Smithsonian Associates Online Programs

Historian Michael Vorenberg examines the complex aftermath of the Civil War, challenging the assumption that the conflict concluded with Lee’s surrender. He surveys the bloody and turbulent period following Appomattox—characterized by guerrilla warfare, insurgency, political upheaval, and the evolving meaning of freedom. He concludes that the peace Lincoln envisioned required many endings, the most significant of which came well over a year after his death.

Two thousand years ago in northern India, artisans fabricated beautiful diminutive terracotta female figurines in great abundance, sculptors carved colossal stone deities they called yakshas (male) and yakshis (female), and Buddhists began to decorate the burial mounds holding the relics of their founding teachers with exuberant narrative and symbolic sculptures. Richard Davis, a professor emeritus of religion, delves into the world of the flourishing popular religious cultures of India in the centuries from 200 B.C.E. to the year 100.

The figure of David has long captivated artists and audiences, embodying faith, heroism, and the potential of the human spirit. From the Middle Ages to the Baroque era, his image undergoes a fascinating transformation—from symbolic, stylized depictions to a dynamic, humanized hero. Art historian Elaine Ruffolo examines key works by masters such as Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini, showcasing how each reimagines David and reflects centuries of artistic innovation and cultural change. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Whether deciding on lunch or a career, changing our routines or other people’s minds, it can feel difficult to make the decisions that align with the things we care about. Neuroscientist Emily Falk, author of What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change, explains how we can work strategically with our brains to make more fulfilling choices by connecting our decisions with our core values, which can make us less defensive, broaden our curiosity through different perspectives, and spark innovation.

Tyrannosaurus rex is the world’s favorite dinosaur. Drawing on his book King Tyrant: A Natural History of Tyrannosaurus rex, Mark P. Witton discusses everything from the research history of T. rex to their anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, behavior, and extinction. He also addresses T. rex in popular culture, showing how our love for this dinosaur has both helped and hindered research.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi is one of the most creative print designers of the Edo period in Japan. He is known for his imaginative responses—including bizarre monstrous figures—to the censorship restrictions imposed by the military government. Kit Brooks, curator of Asian art at the Princeton University Art Museum, explores Kuniyoshi’s works and why they are so striking. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

One hundred years ago, A. A. Milne published a whimsical short story that introduced the world to a “bear of very little brain” called Winnie-the-Pooh. Today young readers remain captivated by Pooh, Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Kanga, Tigger, and Piglet. Celebrate the centenary of Winnie-the-Pooh as author Daniel Stashower delves into Milne’s life and legacy and actor Scott Sedar brings some of the writer’s beloved works to life.

Saudi Arabia is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, a major player on the international stage, and the site of Islam’s two holiest cities. It is also one of the world’s few absolute monarchies. How did it become what it is today? Saudi specialist David Commins surveys the history of Saudi Arabia from oasis emirate to present-day attempts to leap to a post-petroleum economy.

The mystery of clouds has captivated scientists and artists alike. Atmospheric scientist Edward Graham draws on his new book, Clouds: How to Identify Nature’s Most Fleeting Forms, as he shares the meteorological techniques of nephology (the study of clouds and cloud formation) that offer skyward-gazers insights into these elusive and transmutable shapes. He also showcases artists who painted clouds from a scientific viewpoint, such as John Constable, Frederic Edwin Church, J.M.W. Turner, and Caspar David Friedrich.

Can art history be an adrenaline sport? The answer is yes when art-history professor Noah Charney guides a rapid-fire survey of sculpture. He focuses on key technical and aesthetic developments and new ways of thinking about what three-dimensional art can be. He begins with prehistoric sculpture, speeds through the centuries, and crosses the finish line with modern and contemporary works, including digital sculpture. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)