Online History Courses & Certifications

The Gandhi: The Man and His Times Online Course is a massive open online course that is part of the Post Graduate course in Gandhi and Peace Studies (PGCGPS). The course will help learners pursuing their studies in Political Science to expand their knowledge about Gandhi, his ideologies, and the thinkers who inspired the mastermind.

The Gandhi: The Man and His Times Certification course offered on the Swayam portal discusses the life of the celebrated man right from his early days to the major contributions he made in changing the face of the nation. The course will be delivered using self-contained and self-evaluative material that can help learners grasp every detail properly.

The Gandhi: The Man and His Times Course is coordinated by Prof. Anurag Joshi of the Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. The audio and video material provided by experts in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences. The mode of assessment for the online course would be through assignments and a term-end exam.

The Gandhi in the 21st Century course offered by Swayam is a 4 credit course and an integral part of the Master's programme in Gandhian studies, focusing on the visionary impact of our father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The course attempts to critically analyze the viewpoints and approaches of Gandhi hoping to use them effectively in the present circumstances of the world.

The Gandhi in the 21st Century Online course discusses the all-inclusive socio-economical and political theory put forward by Gandhi in the 20th Century and puts light on its significance in the modern world. It explains in detail the Gandhian ideology connected with topics like globalisation, democracy, diversities, multiculturalism and other contemporary concerns.

The Gandhi in the 21st Century Course is a postgraduate level course that is taught over 12 weeks. It is an important course for Humanities and Social Sciences students who wish to know the pragmatic ways in which Gandhian concepts can be implemented to solve the problems of the present world.  It is taught by Dr. Shubhangi Vaidya of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi.

The Gandhi: Ecology and Sustainable Development course is a postgraduate level course taught by Dr. Shubhangi Vaidya of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. The course attempts to analyse the practical capabilities of Gandhian philosophy relating to an eco-friendly living atmosphere.

The Gandhi: Ecology and Sustainable Development course offered by Swayam provides students with a detailed understanding of the Gandhian ideas surrounding the topic of ecology and sustainable development. It constitutes 16 units taught over 12 weeks by giving in-depth knowledge on various aspects of mother earth and its sustainable outlook.

The Gandhi: Ecology and Sustainable Development Online Course allows students of humanities and social sciences to gain knowledge about the conservation of natural resources and dimensions of ecological development. It introduces students to various environmental movements, green initiatives and case studies that root for a sustainable way of living.

India and the World Course provided by Swayam is a 4 credit course that discusses the interests, strategies and vision of Indian in the global sphere. The course puts forward a detailed overview of India’s foreign policy, its bilateral relations and the overall effects it has on its citizens. The course is apt for humanities and social sciences students who wish to study the Indian presence worldwide.

India and the World Course is a postgraduate level course that provides valuable insights on India's actions on a global level. It helps students understand the process behind different foreign policies and foreign trade. It imparts knowledge on the contemporary issues affecting the world and discusses its multiple consequences.

India and the World Online course is taught over a duration of 12 weeks through videos of expert lectures from Delhi University, JNU, Jamia and other parts of the countries, media personalities. The course is guided and instructed by Prof. Satish Kumar of Indira Gandhi National Open University.

The ‘Introduction to Western Political Thought’ online course is an elective course provided on the Swayam online educational platform. This training program is developed and offered by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati in association with the National Program for Technology Enhanced Learning. 

The western political thought course is instructed by Dr. Mithilesh Kumar Jha, from the department of humanities and social sciences in IIT Guwahati teaching political science. The course deals with the significant philosophers and their ideologies that influenced and shaped western political thought. The training is conducted for twelve weeks and is a part of the humanities and social sciences categorization. The ‘Introduction to Western Political Thought’ is a faculty development program approved by the All India Council for Technical Education. The students of this course will build a strong theoretical foundation of western political ideas and will gain three credit points after the course completion.

The Tangible Things certification programme by EdX is a humanities course on the functioning of museums, libraries and other historical and scientific collections. You will learn how historians, curators, preservationists and archivists do their jobs. The course aims to discover and study how material objects have helped shape academic disciplines and have challenged or reinforced boundaries between people. 

