Raise your hand if you’re a history buff! No shame if you’re not, but you’ve landed in the right spot if you’re even a tiny bit curious about the rich tapestry of our past. Have you ever felt intrigued but a little overwhelmed by all the history books out there, or unsure of where to begin to feed your curiosity? Seems like you’re in need of something that’s fun, engaging, and most important of all – accessible at the very tip of your fingers. Enter: online history courses, my fellow time-travelers.
But wait, online history courses? Are they even worth it? I get it, I was skeptical at first, too. Yet, who doesn’t love the convenience of learning at your own pace, all from the comfort of your home? Combining the magic of technology and education, these courses promise to take you on a whirlwind adventure through time and space. Whether you’re new to this passion or a die-hard historian, our roundup of the most compelling and informative online history courses will undoubtedly help you uncover the untold tales of humanity’s extraordinary past. Pack your bags, because we’re going on an epic quest for knowledge!
History Courses – Table of Contents
- Art History Renaissance to 20th Century
- US / United States History – Prehistory to Reconstruction
- Lectures on Greek History and Culture
- US History Part 1: 1500-1877
- The Beginner’s Guide to the Cold War
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Art History Renaissance to 20th Century
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.6 out of 5
Dive into the captivating world of art history with this comprehensive online course that covers the European Renaissance around 1300 A.D. to the Mid 20th Century. Perfect for students aiming to pass AP art history or any beginning level art history survey course, this college-level class offers a complete overview of art, culture, and architecture from the Renaissance to the 1950s.
Created by an experienced professor at Ohlone College in California, this course features clear, non-jargon laden video lectures, an online textbook, study guides, and worksheets. You’ll explore each artwork’s physical and formal properties, including the technology used, color, medium, materials, composition, and shading. Additionally, this course delves into the symbolism of each work, teaching you how to interpret the interrelationship of symbols in a work of art. To make it accessible to a wider audience, 98% of the videos now come with professionally created English captions. Enhance your understanding of art history by enrolling in this enriching online course!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding art history from the European Renaissance to the mid-20th century.
- Familiarity with the language used to discuss art.
- A foundational knowledge of art, culture, and architecture from the 130to the 1950s.
- Analyzing art’s physical properties such as color, medium, materials, composition, and shading.
- Identifying and interpreting symbolism in artwork.
- Decoding the interrelationship of symbols in a work of art.
- Preparing for AP art history and beginning-level college art history courses.
- Improved comprehension of video lectures and texts with professional English captions.
US / United States History – Prehistory to Reconstruction
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.7 out of 5
Are you curious about the history of America and how our country ended up where it is today? Here’s an online course that dives into American history to provide you with a broad understanding from the arrival of native peoples to the end of the Reconstruction era. With this course, you’ll gain insights into the source of our diversity and our current role in the world.
This engaging course is designed like a full semester of college-level U.S. History but simplified to reach a wider audience. It’s divided into 11 chronological sections, each with course lectures, relevant historical documents, and quizzes to test your knowledge. You can complete the course at your own pace, making it perfect for amateur historians, AP students, or anyone looking to expand their understanding of America’s past. So, if you’re ready to dive into American history without the boredom of a dry textbook, this course is just for you!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Broad understanding of US History from native peoples to the Reconstruction era
- Knowledge of major influential people, places, ideas, and events in American history
- Ability to analyze and interpret historic documents
- Improved critical thinking and retention of historical information
- Confidence to engage in discussions about American history topics
- Exposure to diverse perspectives from different time periods and social movements
- Preparation for academic courses or Advanced Placement (AP) tests
- Greater appreciation for the complexity of the United States’ origins and development
Lectures on Greek History and Culture
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.6 out of 5
Are you a classics lover or simply curious about Greek culture? This Udemy course is a fantastic way for both students and motivated self-learners to dive into the best of what Greek civilization has to offer. From exploring the physical world of the Greeks to analyzing the epic Iliad of Homer, you’ll get plenty of insights into this fascinating culture. Plus, you’ll have a front row seat to understanding the beginnings of the Greece versus Persia conflict through Herodotus’ eyes, and wrap it all up with an intro to various Greek philosophers.
