Dennis Prager is best known as a nationally syndicated radio host and columnist, but he is also a Jew who teaches the Torah. His views are conservative and supportive of Judeo-Christian values. Prager is well-known for his intelligent conversations with some of the most knowledgeable people in the world on a wide range of topics. A comment Prager often makes on his radio show is that he is seeking clarity rather than agreement. Consequently, his discussions with guests often help his listeners understand the worldviews behind ideas and positions. Prager’s desire for clarity regarding the beliefs that underlie particular views or ideas carries over into Prager University.
Prager University offers hundreds of free five-minute, video “courses” on vitally important topics. Prager University does not offer degrees or course credits that transfer elsewhere. Although designed primarily for an adult audience, many of the courses are great to use with teens. Courses can be accessed under the topics: economics, history, life lessons, political science, education, religion, race, American values, environment, and free speech.
Because liberal views tend to dominate both the media and academia, Prager created Prager University to present “alternative” views in the most concise and engaging way possible. To that end, he invited knowledgeable and articulate people, most of whom are very well known, to help create many of these courses. For example, George Gilder presents “Why Capitalism Works,” “Iran and the Bomb” is taught by Bret Stephens, the foreign affairs columnist for the Wall Street Journal, “What is Social Justice” is presented by Jonah Goldberg of the American Enterprise Institute, and Peter Kreeft, professor of philosophy at Boston College, teaches “God vs. Atheism: Which is More Rational?” Prager himself presents topics such as, “Are People Born Good?” and “Is Evil Rational?” As you can see, the topics themselves address vitally important questions.
Each video distills the information into the most important points, presenting them with graphics and occasional illustrations. The videos move quickly, and the presentations are easy to understand. Videos each have a "Facts and Sources" button below them that will bring up a list of quotes from the video and a link to the source—a virtual bibliography. You will also find printable transcripts for the courses that might be very helpful for review or for a follow-up discussion.
These courses make excellent supplements for homeschooling teens to use for government, economics, history, and religion. For example, right now there are more than 40 courses that might be useful as significant components of an economics course. For instance, “The Promise of Free Enterprise” by Arthur Brooks explains what our Founding Fathers meant by the “pursuit of happiness” and how true happiness comes from personal achievements. A Free Enterprise economic system generally provides more opportunities for personal achievement in the economic and business realm than do other systems. Closely tied to this course is “Why Capitalism Works” by George Gilder. Gilder explains how profit-making businesses survive best as they serve the needs and desires of their customers. A business’s pursuit of self-serving goals generally reduces profitability. “Lower Taxes, Higher Revenue” helps budding economists understand the Laffer Curve. Titles of some of the other economics videos are "Capitalism vs. Socialism," "Can the Government Run the Economy?", "Is America's Tax System Fair?", and "Who Does a $15 Minimum Wage Help?"Homeschoolers can use these videos as jumping-off points to explore fundamental concepts of economics.
Some courses, especially those under “Life Studies,” might not fit into your curriculum, but are well worth watching anyway. For example, Prager’s brilliant course, “Why Be Happy?” explains why Prager views happiness as a moral obligation rather than a selfish pursuit.
Prager University also has an excellent 11-course series on "The Ten Commandments" that I reviewed separately.
Prager University is a valuable resource for homeschoolers, and it continues to grow with new videos addressing some of the most important issues in current events. Be sure to check their site from time to time to see what new courses have been added.
PragerU PREP
You might also want to check out PragerU PREP (Resources for Educators and Parents), accessible only to members who make a donation of at least $25 per year. Membership gives you access to study guides written for some of the earlier PragerU videos that have notetaking pages and discussion questions.
PragerU PREP membership also gives you access to a private discussion group, a newsletter, and virtual events.