Offered by Harvard University, the Tangible Things: Discovering History Through Artworks, Artifacts, Scientific Specimens and the Stuff Around You discipline is taught by top Harvard University faculty like Sara Schechner, Ivan Gaskell and Laurel Thatcher Ulrich and visiting faculty like Sarah Carter from The School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison. Harvard University houses some of the fascinating items which will help the students understand the importance and power of learning through tangible things. 

The Tangible Things programme by EdX is an online programme, the course materials of which will be available to the enrolled candidates completely free of cost. But, while taking the course free of cost, the learners will be provided access to the course only for a limited duration. It is a ten-week programme and classes will be held 1-3 hours per week. A certificate of achievement will be available to the candidates upon completion of the course when taking the programme by paying the fee. 

The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1550) course by Swayam, is based on the CBCS syllabus of the History of India. It focuses on the various minute details regarding the Delhi Sultanate, including historiography, politics, economy, religion, society, and culture. The programme lectures are analytical, informative, and student-friendly, helping the candidates gather a significant amount of expertise in the subject. 

Swayam’s Delhi Sultanate (1206-1550) programme is taught by Dr. Tinni Goswami, from St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata. This course curriculum aims to help the students get a deeper understanding of the  Delhi Sultanate’s discourses and recognise the historical continuity that took place throughout the ages. 

The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1550) training certification is an online course, under the Humanities and Social Sciences category. It is an undergraduate-level programme and takes around eight weeks to complete. The programme is replete with video lectures, reading materials, practice tests, and an optional end-term assessment. After fulfilling the required criteria, you will receive a certificate upon course completion. 

The History of Modern East Asia -1 (c.1840-1949) course by Swayam will provide the learners with an in-sight into the historic events of pre modern China. They will learn about the pre modern societies, their social and ruling classes, the opium war of 1840, transformation of china into a semi colony, the Taiping revolution, the era of Tung Chi restoration and imperialism by the western powers and their ‘Open Door’ policy.

They will have knowledge about the democratic republican revolution which gave rise to a republic in China, various republican experiments of China which proved to be a failure, the student movement of 1919, commonly known as the May 4th Movement, the rise of Communist Party of China in 1920, the two edged struggle of the communist party of China against the Japanese imperialism, on one hand, and the nationalists, on the other and the victory of People’s Republic of China on 1st October 1949. Candidates who are keen on learning about the history of the Republic of China can pursue this course.

Humanity & Nature in Chinese Thought course, provided by edX by associating with the University of Hong Kong, is all about making the ethics and behaviour right, issuing guidelines and its importance. Humanity & Nature in Chinese Thought course introduces the candidates to traditional China and its ethical thought and logic. It focuses on the vast difference between the thinking of Westerners and Chinese, its understanding of right and wrong, bad & good.

Humanity & Nature in Chinese Thought describes how there are two directions standing opposite to each other covered under the natural dao model of traditional China. The studies of ethical paths, distinct human guiding organ and Confucian version will also be included in this program.

The map that internally is responsible for the bad or good choices of life and its correlation with nature like a plant, alternate Chinese human based naturalism, a broader sense of normative guidance will be explained in the course in relation to classical Chinese philosophers and Indo European way of thinking. 

Cultures have been a form of identity for many communities across the globe and this has resulted in some form of extremism in all traditions in the last century but the course, Oriental Beliefs: Between Reason and Traditions, not just clears out any and all misconceptions around these concepts, it takes the applicants through these customs to teach them to appreciate and learn about it.

The Oriental Beliefs: Between Reason and Traditions course goes into details while discussing the beliefs of many faiths, be it Islam, Jewism, Hinduism, Christianism or Zoroastrianism, to instill a sense of secularism and love for diversity while teaching them everything tremendous, from their origin to the current practices. Varying concepts from all across the world, ancient Egypt, China, India, to the near and far east.

The Oriental Beliefs: Between Reason and Traditions course by edx deals with all of the aspects of faith, from its Gods and angels to demons and spirits, and seeks to process every bit of this information through both rationality and philosophy. An overall experience from this Oriental Beliefs: Between Reason and Traditions certification course will go a long way for the candidates and provoke thoughts for a comparative and considerate approach.

