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History

  • Taught by Renowned Historians
  • Explores the Impact of the Past on the Present
  • Examines Political and Economic Systems

In order to understand today’s challenges and conflicts, one must examine the causes and contexts that have created these crises. These courses offer perspective on the ways in which colonization, empire building, and great nation conflicts of the 20th century and earlier have had a lasting impact on today’s world. Additional courses examine the evolution of today’s political and economic systems into their present form.

This semester, study from anywhere in the world in the safety and comfort of your home through online or remote instruction.

A Holistic Look at Iran: Economics, Religion, Politics, and More

Take a holistic look at the various aspects of Iran: environment, ethnolinguistic composition, religious proclivities, economics, and politics.

2025 Spring
1 section

Islamic Art History: A Focus on Cairo

Explore the history, architecture, and artistic importance of Cairo.

2025 Spring
1 section

The Crisis of Security: Global Politics from the End of the Cold War to the Present

In 1991 the world witnessed the triumph of Liberal Democracy with the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. This was the Age of...

2025 Spring
1 section

Espionage: Fact vs. Fiction

Taught by a veteran intelligence professional, this course separates myth from reality in the field of espionage.

2025 Spring
1 section

Politics and Leadership in a Changing Middle East

This course will look at the historical and ideological legacies that influence politics and leadership in the Middle East. It will cover the...

2024 Fall
+ 1 more semester
2 sections

The United States: The World's Liberal Hegemon, But Why?

The United States is seen by its friends and enemies as the world’s liberal hegemon, the "cop." But why the United States? What...

2024 Fall
1 section

Spies at War: Fact vs. Fiction

Register for this Fall 2023 course on the new NYU SPS Academy of Lifelong Learning website. World War II was a critical challenge...

2024 Fall
1 section

The American Presidency: Fact vs. Fiction

American presidents are among the most glamourized and villainized, mythologized and fictionalized government figures in the world. Yet the...

2024 Fall
1 section

Human Rights and Development

A rights-based approach to development has become increasingly central in explaining and addressing the underlying issues related to economic,...

Critical Issues and Careers in Global Affairs

Apply for this Summer 2024 course here. Thinking about grad school? Considering an impactful career in the global arena? Spend two...