Free Online Humanities Courses

48 Humanities Courses

Philosophy of Love in the Western World

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This course is a seminar on the nature of love and sex, approached as topics both in philosophy and in literature. Readings from recent philosophy as well as classic myths of love...

Science, Magic, and Religion

University of California, Los Angeles

Professor Courtenay Raia lectures on science and religion as historical phenomena that have evolved over time. She examines the earlier mind-set before 1700 when into science fitted...

Sustainable Living: Environment I

University of California, Los Angeles

The Education for Sustainable Living Program (ESLP), ESLP is a student designed, student developed, and student facilitated program offered through the Institute of the Environment....

Sustainable Living: Environment II

University of California, Los Angeles

Environment 185A: Sustainable Living is a sub-division of the Education for Sustainable Living Program (ESLP). ESLP is a student designed, student developed, and student facilitated...

The American Novel Since 1945

Yale University

In "The American Novel Since 1945" students will study a wide range of works from 1945 to the present. The course traces the formal and thematic developments of the novel...

The American Revolution

Yale University

The American Revolution entailed some remarkable transformations - converting British colonists into American revolutionaries, and a cluster of colonies into a confederation of...

The Civil War and Reconstruction Era, 1845-1877

Yale University

This course explores the causes, course, and consequences of the American Civil War, from the 1840s to 1877. The primary goal of the course is to understand the multiple meanings...

The Crusades (HIST 4332)

University of Houston

The Crusades (HIST 4332) with Professor Sally Vaughn of The University of Houston covers the origins, development, and results of the crusades from the eleventh through the thirteenth...

The Early Middle Ages, 284-1000

Yale University

Major developments in the political, social, and religious history of Western Europe from the accession of Diocletian to the feudal transformation. Topics include the conversion...

The Moral Foundations of Politics

Yale University

This course explores main answers to the question "when do governments deserve our allegiance?" It starts with a survey of major political theories of the Enlightenment—Utilitarianism,...

The Poetry of John Milton

Yale University

A study of Milton's poetry, with some attention to his literary sources, his contemporaries, his controversial prose, and his decisive influence on the course of English poetry....

The Victorians: Culture and Experience in Britain, Europe and the World 1815-1914

Gresham College

The course explores the Victorian era's cultural values and experiences across Britain, Europe, and the world, focusing on significant themes and their international perspectives....

The field of Humanities encompasses a rich tapestry of disciplines that explore the complexity of human experience, culture, and thought. From literature and history to philosophy and the arts, the Humanities provide a critical lens through which we can understand the world around us and our place within it.

Courses in Humanities encourage students to engage with diverse perspectives, fostering a deeper comprehension of the social, political, and ethical dimensions of human life. Through the study of various texts, artworks, and historical contexts, learners develop essential skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and articulate communication.

Key areas of study within Humanities include:

  • Literature: Explore timeless works of fiction, poetry, and drama that reflect the human condition.
  • History: Understand the events that have shaped societies and cultures across the globe.
  • Philosophy: Delve into the fundamental questions of existence, ethics, and knowledge.
  • Art History: Investigate the evolution of artistic expression and its impact on society.
  • Cultural Studies: Analyze the cultural phenomena that influence contemporary life.

Participating in Humanities courses not only broadens one’s intellectual horizons but also nurtures empathy and appreciation for the diverse narratives that compose our world. Students are encouraged to engage in discussions, collaborate on projects, and undertake research, all of which enhance their understanding of complex issues.

As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the skills acquired through Humanities education are more important than ever. Graduates equipped with a comprehensive understanding of human culture and history find themselves well-prepared for various careers, including education, journalism, social work, public policy, and more.

In conclusion, whether you are interested in exploring the depths of human thought, the richness of cultural practices, or the dynamics of societal change, a course in the Humanities can provide you with a profound educational experience that will resonate throughout your life.