History and Culture

  • Explores Varying Interpretations of Historic Events
  • Identifies Patterns and Trends
  • Provides Lively Discussion and Debate

To understand the present, we first must know the past. These courses focus on the origins of civilization, explore the causes and effects of world events, and debate conflicting interpretations of past events. From the world stage to New York City’s five boroughs, examine how history impacts our lives today.

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

America in the World: Is the US Constitution in Crisis?

Explore how studying other democracies can shed light on the troubled present—and possible future—of American politics and government.

2023 Summer
1 section

England's Coronations: Five Centuries of Splendor and Pageantry

As the world celebrates King Charles III’s coronation, explore centuries of coronation history, traditions, treasures, and scandals in England.

2023 Summer
1 section

JFK: From Foreign Policy to His View of America's Role in the World

Explore John F. Kennedy’s accomplishments and his vision for the United States that still reverberates today.

2023 Summer
1 section

Preserving Historic Neighborhoods

Gain a community-based view of how neighborhoods use the New York City Landmarks Law to determine the future of their communities.

2023 Summer
1 section

Cultural History of New York City From the Jazz Age To Post-War Modernism

Explore New York City’s cultural history from the 1910’s to the 1970’s through art, literature, and architecture.

2023 Summer
1 section

Women in the Ancient Near East

Using existing literature and art, explore women’s position in the sociopolitical sphere of the Ancient Near East.

2023 Summer
1 section

Master Class: The Evolution of American Free Speech

Explore the key free speech debates that have demarcated the boundaries of what can—and cannot—be said in the United States.

Traveling the Silk Road: The Evolution of China and What It Means for the United States

Learn the postwar history of China from the perspective of political, diplomatic, and economic history.

Central Europe 1848-1948: From Empires and Revolutions to the Dawn of the Cold War

Register for this Fall 2022 course on the new NYU SPS Academy of Lifelong Learning website. This course will analyze the geopolitical...

Georgian England: Cities of Elegance and Art

Explore England’s historic cities and discover the splendors of the Georgian era.

 

Inspired by Real Life: Reading and Writing Exofiction in French

Register for this Fall 2022 course on the new NYU SPS Academy of Lifelong Learning website. Explore French exofiction—a new literary...

International Relations

Gain an in-depth understanding of the post-Cold War world order and the Cold War’s impact on current geopolitical and economic landscapes.

New York City: From "Mannahatta" Through the Gilded Age

Study New York City’s history, from the earliest European encounters with Native Algonquian peoples to the Gilded Age.

The Glorious Country Houses and Palaces of Scotland

Discover the many impressive houses and palaces of Scotland that have played a significant role in history and popular culture.

The Next New York City

Explore New York City’s role as a “World City” and how it will change in the future.

The Supreme Court and Issues of Church and State

Explore the Religion Clauses of the First Amendment and the Supreme Court’s decisions about religion in recent years.

The United States Supreme Court in the 21st Century

Explore the United States Supreme Court’s major decisions during the last 20 years.

US Foreign Relations: 1600s to 1970s

Trace the development of the United States as a superpower, from the 19th century to the Vietnam War.

Vietnam and the Road to Watergate: Lessons from the Johnson and Nixon Tapes

Gain new insights into the Vietnam War and Watergate by examining recorded conversations.

Antique Skyscrapers and the Tycoons Who Built Them

Tour landmark skyscrapers across America and learn about the Gilded Age barons who funded their construction.

Racial and Social Justice Offline and Online

Learn how to conduct successful social and racial justice campaigns.

Spies at War: Fact vs. Fiction

Register for this Fall 2022 course on the new NYU SPS Academy of Lifelong Learning website. World War II was a critical challenge...

Digital Identities: From Social Networks to Deepfakes

Explore how digital identities are created and manipulated.

Exploring the Two CRTs: Critical Race Theory and Culturally Responsive Teaching

Understand what CRT really means and explore the debate around Critical Race Theory and Culturally Responsive Teaching.

The Battle Against Online Misinformation

Learn how to identify and combat fake news and misinformation campaigns on the internet