Professor Dee Andrews reviews the life of Benjamin Franklin, focusing on Franklin's own written materials as a window into his personality and the culture and times within which he lived.

Professor Clarence Walker reviews the life of ex-slave and abolitionist Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797), using his autobiography as a frame for discussion. He looks at Equiano's experiences of the slave trade and life as both a slave (in North America and other locations) and a free man (in England).

Professor Caroline Cox reviews the life of Pocahontas, focusing on the difficulties in understanding Pocahontas's life from her own perspective and removing her life from the mythologies that have grown up around it.

Michael Ray narrates a basic introduction to the Puritan colonists in North America, emphasizing modern misunderstanding and stereotyping of Puritan beliefs and lifestyles.

Professor Stephen Knott explores the lives and beliefs of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton and the conflict between them. He looks at how both men have influenced U.S. history and identity, and how both men have been remembered and what they have symbolized over the course of U.S. history. This lecture continues from the lecture "Jefferson and Hamilton: Opposed in Death as in Life, Part One."

Professor Stephen Knott explores the lives and beliefs of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton and the conflict between them. He looks at how both men have influenced U.S. history and identity, and how both men have been remembered and what they have symbolized over the course of U.S. history.

Professor John Koritansky discusses the importance of Thomas Paine and his work to U.S. history. Koritansky looks at Paine's views on religion and religious freedom, as expressed in "The Age of Reason." This lecture continues from the lecture "Thomas Paine, Part One."

Professor John Koritansky discusses the importance of Thomas Paine and his work to U.S. history. Koritansky looks at the context within which Thomas Paine wrote, the reception of his work, and its content and focuses on "Rights of Man" and "Common Sense."

Professor Steven Forde talks about the life and beliefs of Benjamin Franklin, using Franklin's writings to explore these issues. Forde looks at the ways in which Franklin was both different from and similar to the other founders, at the written legacy he has left, and Franklin's religious beliefs. This lecture continues from the lecture "Benjamin Franklin, Part One."

Professor Steven Forde talks about the life and beliefs of Benjamin Franklin, using Franklin's writings to explore these issues. Forde looks at the ways in which Franklin was both different from and similar to the other founders, at the written legacy he has left, and at the virtues he felt were necessary for democratic government to succeed.