The Mahabharata upanayanam course will offer candidates a platform to learn about their ancient times in an extensive way. Although the story has received all its attention since the ancient times, the candidates shall have a crystal clear learning on the topic.

The Mahabharata Upanayanam online certification will help the candidates solve all their queries. The Mahabharata Upanayanam online course is basically an introduction to all the dimensions of itihasa. With the comprehensive designing of the Mahabharata Upanayanam training, the candidates will be able to have a deeper version and understanding of the program. The topics have been well covered by the tutors making it easy for the candidates to understand.

The participants would be able to find answers to the questions in a simpler way. Candidates shall be receiving certification once they successfully complete the Mahabharata Upanayanam certification syllabus. The candidates will be able to reach out to the tutor or expert if they have any kind of query.

The History of Modern East Asia II (c. 1868-1945) Japan & Korea by Swayam is a massive open online course that will cater to students and scholars dealing with Japan and Korea’s historical background. The course will provide detailed information about Korea and Japan’s gradual modern transformation. The course covers the Joseon period to the colonization/ post-war periods. The diverse and parallel connection between Korea and Japan will be shown in the course.

The course is divided into two sections- Japan (c. 1868 - 1945) and Emergence of Modern Korea. The candidates will receive weekly assignments that have to be submitted on time. Model questions and support groups for answering the questions of the students will also be shown. This course will provide 2 credits that can be transferred through the credit transfer system in the academic records.

The candidates will receive the certification after clearing the end-term exam. The History of Modern East Asia II (c. 1868-1945) Japan & Korea online course certification is an asset that will add value to the student’s life. The certification will provide career growth and more accessibility to Korean and Japanese culture.

English Literature of the Romantic Period, 1798-1832 online course is an elective programme that falls under the ‘Humanities and Social Sciences’ and ‘English Studies’ subject categories. The programme is a joint collaboration by the University of Hyderabad, Swayam’s learning platform, and NPTEL. Furthermore, this is an FDP training approved by the AICTE that focuses on students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

The English Literature of the Romantic Period, 1798-1832 certification syllabus will introduce you to the Romantic age of English Literature. The course explores various Romanticism elements that include socio-cultural backgrounds, politics, aesthetics, sentiment and ecology through different romantic prose. As the programme does not have any prerequisites, you don't require any previous knowledge of the subject matter to enrol. 

The English Literature of the Romantic Period online programme also provides an e-certificate to those who qualify for the final exam and fulfil all the eligibility requirements. As this is a free course by Swayam, you only have to pay the exam fee to gain the certification.

The Indian Business History online course covers the periods of Indian history from the 17th century to the 21st-century business economy developments. The evolutionary perspective of Indian business history will be covered. The nature of Indian business policies will be analyzed and its historical background will be shown to the candidates. India’s relations with foreign countries and how they shaped the Indian economy will also be analyzed. 

Students from diverse backgrounds can learn from this course. The program is a government initiative wherein the entire program can be completed in 8 weeks. The program is offered via Swayam. Being a free learning programme, the people from weaker sections can get benefitted from the programme. The Indian Business History certification can be shared via Facebook, Linkedin, and other methods. The certification can be shared to gain new professional networks. The certification will benefit research-based work needs, career growth and academic recognition.

The Introduction to Modern Indian Drama training is an online programme that provides all its learnings at zero cost. Candidates who enrol for this programme get to know about the historical theatre practices, political issues, and its development with the passage of time. The course provides a postgraduate level of training to the students and is provided by the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati. The Introduction to Modern Indian Drama certification course does not have any time limits and can be joined by students as per their convenient time slot. The programme will be delivered via online mode wherein the candidates will be given activities such as assignments, tests, debates, etc.

Candidates can pursue this programme as per their available time slot to complete Introduction to Modern Indian Drama certification syllabus but the mentor or guide will be able to complete the same in only 8 weeks. The platform does not demand any extra payment in order to gain extra access to the course. Candidates will be able to achieve a certificate for the course if they wish to do so. The Introduction to Modern Indian Drama programme needs the candidate to go through the payment of the exam fees and an offline examination to be able to get certified for the course. This is a self paced course and can be accessed when the duration of the course has expired and students can learn from the programme on their own.

