Best Free Humanities Courses & MOOCs

FutureLearn

Keio University

An Introduction to Japanese Subcultures (FutureLearn)

Humanities

Dive into the vibrant and diverse realm of Japanese subcultures on this engaging online course. Learn about their origins, evolution, and impact on modern society. Whether you're a culture enthusiast or looking to deepen your understanding of Japan's youth movements, this course offers an in-depth look at how these subcultures have shaped and reflected societal trends.

Self Paced

4 Weeks

Japan Japanese Subcultures

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

Coursera

University of North Carolina

Reasoning Across the Disciplines (Coursera)

Humanities

Unlock the secrets of critical thinking with 'Reasoning Across the Disciplines'. This course, crafted by experts at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, equips you with essential reasoning skills crucial for academic success. Perfect for freshmen or anyone looking to enhance their logical and argumentative abilities across different fields of study.

Sep 7th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Psychology Chemistry Literature

Coursera

Curtis Institute of Music

Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 (Coursera)

Humanities

Embark on a musical journey through the second part of 'Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas'. This course is designed for all levels of piano enthusiasts to delve into the complexity and beauty of Beethoven's compositions. Learn at your own pace with unlimited access to engaging lectures.

Sep 7th 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Music Beethoven

Coursera

Michigan State University

Transmedia Writing (Coursera)

Humanities History

Transform your creative ideas into a compelling transmedia experience with our Transmedia Writing course. Whether you're aiming for a best-selling novel, an award-winning film or TV show, or an engaging video game, this project-centered program will guide you through the process of adapting your original intellectual property across various platforms.

Sep 7th 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Creativity Novel

FutureLearn

The Open University

Health and Wellbeing in the Ancient World (FutureLearn)

Health & Society Humanities

Dive into the past to understand how ancient Greeks and Romans approached health, well-being, and societal issues. This course uses literary and archaeological evidence to reveal the secrets of maintaining wellness in ancient societies and how they tackled societal challenges.

Self Paced

5-12 Weeks

Health Ancient Greece Ancient Rome

Hong Kong Cinema through a Global Lens (edX)

EdX

University of Hong Kong,HKUx

Hong Kong Cinema through a Global Lens (edX)

Humanities Art and Culture

Dive into the world of Hong Kong film with our course, 'Hong Kong Cinema through a Global Lens.' Uncover how these films have shaped global entertainment and explore the works of legendary actors like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, John Woo, Wong Kar Wai, and many others. This course offers an in-depth look at the cultural significance and international appeal of Hong Kong cinema.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Cinema Filmmaking Hong Kong

Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy (edX)

EdX

Tsinghua University,TsinghuaX

Plato, Socrates, and the Birth of Western Philosophy (edX)

Humanities Art and Culture

Dive into the rich history of Western philosophy with this edX course, where you'll explore the profound thoughts and ideas of Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Heraclitus, and other ancient philosophers. Uncover the roots of our contemporary thought as you study the origins of philosophical inquiry in ancient Greece and Rome.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Philosophy Plato Aristotle