.
82. @dtrautman. Get plenty about education politics and policy, especially as it pertains to Texas public education.
83. @Educator. Follow this feed for lot of links to great resources and news.
84. @edutopia. Find inspiration and resources for teaching on this feed from the popular website of the same name.
85. @LearnHub. Get lots of education-related links from this Twitter feed.
86. @linkstoliteracy. This educational consultant provides great information about reading and young children.
87. @scholasticstore. Stay on top of what is happening at The Scholastic Store, including discounts for teachers and other resources.
88. @teachermagazine. Find tons of news and information just for teachers here.
89. @WendyZZZZZZZZZZ. Get lots of tips as well as a lively discussion on this feed.

Administrators

These feeds offer insight from those in charge.

90. @e_shep. Ways to engage educators and making his school run smoothly are frequent topics here.
91. @jimconn. See what this middle school administrator has to say on his feed.
92. @JudyHarris05. This upbeat principal shares her love of education as well as her interest in learning and the brain.
93. @NMHS_Principal. Teachers will find tons of links to resources on this high school principal’s feed.
94. @sebneca. Quotes and thought-provoking statements about education are often featured here.
95. @tee62. This elementary school principal posts news and trends important to education.

Educational Projects

Find inspiration for great projects in your classroom with these feeds.

96. @AREGarden. This Twitter feed is from an elementary school garden in Oregon and includes lots of great information.
97. @BiologyAnswers. Get biology questions with links to the answers in this fun feed.
98. @EcoPicOfTheDay. This feed provides links to great eco-photos.
99. @KidsAreHeroes. Project for kids who want to make a difference are the subject here.
100. @schoolgardening. Find out what kids can learn from gardening with the information here.

Diploma mills have been able to succeed because they can easily set up a legitimate looking website that describes training programs or academic degree programs. These organizations can even fake "real" student or alumni testimonials, bolstering up their claim to being a valid online university. If a prospective student visits the site, he or she may not even be able to tell that the site is a front for education fraud. Students who live in another part of the country or even a different part of the world have no way of visiting the school’s main office to verify the school is legitimate. Diploma mills rely on prospective students that accept the website as substantial proof for the school’s existence.

To fight diploma mills, the U.S. Department of Education has posted its own website informing the public about how these organizations operate and how you can spot them during your online school research. The government recommends that students first look for the school’s accreditation status. Schools that are accredited will be proud to post that information on their website. The best kind of accreditation to look for is regional accreditation, which means that the school has met standards set forth by one of the regional accrediting councils, which itself has been approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Secretary of Education. Two other popular accrediting bodies are the Distance Education and Training Council and the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools. If the school you are researching posts information about another type of accrediting agency, you can check for it in this database, published on the U.S. Department of Education website. There, you can type in the name of the institution to see if it appears anywhere in the database. You can also try to match it to the accrediting agency listed on the school’s website to check its claim.

To help prospective students recognize a diploma mill or fake university, review these red flags, which the U.S. Department of Education and the Better Business Bureau have found helpful. Some signs that could indicate fraudulent behavior include the promise to award degrees in a very short amount of time, especially an amount of time that is drastically different than at a university you know to be accredited; tuition rates that are set up on a per-degree basis or discounts for enrolling in multiple degree programs. Accredited institutions charge by credit hours, course, or semester, according to ED.gov. Another important sign to watch out for are school addresses that only include a mail drop box or a P.O. box number, which may indicate that the alleged school does not have any real offices or headquarters. The U.S. Department of Education recommends that if students still question the legitimacy of a school that seems too good to be true, they contact the Better Business Bureau or the state attorney general’s office, who can run a check on the institution.

Another type of scam involving online education is the claim to be accredited by unrecognized organizations. Just because a school boasts accreditation does not mean that it is recognized by the Secretary of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. You can find a list of unrecognized accrediting agencies here.

Students interested in pursuing a degree program at an online university should also watch out for foreign diploma mills and foreign institutions. The Secretary of Education does not recognize foreign institutions, but some of the accrediting agencies that are approved by the Secretary of Education do recognize foreign institutions. If you are unsure about the quality of your foreign degree compared to a degree from a U.S. institution, you can have a private credential evaluation company do the research. Their findings should satisfy other U.S. institutions and employers.