History Courses

Explore the history of navigation, from stars to satellites.

An in-depth look at the 1854 London cholera epidemic in Soho and its importance for the field of epidemiology.

An overview of divination systems, ranging from ancient Chinese bone burning to modern astrology.

An overview of modern Chinese history, including the fall of the Qing and the end of imperial China.

Explore the birth of modern China with a focus on the time between the fall of the Qing and the end of World War II.

Explore the Maoist period of China, from the Communist Party to the death of Mao and the reopening of China.

Use the case study method to study China from the rise of Deng Xiaoping to the present.

Learn how the Manchus conquered the Qing and established the last of the imperial dynasties.

Learn how early American politics informed the U.S. Constitution and why its promise of liberty and equality has yet to be fully realized.

Learn about the forces in American politics that seek to influence the electorate and shift the political landscape.

Explore the archaeology, history, art, and hieroglyphs surrounding the famous Egyptian Pyramids at Giza. Learn about Old Kingdom pharaohs and elites, tombs, temples, the Sphinx, and how new technology is unlocking their secrets.

Learn about Christianity through a study of its sacred scriptures. We will explore how diverse Christians have interpreted these writings and practiced their teachings over a 2000 year, global history.

Learn about the rich diversity of Hindu sacred texts – hymns, narratives, philosophical thought – and their interpretations.

Explore what makes cities energizing, amazing, challenging, and perhaps humanity’s greatest invention.

Join Harvard faculty in this online course to discover the physical history of the Jewish bible.