When we think about history, we’re prone to focusing on the notable figures, the mass movements, the decisive conflicts. However, the planet we live on has played an equally significant role in the development of human civilisations throughout history. From geological formations affecting our living conditions to the long-standing relationship between geography and politics, these natural forces weave the narrative of our human journey.
Lewis Dartnell, the research scientist and professor renowned for his engaging storytelling about pivotal moments in world history, will navigate through key geological and biological developments, with a focus on how they shaped the world as we know it today.
In this captivating masterclass based on Dartnell’s books, Origins and Being Human, you will gain access to a vivid and startling illustration of our planet’s history and gain insights into its possible future, including how we might respond to long-term challenges such as the climate crisis.
This course is for …
Anyone who is curious how historical events of the past have shaped our modern world.
Anyone with an interest in science, geology, biology and world history.
Course content
The early development of human intelligence
Why many of the earliest civilisations formed in tectonic settings
The Last Great Ice Age and the Age of Sail - how our ancestors migrated around the world
The human family and the inheritance of power
Psychoactive substances and their prominence throughout history
The impacts of human cognitive biases and their consequences for the future
Tutor profile
Lewis Dartnell is a renowned researcher and professor based at the University of Westminster, who also holds an honorary position as a research associate at University College London. His expertise revolves around astrobiology and the exploration of microbial life on Mars. In addition, he is an accomplished author whose books The Knowledge: How to Rebuild Our World from Scratch and Origins: How the Earth Shaped Human History were Sunday Times bestsellers and Books of the Year. Origins has been translated into 26 languages, while a copy of The Knowledge exists on the surface of the moon.
Details
Date: Tuesday 26 September 2023
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm (BST)
Price: £65 (plus £3.56 booking fee)
A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.
This masterclass is available globally. See this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.
6.30pm BST | 7.30pm CEST | 10.30am PDT | 1.30pm EDT
You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the course start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
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Returns policy
Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
