6 free online history courses to take while you’re self-quarantined from Harvard University and more

What caused the birth of religion? Are Hindu scriptures still relevant in 2020? What’s the meaning behind mysterious Japanese scrolls and texts? If you often find yourselves curious about such beliefs and practices from the past, why not dig a little deeper while you quarantine at home? Here, we’ve listed a few virtual courses that prestigious universities across the world are offering on these subjects, free of cost. So don’t wait; shortlist and get started immediately.

The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910

Offered by University of Virginia

Beginning with the worldwide political and economic revolutions of the late 1700s, the part one of the course goes on to track the breakthrough transformation of the world that occurred through the 1800s. During a seven-week programme, learn about revolutionary wars, democratic revolutions and more, all from a global perspective.

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The Modern World, Part Two: Global History since 1910

Offered by University of Virginia

There’s a fair chance that if you’re a history buff, your curiosity will go beyond the period covered in part one, and you will seek answers to the questions that may have arisen in your mind during the course. Considering the same, the university came up with a second part that begins early in the Twentieth century. The course focuses on important struggles of the era and concludes in the present day.

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The Ancient Greeks

Offered by Wesleyan University

Right from the Bronze age to the death of the classical Greek philosopher, Socrates, the virtual lessons dive deep into the ancient history of Greece. Fill yourself in on important events and personalities, as well as the cultural-political aspects of the country's past.

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Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures

Offered by Harvard University

Often, human experience is shaped by social institutions, that include various dimensions of religion in historic as well as contemporary contexts. In this course by Harvard University, learn how these fascinating dimensions go beyond beliefs and ritual practices, and explore the tenets through scriptures and themes such as gender and art.

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Hinduism Through Its Scriptures

Offered by Harvard University

By way of hymns, narratives and philosophical thoughts, the online course will enable you to gain more knowledge about the Hindu sacred texts—and what you can learn from them. Much like the modern thinkers across the world who have taken inspiration from The Bhagvad Gita to enrich their ideas, you will learn to interpret and engage with these writings.

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Japanese Books: From Manuscript to Print

Offered by Harvard University

If the Japanese art culture has always fascinated you, here’s a chance to start decoding it. The nine-week course will take you through their notable short stories and epic tales, teach you how to examine Japanese books and scrolls, and introduce different approaches to visual and textual storytelling. Think analysing beautifully preserved manuscripts in the Harvard Art Museums.

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