USA Factz

If you have a passion for history but don’t want to invest in formal education, you’re in luck. Today, many reputable institutions and platforms offer free online history courses that allow adults to explore different periods, cultures, and events from the comfort of their homes. Whether you’re interested in ancient civilizations, modern history, or specialized subjects, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best free online history courses available to help you expand your knowledge without breaking the bank.

1. Harvard University – History Courses on edX

Harvard University offers several free history courses through the edX platform. These courses are designed by expert faculty and cover a wide range of historical topics, from ancient civilizations to modern history.

• Popular Courses:
  • The History of Ancient Egypt: Dive into the fascinating history of one of the world’s most iconic ancient civilizations.
  • World War II: A Global Perspective: Explore the major events, strategies, and consequences of the Second World War.
• Course Format: Self-paced with video lectures, reading materials, and quizzes.
• Certification: Free to audit, with an optional paid certificate.

Who It’s Best For: Anyone looking for high-quality, university-level history courses with no cost commitment.

2. Yale University – Open Yale Courses (OYC)

Yale University provides free access to a selection of its undergraduate courses through Open Yale Courses. These classes are taught by Yale professors and cover a variety of subjects, including history.

• Popular Courses:
  • The American Revolution: Learn about the political, social, and military aspects of the American Revolution.
  • Early Modern England: Study the major events, people, and trends that shaped England from the Tudor period to the early 18th century.
• Course Format: Recorded lectures, reading lists, and exams. No interaction with professors.
• Certification: No certificate available.

Who It’s Best For: Learners seeking an in-depth, college-level understanding of historical subjects without the need for a certificate or interaction.

3. Coursera – History Courses from Top Universities

Coursera offers a wide range of free history courses from top universities like Stanford, Princeton, and the University of London. While Coursera typically operates on a paid subscription model, you can audit most courses for free.

• Popular Courses:
  • History of China: Bronze Age to the Last Dynasties: Gain insight into China’s long and complex history.
  • The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910: Understand the major developments that shaped the modern world, from revolutions to colonialism.
• Course Format: Video lectures, readings, quizzes, and discussion forums. Self-paced.
• Certification: Free to audit, with an optional paid certificate.

Who It’s Best For: Learners interested in a structured course format with the option to upgrade for certification.

4. Khan Academy – World History

Khan Academy is known for providing free educational resources across a wide range of subjects, including history. Their World History section offers bite-sized lessons on various global historical events, ranging from ancient civilizations to modern times.

• Popular Topics:
  • The Roman Empire: Explore the rise and fall of one of the greatest empires in history.
  • World War I and II: Understand the causes, major events, and consequences of the two world wars.
• Course Format: Short video lessons and quizzes. Perfect for casual learners or those looking to brush up on specific topics.
• Certification: None.

Who It’s Best For: Casual learners who prefer concise lessons and are not interested in obtaining certification.

5. Stanford University – History and Philosophy of Western Education

Stanford’s Open Learning Initiative offers free online courses, including those that focus on history and the development of Western education and thought. The courses are designed for those who are looking for in-depth exploration of specific historical themes.

• Popular Courses:
  • History and Philosophy of Western Education: Study the development of educational systems from antiquity through the modern era.
• Course Format: Self-paced, with video lectures and reading materials.
• Certification: None.

Who It’s Best For: Adults interested in understanding the broader historical context of education and philosophy.

6. FutureLearn – Free History Courses from International Universities

FutureLearn is an online education platform that offers a range of free courses from international universities and institutions. They feature courses on various historical subjects from British, European, and global perspectives.

• Popular Courses:
  • A History of Royal Fashion: Explore the history of fashion within the British royal family, from the Tudors to modern-day royals.
  • The Holocaust: An Introduction: Gain an in-depth understanding of the Holocaust through historical analysis.
• Course Format: Video lectures, discussion forums, and quizzes. Most courses are time-limited but can be accessed on a flexible schedule.
• Certification: Free to audit, with a paid upgrade for a certificate.

Who It’s Best For: Those who want access to a variety of global historical topics and enjoy learning alongside a community of learners.

7. The Open University – OpenLearn History Courses

The Open University offers hundreds of free courses through its OpenLearn platform, including several history courses. These courses are designed to be accessible to learners of all backgrounds and include both short courses and more in-depth explorations.

• Popular Courses:
  • Empire: The Controversies of British Imperialism: Delve into the complex and controversial history of the British Empire.
  • The History of Scotland: Learn about Scotland’s cultural and political history from medieval times to the present day.
• Course Format: Self-paced courses with readings, activities, and quizzes.
• Certification: None.

Who It’s Best For: Learners who want a wide selection of history courses without the need for a certificate.

Benefits of Free Online History Courses

• No Financial Commitment: You can access high-quality history education without spending money on tuition.
• Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace, fitting learning around your personal and professional commitments.
• Diverse Topics: From ancient civilizations to modern history, these platforms offer a variety of courses to match your interests.
• Intellectual Enrichment: Expand your knowledge and understanding of the world’s historical events, movements, and cultures.

Conclusion

Free online history courses offer adults a valuable opportunity to expand their knowledge and engage with topics they are passionate about. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career, explore a new hobby, or simply gain a deeper understanding of the past, these courses from top universities and platforms provide a wealth of information and learning opportunities without the cost. Embrace the convenience of online education and dive into the fascinating world of history today!