Philosophical Foundations of Social Research program indulges in the nature of social science inquiry. The course covers many topics, such as the philosophy of science, ontology, epistemology, and applications in different areas. At the end of the course, participants will be familiar with the plurality of views in the intellectual community, applications of the philosophy of science in social sciences, analyze issues in social sciences, and practice scholarly discussions. 

Philosophical Foundations of Social Research certification is an elective course in humanities and social sciences with no enrolment fee or prerequisites. It is an online undergraduate/postgraduate course that any interested candidates can join. The course is the result of a collaboration between IIT Guwahati and NPTEL. This AICTE approved FDP course will be taught by professor Sambit Mallick. 

Philosophical Foundations of Social Research is an eight-week-long course with an e-certificate available for candidates. Participants will be given periodic assignments to evaluate their progress. A list of books is also available on the website for any additional studying.

The ‘Aspects of European History (1780-1939)’ online course is a study of the history of Europe in the set time period along with the political and societal transformations. This massive online open course allows students to discuss political movements such as conservatism, liberalism, radicalism, democracy, socialism, Communism, and Fascism. This certification is provided by Swayam along with Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC). 

The elective course is conducted for eight weeks and the classes are held in a virtual learning environment aided with online resources that offer an experiential learning process. The course instructor for this program is an academic professional, Prof. Subhas Ranjan Chakrobarty from St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Kolkata. 

The ‘Aspects of European History (1780-1939)’ online training focuses on the historical movements and delivers a perspective of the contemporary world. The humanities and social science course enable students to get a course certificate and credit points at the undergraduate level.

Coursera’s Age of Jefferson course provides a comprehensive look into the life and times of Thomas Jefferson. The seven-part course, with each part comprising lectures, readings, and a tour of institutions and places pivotal to the life of Jefferson, is a place for anyone looking to know the historical figure on a personal level.

The institutional tours offered by Coursera’s Age of Jefferson course are quite in-depth, with an abundance of knowledge regarding the work done by Jefferson in Monticello Estate and the University of Virginia, and how the work brought about a significant change in his life and philosophy. The curriculum reading also includes a lot of letters and other writings penned by Thomas Jefferson. The syllabus also covers the famous letter the historical figure wrote to James Madison, named “the earth belongs to the living.”

Also, the Age of Jefferson online programme is entirely an online learning experience, with no strict lecture timings, allowing you to tackle the course at your own pace. The certification training, alongside the video lectures, also has a ton of reading material paired up with weekly graded tests to put your newly acquired knowledge to test. On course completion, you will be rewarded with an industry-revered certificate by Coursera.

The Spain of Don Quixote program is an immersive and informative experience provided to the candidates by edX through various means of video lessons, digital maps, and illustrated texts for a better learning experience. The Spain of Don Quixote is in association with Universidad Autonoma de Madrid and it takes the candidates on an exploration of Spain from the ancient era.

The program remains concentrated on the history of Spain between two periods- Baroque and Renaissance and sets the mood of how the culture used to be. It talks about the rich and cherished Spanish literature and art where many artists (Lope de Vega, Cervantes & Velazquez) received excellence in history’s first world empire, the monarchy of Spain.

The Spain of Don Quixote deals with the trendy fashion of Spain at that time in courts of Early Modern Europe, Spanish military and political machinery of the period, and American printing centers. The Spain of Don Quixote program describes the celebration of the huge cities, theatrical production, real geography, and polarised society of Spain and lets the candidates take a tour of the Spanish Golden Era. For candidates to get unlimited access they will have to pursue this course in the verified track. In case the candidates have chosen the audit track they will only be receiving limited course access.

The Star Trek: Inspiring Culture and Technology programme explains how Star Trek, which was initially a failed series, became supremely influential. Today, this cult favourite encompasses additional television series, feature films, and a world of fan memorabilia and conventions. Undertaking this seven-week course, you will understand why people resonate with Star Trek, how it has inspired generations to ask essential questions about their identity and relation with their surrounding world. 

