The American Founding is the greatest political achievement in history. The republic founded in the wake of revolution did not appear or succeed by chance. It was the product of the habits of self-government and the virtuous character that the Americans had formed during their colonial experience. This is the story of those first 150 years during which our forefathers carved civilization out of wilderness.

In this documentary course, Hillsdale professors in politics and history explain the religious, political, cultural, and economic disputes that shaped a uniquely American culture. Discover how our ancestors forged a prosperous society and developed the manly spirit of republicanism.

First and Second Samuel tell the story of Saul and David, Israel’s first two kings. These Old Testament books depict the importance of the relationship between father and son and the consequences of sin for the sinner, his family, and his nation. While David’s transgressions lead to great tragedy for himself and Israel, his penitence shows a path toward redemption.

The Divine Comedy is one of the greatest works of Western literature. An epic poem in three parts, it tells the story of Dante’s journey through the afterlife: Inferno describes the suffering of souls warped by vice. Purgatorio explores the theme of repentance and the elements of good character. Paradiso reveals the true glory and freedom attainable with God. 

Christianity emerged into a world shaped by the Roman Empire, the Jewish faith, and Greek philosophy. This course explains how the revolutionary message of the Gospel spread throughout this ancient world and how early Christians practiced their faith, endured persecution, and addressed theological questions and controversies.

Exodus is central to the Old Testament and the Gospels. It tells the story of God reclaiming His people. This literary study of the Book of Exodus examines man’s relationship to God, God’s mercy toward man, and the nature of human freedom.

C.S. Lewis is the best modern writer at explaining the truth and goodness of the Christian faith. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers the eternal questions of theology in a manner that attracts those outside Christianity and strengthens those within the faith. This course examines Lewis’s writings about morality, conversion, prayer, the Bible, suffering, and the afterlife.

Genesis is a book of fundamental importance for the Jewish and Christian faiths and has exerted a profound influence on Western Civilization. In addition to being a great religious text, it is also a literary masterpiece. This course explores some of the work’s major narrative themes, including the complex relationship between God and man, the consequences of a rupture in that relationship, and the path towards reconciliation.