Online American History Courses
Explore the defining moments, people and movements of the United States with City Lit’s online American history courses. From the American Revolution and Civil War to civil rights, social change and contemporary politics, our expert-led courses provide a deeper understanding of the history that continues to shape America today.
Study a wide range of topics including independence and nation-building, slavery and abolition, immigration, the Great Depression, and the influence of American culture at home and abroad. With flexible online learning, live interactive sessions and tutor feedback, you’ll gain valuable insight into the complexities and contradictions of American history — all from the comfort of your own home.
Our courses are open to adults of all ages, whether you're new to history or looking to expand your existing knowledge. Learn in a supportive environment where discussion and critical thinking are encouraged.
Explore our online American history courses today and engage with the stories and debates that continue to shape the United States and its global role.
22 courses available
Colonial America 1492-1776On this interactive lecture introductory course we will explore the political, social, and cultural development of colonial America in the period 1492-1776.Online
Thu 17 Sep 2026Dafydd TownleyFull fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £123.00- Latin American History Late: Authoritarian Regimes
In the context of the Global Cold War, Latin America experienced a wave of military and authoritarian regimes, some of which lasted decades. As the twentieth century came to a close, most countries had returned to democratic rule. Join Anna Grimaldi to explore how memories of violence and state repression remain strong in Latin America.
Online
Tue 22 Sep 2026Anna GrimaldiFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £12.00 - America Divided: Lead up to the Mid-Terms 1
Join City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson to discover why the US Mid-Term elections are among the most dramatic and high-stakes political events -and why they could matter far beyond America’s borders.
Online
Tue 22 Sep 2026Mark MalcomsonFull fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £19.00 - History taster: Puerto Rico
A concise exploration of Puerto Rico’s unique journey from empire to US territory and the identity questions that remain.
Online
Tue 6 Oct 2026Anna GrimaldiFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £12.00 - America Divided: Lead up to the Mid-Terms 2
Join City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson to discover why the US Mid-Term elections are among the most dramatic and high-stakes political events -and why they could matter far beyond America’s borders.
Online
Thu 22 Oct 2026Mark MalcomsonFull fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £19.00 - The History of the FBI 1908-1976The online course will assess the impact of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the leadership of its first Director, J. Edgar Hoover, on US politics, society and culture from its beginnings in 1908 until 1976.
Online
Mon 2 Nov 2026Dafydd TownleyFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £103.00 - The United and Disunited States of America 1776-1865This interactive lecture outline course explores the political, social, and cultural development of the United States from independence to the end of the civil war.
Online
Thu 5 Nov 2026Dafydd TownleyFull fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £123.00 - US midterms: results and consequences
Take stock of the fallout of the US Mid-Term elections with City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson-who won, who lost, and what it means for the future of American politics and the road to the next presidential race.
Online
Tue 17 Nov 2026Mark MalcomsonFull fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Latin American History Late: Che Guevara's RevolutionsWe're all familiar with the image of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara - but why is the idea of this man still so powerful, even 65 years after the Cuban Revolution? Join Dr Anna Grimaldi to explore Guevara's life, ideology, impact and legacies.
Online
Tue 17 Nov 2026Anna GrimaldiFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £12.00 - Change and Continuity in America 1865-1920On this interactive course we will explore the changes and continuities which took place in American politics, culture and society, from the end of the Civil War to the end of the Progressive Era.
Online
Thu 7 Jan 2027Dafydd TownleyFull fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £123.00 - The Watergate crisisThis course will examine the short and long-term causes of the Watergate crisis and the Nixon administration’s cover-up and the crisis impact on American politics and society.
Online
Mon 11 Jan 2027Dafydd TownleyFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £103.00 - Brazil, Chile & Argentina: an introductory history
This course traces how revolution, war, and political change shaped the nations of Southern Cone Latin America from empire to the present.
Online
Tue 2 Feb 2027Anna GrimaldiFull fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £58.00 - Slavery, enslavement & the CaribbeanApproximately 11 million Africans were enslaved and taken to the Americas. What was daily life like in plantation societies in the Caribbean colonies in the period 1609-1807 and how did new cultures develop over time?
Online
Thu 4 Feb 2027A. SFull fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £58.00 - Radicals and Capitalists in America 1890-1945On this introductory course we will explore political activists of the period across the political spectrum and the impact of economic fortune and misfortune on American societal developments, including the economic boom of the 1920s, the Wall Street Crash, and the Depression.
Online
Thu 18 Feb 2027Dafydd TownleyFull fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £123.00 - Native American history
This six-week interactive lecture outline course examines the history of indigenous populations in North America, from pre-contact societies to modern sovereignty movements.
Online
Mon 22 Feb 2027Dafydd TownleyFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £103.00
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