Best Free Humanities Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

University of Houston System

A Brief History of Human Spaceflight (Coursera)

Humanities History

Embark on an enlightening journey through time as you explore the captivating history of human spaceflight. From the earliest visions of reaching for the stars to the establishment of orbital missions and beyond, this course offers a comprehensive overview of humanity's quest to conquer space. Discover how pioneers like Yuri Gagarin and Neil Armstrong paved the way for future generations.

Sep 21st 2026

5-12 Weeks

Space Moon Spaceflight

Coursera

Tel Aviv University

The History of Modern Israel – Part I: From an Idea to a State (Coursera)

Humanities History

Embark on an enlightening journey through the history of modern Israel with our course 'The History of Modern Israel – Part I: From an Idea to a State'. This course, taught by Professor Eyal Naveh and enhanced with insights from Professor Asher Sussers' 'The Emergence of the Modern Middle East', offers a detailed exploration of how a 19th-century idea became a tangible reality. Discover the historical events, ideologies, and struggles that shaped Israel's emergence in the Middle Eastern landscape.

Sep 21st 2026

3 Weeks

History Holocaust Middle East

Coursera

Princeton University

Effective Altruism (Coursera)

Humanities Social Sciences

Explore the transformative concept of Effective Altruism with this comprehensive online course. Delve into the philosophical foundations, meet inspiring individuals who have dedicated their lives to making a difference, and learn actionable steps to integrate effective altruistic principles into your daily life.

Sep 21st 2026

5-12 Weeks

Ethics Poverty Altruism

Coursera

University of Arizona

Roman Art and Archaeology (Coursera)

Humanities History

Discover the captivating world of ancient Rome with this online course. From its early beginnings to the fall of an empire, explore the art, architecture, and archaeological discoveries that have shaped our understanding of Roman civilization. Learn about influential figures, the city of Rome itself, and how Rome expanded its influence across Italy, the Mediterranean, and beyond.

Sep 21st 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Archaeology Rome

Coursera

Northwestern University

Luther and the West (Coursera)

Humanities

Discover how Martin Luther's revolutionary thoughts have shaped the West and influenced global culture with 'Luther and the West'. This course unravels the historical significance of one man's ideas and their enduring impact on our world today. From religious reform to societal change, understand the profound legacy left by this 16th-century figure.

Sep 21st 2026

5-12 Weeks

Philosophy Community Politics

Coursera

University of Pennsylvania

Introduction to Ancient Egypt and Its Civilization (Coursera)

Humanities History

Dive into the captivating world of Ancient Egypt with our introductory course. Uncover the secrets behind its powerful pharaohs, majestic monuments like the pyramids, and intricate hieroglyphic writing system. Learn about daily life, religion, art, and the lasting impact of this ancient civilization on the modern world.

Sep 21st 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Ancient Egypt Egypt

Coursera

Nanjing University

Chinese Culture and Contemporary China (Coursera)

Humanities History

Dive into the fascinating world of Chinese civilization with our online course, 'Chinese Culture and Contemporary China.' Uncover the deep-rooted traditions that shape modern-day China and gain insights into its cultural, social, and historical dimensions. Perfect for anyone interested in Asian cultures or seeking to understand more about China's present and past.

Sep 21st 2026

5-12 Weeks

History China Chinese Culture

Coursera

University of Alberta

Indigenous Canada (Coursera)

Humanities History

Dive deep into the rich tapestry of Indigenous history and contemporary issues in Canada through 'Indigenous Canada'. This comprehensive course offers a unique Indigenous perspective on key topics ranging from historical contexts to modern-day challenges. Over 12 engaging lessons, you'll explore national and local Indigenous-settler relations, gaining critical insights that are essential for understanding Canada's complex social fabric.

Sep 21st 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Art Art History

Coursera

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

¿Cómo persuadir? Jugando con palabras, imágenes y números (Coursera)

Humanities

Este curso te introduce en los secretos de la persuasión moderna. Desde las habilidades básicas de la comunicación hasta el uso estratégico de palabras, imágenes y datos para convencer a tus audiencias. Prepárate para dominar el arte de la argumentación y mejorar tu capacidad de influir.

Sep 21st 2026

4 Weeks

Critical Thinking Argumentation Persuasive Communication