Best Free Humanities Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

University of Colorado System

Coexistence in Medieval Spain: Jews, Christians, and Muslims (Coursera)

Humanities History

Dive into a fascinating journey through medieval Spain with 'Coexistence in Medieval Spain: Jews, Christians, and Muslims.' This course unravels the intricate relationships between three major religious groups living side by side on the Iberian Peninsula. From the Muslim conquest to the Christian Reconquista, discover how these communities coexisted, clashed, and influenced each other's cultures over centuries.

Jun 22nd 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Architecture Jewish

Coursera

University of California, Santa Cruz

Feminism and Social Justice (Coursera)

Humanities History

Embark on a journey through pivotal moments in feminist history with 'Feminism and Social Justice.' This course, inspired by Professor Bettina Aptheker's renowned UC Santa Cruz lectures, offers an expansive view of feminism and its role in driving social change. From the 1951 Empire Zinc strike to the #metoo Movement, learn how these events have influenced activism and continue to resonate today.

Jun 22nd 2026

4 Weeks

Feminism Social Justice Coursera Plus

Coursera

Michigan State University

Write Your First Novel (Coursera)

Humanities

Embark on the journey of becoming an author by enrolling in 'Write Your First Novel'. This comprehensive course, available on Coursera, guides you through the process of conceptualizing, writing, and completing your first novel. Whether you're juggling a full-time job, family responsibilities, or are a student, this course is tailored to fit into your busy schedule.

Jun 22nd 2026

+25 Weeks

Writing Novel Coursera Plus

Coursera

Erasmus University Rotterdam

When Disaster Meets Conflict (Coursera)

Humanities

Explore the complexities of disaster response in conflict zones with 'When Disaster Meets Conflict'. This online course equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver effective aid in challenging environments. Whether you're a practitioner or simply passionate about humanitarian efforts, this course will guide you through the ethical considerations and practical responses required when disasters strike areas already affected by conflict.

Jun 22nd 2026

5-12 Weeks

Conflict Disaster Disaster Risk Reduction

Coursera

Universiteit Utrecht

Inequality and Democracy (Coursera)

Humanities

Discover the intricate connection between economic inequality and democracy with our course, 'Inequality and Democracy.' Delve into how increasing wealth gaps affect political equality and the fundamental ideals of democracy. Enroll now to understand the challenges facing modern democracies and your role in shaping a more equitable future.

Jun 22nd 2026

5-12 Weeks

Economics Democracy Political Science

Coursera

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan (Coursera)

Humanities History

Embark on an enlightening journey through Chinese cultural history with this comprehensive course series. Focusing on the transformative periods of the Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties, you'll explore how shifts in rationality shaped philosophy, bureaucracy, economics, thought, literature, and ritual. Gain a deep understanding of China's evolution through a multi-disciplinary lens.

Jun 22nd 2026

5-12 Weeks

Religion Buddhism Modern China

Coursera

University of California, Irvine

Relativism (Coursera)

Humanities

Discover the rich history and profound impact of relativism in philosophy and beyond with 'Relativism: Philosophical Perspectives' on Coursera. This course unravels the complexities of this ancient doctrine, examining its role in shaping methodologies across various disciplines and exploring its implications for our understanding of reality, knowledge acquisition, and moral judgments.

Jun 22nd 2026

4 Weeks

Philosophy Relativism Coursera Plus

Coursera

University of Colorado Boulder

William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night: Comedy, Conflict, and Community (Coursera)

Humanities Art and Culture

Dive into the world of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies with our Twelfth Night course. Gain insights into the play's intricate plot, rich characters, and timeless themes as you explore its comedic elements, interpersonal conflicts, and societal commentary. Join us for a journey through literature, performance, and scholarly analysis.

Jun 22nd 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Art Community

Coursera

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Structuring Values in Modern China (Coursera)

Humanities History

Embark on an enlightening journey through four interconnected courses that dissect the intricate layers of Chinese cultural history. This unique program offers a deep dive into how shifts in philosophical, bureaucratic, and economic systems have influenced thought, literature, ritual, and more within Chinese society over time. Uncover the paradigm shifts that have defined China's path to modernity.

Jun 22nd 2026

5-12 Weeks

Science History China