Whether you’re enrolled in a Greek culture class and need that extra support, or just a keen learner taking the self-taught route, this course is an excellent addition to your learning experience. So why not take a look? Get ready to step forward in your understanding and appreciation of the world of the Greeks! Happy learning!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding the physical world of the Greeks
- Analyzing Homer’s Iliad
- Examining Herodotus’ perspective on Greece and Persia conflict
- Gaining an overview of Greek philosophers
- Enhancing appreciation for Greek culture
- Developing critical thinking skills in analyzing classical literature
- Strengthening knowledge for academic courses in Greek culture
- Becoming a motivated self-learner in the classics field
US History Part 1: 1500-1877
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.6 out of 5
Are you looking to explore and understand the first half of American History in an easy and engaging way? This fantastic online course has got you covered! With straightforward videos that break down each topic into its most important elements, this course ensures you have a clear understanding of even the most complicated issues. As you watch the video lessons, guided notes worksheets are available to help you stay on track and absorb the information effectively.
The course will take you on a journey from the diverse Native American groups that existed prior to the Europeans’ arrival, all the way through the 13 Colonies, Revolution, Early America, Civil War, and Reconstruction Era. Throughout the 8 units of study, you’ll delve into topics such as Exploration and Encounter, The American Revolution, The Constitution, and more. Each unit is accompanied by essential primary source documents or secondary readings that further contextualize the era in focus. Plus, the course offers quizzes to test your understanding of the content. This course is perfect for students looking to learn about early American History, parents wanting to support their kids, or exam-prep seekers!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding diverse Native American cultures
- Grasping the establishment and growth of the Colonies
- Comprehending key events and actors in the American Revolution
- Analyzing the U.S. Constitution and its significance
- Exploring early America and the Age of Jackson
- Examining the concept of Manifest Destiny
- Navigating sectionalism and its impact on the nation
- Delving into the Civil War and Reconstruction Era
The Beginner’s Guide to the Cold War
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.7 out of 5
Are you eager to dive deeper into the history of the Cold War? The Beginner’s Guide to the Cold War is an online course that goes beyond the commonly known events, like the Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile Crisis. It covers the most significant happenings of the second half of the twentieth century, involving the confrontation between two superpowers and their opposing ideologies. This course strives to shed light on the impact of these intricate events on our world today.
But don’t expect just a list of facts and figures! This engaging course also narrates compelling human stories from that era. You’ll learn about everything from the dramatic impact of nuclear weapons to amusing mistranslations and even some unexpected alien discussions. So, buckle up and get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Cold War, becoming a true expert along the way!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding key Cold War events and their impact
- Grasping the ideologies of the two superpowers
- Analyzing the role of nuclear weapons in the conflict
- Deciphering the importance of diplomacy and communication
- Recognizing significant historical figures and their contributions
- Comprehending how mistranslations influenced events
- Exploring human stories from the Cold War era
- Evaluating the ongoing effects of the Cold War on today’s world
In summary, the realm of online history courses offers an abundance of opportunities to delve into the past and expand our understanding of various civilizations, cultures, and key events. Whether you’re an avid historian or a curious individual seeking to broaden your horizons, these courses are truly a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be explored. Plus, the beauty of online learning means these resources are conveniently accessible to all, no matter where we are in the world or our previous educational attainments.
As you embark on your historical learning journey, remember to approach these online courses with an open mind, ready to challenge your preconceived notions and uncover hidden truths. Engage with your fellow learners in thought-provoking discussions, and allow your newfound wisdom to spark further inquiry and personal growth. With so many reputable platforms and esteemed institutions offering history courses, you’ll be an armchair historian before you know it. Go forth and uncover the past!