Humanities Courses

Learn how to better understand the rich and complex ways that religions function in historic and contemporary contexts.

Explore the fundamental principles that guide ethical decision-making within health care environments: patient autonomy, the obligation to do good, the obligation to avoid harm, and justice.

An exploration of the haunting figure at the heart of one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays.

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

Build a foundational understanding of AI concepts with this course from Harvard Business School (HBS) Online.

Explore the reunification of China under the Tang with a focus on aristocratic culture — from poetry to calligraphy to literature.

Gain a foundational knowledge of American constitutional democracy while crafting your own civic voice and identity.

Learn how businesses thrive and grow while simultaneously solving some of the world's biggest challenges in this course from Harvard Business School (HBS) Online.

Learn about the key beliefs and practices of Judaism through an examination of its sacred texts and their interpretation.

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

Learn about Beethoven’s monumental 9th Symphony and forms of orchestral music.

Learn about China’s origins, its integral early thinkers, and competing states and schools of thought.

Explore the ethical controversies of financial markets.

Explore the impact of the conquest dynasties and the world of the Ming.

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.

This introduction to moral and political philosophy is one of the most popular courses taught at Harvard College.

Lead with stories that clarify, align, and inspire action.

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

Develop skills in digital research and visualization techniques across subjects and fields within the humanities.

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

Discover Handel’s Messiah in this installment of First Nights, which will explore five masterpieces of western music.

Learn about the Qin and Han dynasties, and how Buddhism and ideas of self-realization influenced the medieval period.

This course examines the Sikh scripture from a doctrinal and historical perspective by providing an overview of Sikh teachings as well as the historical context within which the scripture evolved and became canonized.

Learn how global warming impacts human health, and the ways we can diminish those impacts.

Why should we care about Confucius? Explore ancient Chinese philosophy, ethics, and political theory to challenge your assumptions of what it means to be happy, live a meaningful life, and change the world.

Examine how great modern writers capture the intricacies of our globalized world and how their works circulate within that world to find their own audiences.

An introduction to the study of bioethics and the application of legal and ethical reasoning.

Learn about the rich and diverse beliefs and practices of Buddhists across time and place. Experience Buddhism through its scriptures, both relationally as well as academically.

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