Best Free History Courses & MOOCs

The History of Medieval Medicine Through Jewish Manuscripts (edX)

EdX

University of Pennsylvania,PennX

The History of Medieval Medicine Through Jewish Manuscripts (edX)

History

Embark on a captivating journey through time as you explore the rich history of medieval medicine as reflected in Jewish manuscripts. This introductory course, led by Professor Y. Tzvi Langermann, offers an engaging look at how medical knowledge was preserved and transmitted across generations, with a focus on three significant 15th-century volumes.

Self-Paced

History Medieval Jewish

FutureLearn

University of Reading,Historic Royal Palaces

A History of Royal Food and Feasting (FutureLearn)

Food & Nutrition Humanities

Embark on a delectable journey through history as you explore the evolution of royal dining with 'A History of Royal Food and Feasting'. This course, offered in partnership between FutureLearn and experts from the University of Reading and Historic Royal Palaces, invites you to delve into the tastes and traditions of five key monarchs. From the lavish banquets of Tudor England to the refined palates of 20th-century royalty, this course offers a richly flavored look at how royal food has evolved over centuries.

No sessions available

5-12 Weeks

Food Royal Food Feasting

FutureLearn

University of Reading

Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond (FutureLearn)

Humanities History

Embark on an exciting journey into the past with 'Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond'. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to archaeology, taking you through every step from digging up artifacts to analyzing them in the lab. Explore the Vale of Pewsey, a lesser-known but equally intriguing area near Stonehenge and Avebury, where history awaits your discovery.

Available now

2 Weeks

Archaeology Archaeological Excavation Pewsey

EdX

HarvardX,Harvard University

Hinduism Through Its Scriptures (edX)

Humanities History

Dive deep into the heart of Hinduism with 'Hinduism Through Its Scriptures' on edX. This course unravels the diverse sacred texts - from hymns to narratives and philosophical thought - that form the bedrock of this ancient religion, offering timeless lessons relevant today.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Religion Scriptures Sacred Scriptures

First Nights: Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique and Program Music in the 19th Century (edX)

EdX

HarvardX,Harvard University

First Nights: Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique and Program Music in the 19th Century (edX)

Humanities

Dive into the world of 19th-century music with our course on Hector Berlioz’s ‘Symphonie Fantastique’. Learn about program music, its significance in the Romantic era, and the profound influence of Berlioz's masterpiece. Perfect for music enthusiasts and students alike.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Music Composition Romantic Symphony

EdX

HarvardX,Harvard University

Masterpieces of World Literature (edX)

Languages & Literature History

Dive deep into the captivating world of literature with 'Masterpieces of World Literature' on edX. This comprehensive course takes you on a journey through time and space, exploring seminal works from around the globe that have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. Whether you're a literature aficionado or a curious learner eager to understand how stories connect us across cultures, this course offers a unique opportunity to explore the masterpieces that define our shared human experience.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Literature Homer World Literature

Oriental Beliefs: Between Reason and Traditions (edX)

EdX

LouvainX,Université Catholique de Louvain - UCL

Oriental Beliefs: Between Reason and Traditions (edX)

Humanities Art and Culture

Embark on a fascinating journey through the world of beliefs as they have evolved in diverse cultures from Ancient Egypt to Central Asia, India, China, and beyond. This course delves into spiritual and magical practices, exploring deities, the universe, cosmic connections, and dream interpretations across the Orient.

No sessions available

5-12 Weeks

China Ancient Egypt India

First Nights - Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Modernism, Ballet, and Riots (edX)

EdX

HarvardX,Harvard University

First Nights - Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Modernism, Ballet, and Riots (edX)

Humanities

Dive into the world of Igor Stravinsky’s revolutionary ballet, 'The Rite of Spring,' and uncover the story behind one of the most infamous premieres in history. This course explores the birth of modernism in ballet, the cultural context, and the reasons why this groundbreaking work caused a riot upon its debut.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Music Modernism Choreography

EdX

HarvardX,Harvard University

Shakespeare's Hamlet: The Ghost (edX)

Humanities Languages & Literature

Discover the compelling mystery behind the Ghost in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. This online course delves into the historical context, dramatic impact, and cultural significance of Hamlet's supernatural visitor, guiding you through the intricate layers of this iconic play.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Literature William Shakespeare Shakespeare