Through the Star Trek: Inspiring Culture and Technology certification syllabus, you will explore how Star Trek’s motion pictures and live-action tv shows impacted audiences globally. Offered by the Smithsonian Institution - the curriculum features trained instructors to explain the relationships between Star Trek and culture, History, society, and technology. The training also includes clips from the films and shows, experts’ opinions, and debate sessions with fellow fans. 

EdX’s Star Trek: Inspiring Culture and Technology course is an introductory free programme under the ‘History’ category. It features no enrolment prerequisites, a self-direct schedule, and a purchasable e-certificate. The institute offers this curriculum under the CBS Consumer Products’ license. 

The certified course on Visualizing the Birth of Modern Tokyo is offered by MIT Visualising Cultures and the Smithsonian Institute. The course deals with the emergence of modernity helping in the transformation of Tokyo city from the era of gas-lit 1870s to the Jazz-based 1930s. The course will cover content in terms of daily life, nightlife, neighborhoods, and the city’s challenges with its vagaries of nature. The students get to learn the tradition of “100 views” which it depicts the city in a composite way to witness both the excitement and losses. 

The learning of Visualizing the Birth of Modern Tokyo Online Certificate course is designed for the duration of 4 weeks and the student needs to put in an effort of 1 to 3 weeks every week. The Visualizing the Birth of Modern Tokyo Course is self-paced and in the format of a course as the learners will be able to witness multiple viewpoints. The Visualizing the Birth of Modern Tokyo Certification course will bring several scholars from different disciplines for their instructions or arguments. The Visualizing the Birth of Modern Tokyo Course will cover the concepts of cosmopolitanism and ultranationalism which made Tokyo city imperial by nature. The candidates will be choosing between 2 tracks, Audit, and Verified for pursuing the course. During the verified mode, the candidates will be getting unlimited access whereas during the audit mode, the candidates will be receiving limited period access.

The Study of Art History of Prose Forms of Urdu (AECC) program enlists and extensively covers the B.A. Urdu (Honours) syllabus according to the UGC CBCS guidelines. It is essentially an ability enhancement course designed to supplement the students’ understanding of Urdu prose’s various dimensions. 

The Study of Art History of Prose Forms of Urdu (AECC) online course is scheduled for six weeks, designed for undergraduate students. Dr. Mushtaq Hussain Magloo, who has secured a Ph.D. degree in Urdu from the University of Kashmir, delivers the curriculum. With years of academic experience and a firm grip over the subject, he ensures that students undergo a comfortable and adequate learning experience.

The Study of Art History of Prose Forms of Urdu (AECC) certification syllabus comprehensively covers all the relevant areas and genres of the subject like Maktoob nigari, Reportage, Swaneh, Mazmoon, Novel, Dastaam, Afsana, and Safarnama. The stages of development, along with the form and art of the genres, are also discussed, thereby ensuring that they develop a holistic understanding of the subject. 

A shared initiative of FutureLearn, and Yad Vashem, the Antisemitism: From Its Origins to the Present certification is a 6 weeks course. This course is online and engages learners with tracing the history of Antisemitism. Here a group of 50 renowned scholars will delve into the issues that are related to  Antisemitism in the state of Israel.

Antisemitism: From Its Origins to the Present certification syllabus surrounds topics like what really is  Antisemitism, how did this concept of  Antisemitism develop, the reason why  Antisemitism is present in diverse cultures, and how it has evolved throughout history. Soe other questions that get resolved through this course are after Holocaust what happened with Antisemitism, which spheres can Antisemitism be located in, and ways in which it is expressed in the present world.

Antisemitism: From Its Origins to the Present training is imparted online for only 3 hours per week, where students can learn at their own velocity and can receive a certificate that will be of value for their future growth.

Learn more about the discovery, and reburial of King Richard III with England in the Time of King Richard III certification course. The online course is mainly made by the leading research university, the University of Leicester, and the completion certificate is produced by FutureLearn. The skeleton remains of Richard III, the famous king was found in a Leicester car park which aroused suspicion, and also revelations about the infidelity with the bloodline of his family were news to the world. With this course, learners will travel in time to the 15th century and unearth life present during the time of Richard III.

