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.
Exuberant Splendors: The Baroque Palaces and Mansions of 17th-century Europe
Explore magnificent palaces and mansions in England, France, Italy, Holland, and Sweden, to reveal the architecture, interiors, and decorative...
The History of Controversial Supreme Court Cases
Explore the history of controversial Supreme Court cases and the country’s reaction to them.
America in the World: Dilemmas for Democracy at Home and Abroad
Explore how studying other democracies can shed light on the troubled present—and possible future—of American politics and government.
England¿s Medieval Queens: The Three Eleanors
Learn about the fascinating lives and historical importance of three English queens.
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.
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.
US Foreign Relations: 1960s to the Present
Explore the history of US foreign relations from the first decades of the Cold War and Vietnam to the “present Cold War.”
Global Hotspots Through Foreign Film
Watch powerful foreign films that serve as catalysts for post-screening discussions about present-day issues in the associated geopolitical regions.
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...
Holocaust Memory in America
Explore how the Holocaust has been commemorated, memorialized, and taught in the United States.
Wine Online: Become a Wine Connoisseur
This course will give you a foundation for a lifetime of wine appreciation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Women in the Ancient Near East
Using existing literature and art, explore women’s position in the sociopolitical sphere of the Ancient Near East.
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.