Historian Edward T. O’Donnell explores America’s dramatic shift from neutrality to engagement in World War I, highlighting the war’s overlooked but profound impact. He examines the causes of the conflict, American isolationism, and the pivotal events that led to U.S. involvement. O’Donnell also discusses military mobilization, the nation’s role in defeating the Central Powers, and the domestic consequences, including propaganda, suppression of dissent, and Wilson’s promotion of the League of Nations.

The city of Lhasa is filled with monuments that are considered sacred by the religious traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Historian Justin M. Jacobs provides an in-depth look at three of the most important: Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and Norbulingka Park. Jacobs’ virtual journey through these sites reveals the history of Tibet, its diverse cultural influences, and its complex relationship with China.

Late in the fifth century B.C.E., ancient China set in motion a revolution that set the course of world history for the following two millennia and a half. Through war, diplomacy, debate, commerce, philosophy, literature, science, and artistic expression, a radically new social order emerged. Andrew Seth Meyer, an expert in early Chinese history, surveys one of the most fertile and significant periods in history.

The ability to derive meaning from what is seen is an essential skill in a culture saturated with images. Once this visual language is understood, reading images, particularly art, is simpler and more gratifying. Using works from the history of art as well as images from popular culture, art historian Nancy G. Heller focuses on how art communicates, how to analyze and interpret it, and what it reveals about the society that produced it. (World Art History Certificate core course, 1 credit)

Expectations have always been high when it comes to the British line of succession, says historian Siobhan Clarke, and the birth of a royal baby could shape an empire. She explores the historical significance of these important infants from the 15th century to today, examining how the fertility, pregnancies, and childbirths of queens have shaped politics—and why the nation’s history has often hung on a tiny heartbeat.

Few books are so often quoted as Democracy in America, French writer Alexis de Tocqueville’s seminal assessment of both the American experiment and the implications of burgeoning conditions of social equality for the future of democracy. Georgetown University professor Joseph Hartman examines Tocqueville’s impressions of 19th-century America and considers what he means for us today.

Drawing on one of the greatest Post-Impressionist and early modern art collections in the world, Barnes Foundation educator Penny Hansen guides a five-part series of online tours that examine the paintings of artists who helped shape a revolutionary period in the history of art. High-definition Deep Zoom technology provides close-up views of their canvases. This session highlights Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Georges Seurat.

Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as horticultural expert Keith Tomlinson leads a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens in settings as varied as Singapore, the Arizona desert, and the American Midwest. In vibrant visuals he explores how each garden has taken a unique approach to design and interpretation as they celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom. This session focuses on the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.