England in the Time of King Richard III certification syllabus will cover learnings from the university scholars at Leicester about locating the body of the king, and also uncover exciting History about England when he was still alive.

With every passing week of this England in the Time of King Richard III training every candidate will relate to the several aspects of the era of the 15th century that will include a study on the food habits, the warfare used, and how death and commemoration were mourned in the medieval era.

The Star Trek: Inspiring Culture and Technology Part II is a six-week programme that offers insightful knowledge about how this globally favourite series left a lasting impact. This introductory curriculum features top educators with whom you’ll analyse Star Trek clips and movies to understand why it’s a cult classic. Experts will lay down their opinions, and you will also debate with fellow fans for an immersive experience.

The Star Trek: Inspiring Culture and Technology II certification syllabus will dive deep into how this sci-fi phenomenon tackled controversial topics like ethics, race, sexuality, and gender. You will explore vital topics, examine Star Trek’s connections with culture, technology, society, and History, and engage in critical analysis. 

Presented by The Smithsonian Institution, the Star Trek: Inspiring Culture and Technology II online course is entirely self-paced. While there’s a paid certification track for the shareable certificate, you can choose to audit the curriculum at zero cost as well.  It is recommended that you complete Star Trek: Inspiring Culture and Technology (Part I) before enrolling in this training.

The French Revolution Certification Course is a beginner-level course that focuses on one of the most significant upheavals in world history, the french revolution. The 100% online course will discuss the important aspects of the revolution including its origin, progression, and outcomes.

The French Revolution Classes will be coordinated by Prof. Peter McPhee, Honorary, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne. The course will provide a comprehensive view of the events that lead to the french revolution and its notable consequences.

The French Revolution Live Course is taught in a flexible manner where learners can reset deadlines according to their convenience. The course would take approximately 24 hours to complete. The course is taught through video lectures, assignments, quizzes, and practice exercises and provides learners with a shareable certificate.

The Cosmopolitan Medieval Arabic World Certification Course is a 100% online course that explores the historical significance of the Arabic Medieval World. The history course available on the Coursera platform has a flexible structure that is convenient for candidates. The course will take the candidates to the Middle Ages and marketplaces of Cairo along with historiographical debates.

The Cosmopolitan Medieval Arabic World Training will be led by Prof Dr. Petra Sijpesteijn of Leiden University. The course will be taught through video lectures, reading materials, and engaging practice exercises to enhance the knowledge of learners. Once all course procedures are completed, candidates will receive The Cosmopolitan Medieval Arabic World Certification by Coursera and Leiden University.

Magna Carta is an old document approximately 807 years old which is an important document of history and has altered the laws and regulations of the United Kingdom. It is a document that is enforced in 1215 to king John that a king and his government are not above the law. The document is very important from the historical point of view and also holds importance in spreading liberty among the civilians. The course on Magna Carta and its Legacies: Freedom and Protest is an initiative by the University of London for the students who are willing to explore more about the Magna Carta. 

Magna Carta and its Legacies: Freedom and Protest training is an online 6-week course available on the online platform of Coursera. The classes of the course will be taken by the experts and will be completed in 10 hours. The course will focus on the significance of the Magna Carta on the globe, and the reason behind perceiving the Magna Carta as a radical document. The candidates who shall opt for the certification mode will receive Magna Carta and its Legacies: Freedom and Protest certification by the University of London and Coursera.

Egypt is one of the countries that has a wealthy and long history. The country is linking northeast Africa with the Middle East, dating to the time of the pharaohs. The fertile Nile river, temples, ancient monuments, and pharaohs are the central reason for its strong history. The course on Wonders of Ancient Egypt is an initiative by the University of Pennsylvania for the learners who wish to dig deeper into the history of Egypt. 

Wonders of Ancient Egypt training is available on the Coursera portal and the course shall make learners aware of the rich and strong history of Egypt. The learner shall learn about the wonders and strange traditions of the country. This is an online course with flexible deadlines of 6 weeks duration. The classes will be delivered by the experts in the art and history of Egypt and shall be completed within 10 hours. The candidates who have enrolled in the course will also receive Wonders of Ancient Egypt certification from the University of Pennsylvania by the end of the course.