Best Free History Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

University of California, Santa Cruz

The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry (Coursera)

Humanities History

Discover the harrowing realities of the Holocaust with 'The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry' - an insightful course that combines literature and history to provide a comprehensive exploration of this tragic period. Through memoirs, historical documents, poetry, and more, you'll gain a deeper understanding of one of humanity's darkest chapters.

Nov 16th 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Holocaust War

Coursera

Tel Aviv University

The Fall and Rise of Jerusalem (Coursera)

Humanities History

Discover the dramatic story of Jerusalem's fall during the Babylonian conquest and its subsequent rise in 'The Fall and Rise of Jerusalem'. This course uncovers the historical events that shaped a nation and explores the resilience that allowed for new beginnings.

Nov 16th 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Archaeology Geography

Coursera

Tel Aviv University

The Emergence of the Modern Middle East - Part I (Coursera)

Humanities History

Embark on a journey through history with 'The Emergence of the Modern Middle East - Part I'. This course unravels the complex tapestry of events that shaped the contemporary Middle East. From the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire to the rise and fall of Arab nationalism, this course provides an in-depth analysis of the region's evolution, including its religious dynamics, state formation, and the ongoing impact of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Nov 16th 2026

4 Weeks

History Modernity Empire

Coursera

Emory University

The Bible's Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future (Coursera)

Humanities Social Sciences

Discover the fascinating prehistory, purpose, and political future of the Bible in this enlightening online course. Uncover the reasons behind its creation amidst times of loss and subjugation, and explore how it serves as a monument to human resilience and hope. Perfect for history enthusiasts, theologians, and anyone curious about ancient texts.

Nov 16th 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Political Jerusalem

Coursera

Sapienza University of Rome

Recovering the Humankind's Past and Saving the Universal Heritage (Coursera)

Humanities History

Dive into the ancient past and learn the techniques used by archaeologists to recover and preserve human history. This comprehensive course explores the methods of archaeological research, from fieldwork to interpretation, while emphasizing the importance of protecting our shared cultural heritage.

Nov 16th 2026

5-12 Weeks

History 3D Archaeology

Coursera

Rice University

America Through Foreign Eyes (Coursera)

Humanities History

Dive into a unique exploration of how America is viewed around the world with 'America Through Foreign Eyes'. This comprehensive online course, offered by Rice University on Coursera, examines the diverse perceptions and interactions between various international regions and the United States. Discover the cultural exchanges, attractions, and repulsions that shape our global understanding of America.

Nov 16th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Culture Immigration Modernity

Coursera

Northwestern University

The Talmud: A Methodological Introduction (Coursera)

Humanities History

Dive into the world of the Talmud, a profound and intricate work of literature that has inspired both religious reverence and significant intellectual pursuit for over 1500 years. This course offers an introduction to its unique characteristics and challenges, guiding you through a chapter of the Talmud with methodological study.

Nov 16th 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Literature Reading

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.

Nov 16th 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.

Nov 16th 2026

3 Weeks

History Holocaust Middle East