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  • American History

American History Courses

American History courses can help you learn about key events, influential figures, and social movements that shaped the nation. You can build skills in critical analysis, historical interpretation, and effective communication of complex ideas. Many courses introduce tools like primary source documents, timelines, and digital archives, which enhance your understanding of historical context and enable you to engage with various perspectives on American identity and culture.


More to explore:

Popular American History Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Pennsylvania

    Reconstructing America's Story

    Skills you'll gain: Case Law, Social Justice, World History, Political Sciences, Storytelling, Policy Analysis, Diversity Awareness

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    24 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    American History Through Baseball

    Skills you'll gain: Labor Relations, Labor Law, Culture, Social Studies, World History, Diversity Awareness, Cultural Diversity, Economic Development, Socioeconomics, Social Justice, Global Marketing, International Relations, Anthropology, Business Economics, Demography, Social Sciences, Market Opportunities, Public History, Economics, Political Sciences

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    14 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Virginia

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

    Skills you'll gain: European History, World History, International Relations, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Economics, Socioeconomics, Cultural Diversity, Governance

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Irvine

    The Pronunciation of American English

    Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Language Competency, English Language, Vocabulary, Language Learning, Grammar

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.2K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    Y

    Yale University

    America's Written Constitution

    Skills you'll gain: Court Systems, Case Law, Political Sciences, Public Safety and National Security, Social Studies, Civil Law, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Public Policies, Governance, Cultural Diversity

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    463 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of California, Santa Cruz

    Russian History: from Lenin to Putin

    Skills you'll gain: World History, European History, International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics, Governance

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    813 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free
    Free
    U

    University of Pennsylvania

    Benjamin Franklin and His World

    Skills you'll gain: Liberal Arts, Social Justice, Ethical Standards And Conduct, World History, Cultural Diversity, Journalism, International Relations, Public History, Political Sciences, Governance, Diplomacy

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    23 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of California, Santa Cruz

    The History of Medicine: Philosophy, Science, and Psychology

    Skills you'll gain: Healthcare Ethics, Pharmacology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, General Medicine, Medical Science and Research, Culture, Medical Equipment and Technology, Behavioral Health, Ancient History, Medical Practices and Procedures, World History

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    82 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    T

    The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    The American South: Its Stories, Music, and Art

    Skills you'll gain: Music History, Music, Oral Expression, World History, Social Studies, Liberal Arts, Performing Arts, Art History, Cultural Diversity

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    405 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free
    Free
    R

    Rice University

    America Through Foreign Eyes

    Skills you'll gain: World History, Liberal Arts, International Relations, Intercultural Competence, Cultural Diversity, Social Studies, Political Sciences, Economics, Sociology

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    403 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Asian American History and Identity: An Anti-Racism Toolkit

    Skills you'll gain: Diversity Awareness, Community Organizing, Social Justice, Intercultural Competence, Cultural Diversity, Immigration Law, Cultural Sensitivity, World History, Media and Communications

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Pennsylvania

    An Introduction to American Law

    Skills you'll gain: Civil Procedures, Civil Law, Commercial Laws, Lawsuits, Court Systems, Legal Proceedings, Legal Strategy, Legal Research, Case Law, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Case Studies, Governance

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5.3K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

1234…85

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular american history courses

  • Reconstructing America's Story: University of Pennsylvania
  • American History Through Baseball: University of Colorado Boulder
  • The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910: University of Virginia
  • The Pronunciation of American English: University of California, Irvine
  • America's Written Constitution: Yale University
  • Russian History: from Lenin to Putin: University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Benjamin Franklin and His World: University of Pennsylvania
  • The History of Medicine: Philosophy, Science, and Psychology: University of California, Santa Cruz
  • The American South: Its Stories, Music, and Art: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • America Through Foreign Eyes: Rice University

Frequently Asked Questions about American History

American history encompasses the study of the events, people, and cultural developments that have shaped the United States from its founding to the present day. Understanding American history is crucial as it provides context for contemporary social, political, and economic issues. By exploring the past, individuals can gain insights into the values and beliefs that have influenced American society, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nation's diversity and complexity.‎

A background in American history can open doors to various career paths. Potential job opportunities include roles in education, such as teaching history at different educational levels, or working in museums and historical sites as curators or educators. Additionally, positions in research, public policy, and cultural organizations often seek individuals with a strong understanding of American history to inform their work and initiatives.‎

To effectively study American history, certain skills are beneficial. Critical thinking and analytical skills are essential for interpreting historical events and understanding their implications. Strong research skills will help in gathering and evaluating sources, while effective communication skills are necessary for articulating insights and arguments clearly. Additionally, an understanding of historiography‚Äîthe study of historical writing‚Äîcan enhance one's ability to engage with different perspectives.‎

There are several online courses available that can enhance your understanding of American history. Notable options include the American History Through Baseball Specialization and the American Politics, Society, and History course. These programs provide engaging content that connects historical events to broader societal themes, making the learning experience both informative and enjoyable.‎

Yes. You can start learning american history on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many american history courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in american history, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning American history can be approached through various methods. Start by enrolling in online courses that cover specific topics or themes. Reading books and articles, watching documentaries, and engaging with historical podcasts can also enhance your understanding. Participating in discussions or joining study groups can further enrich your learning experience by allowing you to share insights and perspectives with others.‎

American history courses typically cover a wide range of topics, including the founding of the nation, the Civil War, civil rights movements, and the evolution of American culture. Other areas of focus may include immigration, economic development, and the impact of global events on American society. Courses often emphasize critical events and figures that have shaped the nation's identity.‎

For training and upskilling employees, courses like Civic Engagement in American Democracy can be particularly beneficial. These programs not only provide historical context but also encourage critical thinking about civic responsibilities and engagement, which are essential skills in today's workforce.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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