"Writing and Civilization: From Ancient Worlds to Modernity" Prof. Marc Zender (DVD) (24 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture /  4x DVD - The Great Courses)
This material tracks the evolution of the written word from its earliest origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt to the digital scripts used today. It examines how ancient civilizations developed unique systems like cuneiform, hieroglyphs, and Mayan glyphs to record laws, trade, and mythology. By looking at the transition from clay tablets to papyrus and eventually the printing press, the content reveals how the technology of writing has fundamentally reshaped human thought and the preservation of history.
 
The curriculum also explores the linguistic mechanics behind different scripts, explaining the difference between logographic systems (representing ideas) and alphabetic ones (representing sounds). It highlights the fascinating stories behind the decipherment of "dead" languages, showing how scholars cracked the codes of the past to rediscover lost civilizations. Ultimately, the focus is on how the ability to record information across time and space remains one of humanity's most transformative achievements.