Best Free Humanities Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

University of Edinburgh

Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science (Coursera)

Humanities

Discover how Philosophy, Science, and Religion intersect in 'Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science'. This course investigates leading thinkers' approaches to understanding the world, questioning whether these disciplines are mutually supportive or fundamentally at odds. Uncover what's distinctive about each inquiry and learn from experts in philosophy, science, and religion.

Sep 8th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Science Evolution Universe

Coursera

University of Edinburgh

Introduction to Philosophy (Coursera)

Humanities

Discover the basics of philosophy with this beginner-friendly course. Learn about logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and more from top philosophers. Perfect for those new to the subject or anyone curious about life's big questions.

Sep 7th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology

Coursera

Wesleyan University

The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 2) (Coursera)

Humanities

Discover how 'the modern' emerged in the late 18th century, shaping our understanding of progress and change. This course investigates whether we remain entrenched in modernity or have transitioned to a postmodern state, examining key philosophical and literary developments.

Sep 7th 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Philosophy Culture

Coursera

University of Michigan

Model Thinking (Coursera)

Economics & Finance Humanities

In this comprehensive online course, 'Model Thinking', you'll explore the art and science of creating simplified representations of complex realities to better understand and navigate the world around us. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply curious about how we make sense of the chaos in our lives, this course will equip you with powerful tools to organize information, predict outcomes, and improve your decision-making processes.

Sep 7th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Business Economics Models

EdX

HarvardX,Harvard University

Justice (edX)

Humanities Law

Dive into 'Justice', an engaging introduction to moral and political philosophy offered by edX in partnership with Harvard University. Led by the esteemed Professor Michael Sandel, this course examines key theories of justice and applies them to modern-day dilemmas, providing a critical lens for understanding complex societal issues.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Philosophy Law Justice

Coursera

Duke University

Sports and Society (Coursera)

Humanities Social Sciences

Discover how sports shape our societies with 'Sports and Society,' an insightful online course that uses anthropology, sociology, history, and other disciplines to provide fresh perspectives on the games we watch and play. Uncover the deeper layers influencing sports worldwide.

Sep 7th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Society Gender Sports

Coursera

University of London,Royal Holloway, University of London

Film, Images & Historical Interpretation in the 20th Century: The Camera Never Lies (Coursera)

Humanities

Dive into a fascinating exploration of how images and films have influenced our perception of the 20th century's pivotal moments. This course serves as an introduction to using visual media as crucial evidence in historical analysis, offering insights into photojournalism and film-based interpretations of history.

Sep 7th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Image History Film

EdX

University of California, Berkeley,BerkeleyX

Academic and Business Writing (edX)

Humanities Marketing & Communication

Immerse yourself in College Writing 2.2x, an introductory course tailored for English Language Learners eager to elevate their academic and business writing skills. This course is structured around enhancing grammatical accuracy, enriching vocabulary, refining document structure, and honing revision and editing abilities. Whether you're aiming to excel in academic papers or professional correspondence, this course provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to produce clear, compelling, and polished written work.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

English Languages Writing

China’s First Empires and the Rise of Buddhism (edX)

EdX

HarvardX,Harvard University

China’s First Empires and the Rise of Buddhism (edX)

Humanities History

Dive deep into the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese history with 'China’s First Empires and the Rise of Buddhism'. This course takes you through the rise and fall of the Qin and Han dynasties, shedding light on their governance systems and how they shaped China. Discover the early introduction and spread of Buddhism in China, a transformative period that saw the emergence of new philosophies and self-realization practices.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

History Art China