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.
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.
The Immigration Act of 1924 (Almost) 100 Years Later
The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Oscar Handlin famously wrote, “Once I thought to write a history of the immigrants in America. Then I...
From Manors to Museums: Discovering the Treasures of Victorian England
Explore the fascinating architecture, interiors, decorative arts, and fine arts of Victorian...
Great Trials in American History
Examine influential and controversial trials and decisions that have affected American history.
Russian History: From Lenin to Putin
Explore Russian history from the Tsarist regime to Putin.
The City and the Book: Florence, Venice, London, New York
Explore the history of books from the illuminated manuscripts of the Renaissance to the mass market paperbacks of...
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.
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.
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.
London's Royal Parks
Explore the rich history of London’s famous royal parks.
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...
England¿s Medieval Queens: The Three Eleanors
Learn about the fascinating lives and historical importance of three English queens.
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...
Holocaust Memory in America
Explore how the Holocaust has been commemorated, memorialized, and taught in the United States.
The History of Controversial Supreme Court Cases
Explore the history of controversial Supreme Court cases and the country’s reaction to them.
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.”