The Modern World, Part Two: Global History since 1910 (Coursera)

The Modern World, Part Two: Global History since 1910 (Coursera)

This is a survey of modern history from a global perspective. Part Two begins early in the twentieth century, as older ways of doing things and habits of thought give way. What follows is an era of cataclysmic struggles over what ideas and institutions will take their place.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

The course concludes in the present day, as communities everywhere are transitioning into a new era of world history. Again we work hard to grasp what is happening and ask: Why? Again we are drawn to pivotal choices made at key moments by individuals and communities.

Syllabus

WEEK 1: Crackup (1905-1917)
WEEK 2: New Orders Emerge (1917-1930)
WEEK 3: The Crisis of the World (1930-1940)
WEEK 4: Total War and Aftermath (1940-1950)
WEEK 5: The Return of Wartime (1950-1968)
WEEK 6: Decay and Renaissance (1968-1991)
WEEK 7: The Next Phase (1991-2013)

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Coexistence in Medieval Spain: Jews, Christians, and Muslims (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado System

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

This course explores Jewish, Christian, and Muslim intercultural relations in Iberia from the Visigothic era (6th century CE) until the creation of Queen Isabel I and King Ferdinand II Catholic Spain (late 15th century). We evaluate the many identities of the peninsula known as Christian Hispania, Jewish Sefarad, and Islamic al-Andalus. We trace the origins and trajectory of conflict between these communities (the Muslim conquest of Spain, Christian Reconquista, prohibitions blocking intermixing of peoples, and expulsions).

Jun 8th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction (Coursera) Coursera
University of Virginia

Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction (Coursera)

A unique and exciting introduction to the genre and craft of historical fiction, for curious students, aspiring authors--anyone with a passion for the past. Read classics of the genre, encounter bestselling writers of historical fiction, and discover your own historical archive while interacting with a global community of interested readers.

Jun 8th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Historia del Arte: Del Arte Prehistórico al Renacimiento (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad de Palermo

Historia del Arte: Del Arte Prehistórico al Renacimiento (Coursera)

El arte deriva de un deseo de la persona para comunicarse con otros” (Edvard Munch). Y es desde la prehistoria que el humano ha dejado impresas sus huellas a través del arte. ¿Qué características tienen esas huellas artísticas? ¿Qué nos comunican sobre el periodo de tiempo al que pertenecen? Sumergite en la historia del arte recorriendo este curso.

Jun 8th 2026
4 Weeks
The Talmud: A Methodological Introduction (Coursera) Coursera
Northwestern University

The Talmud: A Methodological Introduction (Coursera)

The Talmud is one of the richest and most complicated works of literature the world has ever known. Since being composed around 1500 years ago it has inspired not only religious reverence but significant intellectual engagement. In this course learners will be introduced to the unique characteristics of this text and the challenges that inhere in studying it while studying a chapter of the Talmud.

Jun 1st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Egiptología (Egyptology) (Coursera) Coursera
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Egiptología (Egyptology) (Coursera)

¿Sientes curiosidad por la civilización del antiguo Egipto? ¿Eres un apasionado de su cultura e historia? En este curso nos acercaremos a los templos de los antiguos faraones, a sus complejos funerarios, a sus ciudades, a su escritura jeroglífica, a su religión y a muchos otros aspectos de esta gran civilización.

Jun 8th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Modern Art & Ideas (Coursera) Coursera
The Museum of Modern Art

Modern Art & Ideas (Coursera)

Welcome to Modern Art & Ideas! This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about modern and contemporary art. Over the next five weeks, you will look at art through a variety of themes: Places & Spaces, Art & Identity, Transforming Everyday Objects, and Art & Society. Each week kicks off with a video that connects works of art from The Museum of Modern Art’s collection to the theme. You will hear audio interviews with artists, designers, and curators and learn more about selected works in the additional readings and resources.

Jun 1st 2026
5-12 Weeks
The History of Modern Israel – Part I: From an Idea to a State (Coursera) Coursera
Tel Aviv University

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

How did the State of Israel come to be? How is it that an idea, introduced in 19th century Europe, became a reality? And how does that reality prevail in the harsh complexities of the Middle East? Presented by Professor Eyal Naveh, with additional units from Professor Asher Sussers' "The Emergence of the Modern Middle East" course, This course will take you on a journey through the history of Modern Israel. In this 1st part of the course we will explore: How did the 19th century idea of a Jewish state become a reality? So the next time you hear about Israel in the news, you will be informed enough about the history of this area to comprehend the many sides and narratives that interact to shape the complex reality of Israel today.

Jun 1st 2026
3 Weeks
Recovering the Humankind's Past and Saving the Universal Heritage (Coursera) Coursera
Sapienza University of Rome

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

Archaeology has as its objective the recovery and revival of humankind past, and as its aim the rescue and preservation of cultural heritage. Archaeology is, among human sciences, the discipline with the strongest importance for the rediscovery, but also for the preservation and protection of cultural heritage, as Humankind’s universal patrimony. You will be introduced to the way we ourselves reflect on and are engaged with the study of human past: from the practical and material recovery of ancient traces in the field to the study and interpretation. On the other hand, the discovery of human past implies the correct conservation and presentation for both experts and general public: the study and protection of the past we share every day prevent from any possible destruction, misuse, abuse and thus cancellation of human memory.

Jun 1st 2026
5-12 Weeks
History of Rock, Part Two (Coursera) Coursera
University of Rochester

History of Rock, Part Two (Coursera)

This course, part 2 of a 2-course sequence, examines the history of rock, primarily as it unfolded in the United States, from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course covers the music of Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, Carole King, Bob Marley, the Sex Pistols, Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Metallica, Run-DMC, and Nirvana, and many more artists, with an emphasis both on cultural context and on the music itself. We will also explore how developments in the music business and in technology helped shape the ways in which styles developed.

Jun 8th 2026
5-12 Weeks
El Valle de los Reyes (Coursera) Coursera
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

El Valle de los Reyes (Coursera)

Este curso va dirigido a todos los amantes de la historia y arqueología, en general, y de manera particular a todos los interesados en egiptología, independientemente de su nivel de conocimiento inicial. El Valle de los Reyes constituye uno de los yacimientos arqueológicos más importantes de Egipto y su estudio, desde diferentes enfoques, resulta muy atractivo para cualquier aficionado o profesional de la egiptología. Con este curso nos proponemos conocer su historia y evolución a lo largo de las dinastías XVIII-XX del Reino Nuevo egipcio, desde su origen hasta su abandono y desmantelamiento.

Jun 8th 2026
5-12 Weeks