Embark on a learning journey and add to your knowledge of how women have shaped the world.
(Originally published by MIT Open Learning on Medium)

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March is officially here, and so is Women’s History Month. To honor the remarkable achievements of women, we’ve curated a list of free courses and workshops available through MIT OpenCourseWare that offer diverse perspectives and insights about the rich tapestry of women’s contributions to society. Embark on a journey of discovery, learning, and celebration by diving into how women created, confronted, and embraced change throughout the years.
Deepen your understanding of women’s history, gender studies, and feminist theory
Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies
Gain a basic understanding of women’s and gender studies, an interdisciplinary field that asks critical questions about the meaning of sex and gender in society.
History of Women in Science and Engineering
Learn about women’s contributions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and how their contributions played a larger role in the advancement of human knowledge and technological achievement.
Science of Race, Sex, and Gender
Dive into the role of science and medicine in the evolution of concepts of race, sex, and gender from the 17th century to the present.
Feminist Thought
Learn about theories of gender and politics, definitions of public and private spheres, gender issues in citizenship, the development of the welfare state, experiences of war and revolution, class formation, and the politics of sexuality.
Explore women’s role in science, health, and medicine
Black Feminist Health Science Studies
Deepen your understanding of Black feminist health science studies, including feminist health studies, contemporary medical curriculum reform conversations, and feminist technoscience studies.
Science Activism: Gender, Race, and Power
Examine the role scientists have played as activists in social movements in the U.S. following World War II.
Gender, Health, and Society
Explore gender in relation to health including public health practice, epidemiologic research, health policy, and clinical application.
Discover women’s contributions in media and fine arts
Screen Women: Body Narratives in Popular American Film
Draw from feminist film theory, clinical psychology, and women’s, gender, and cultural studies to better understand filmic representations of the woman’s body.
Gender and Media: Collaborations in Feminism and Technology
Explore representations of race, class, gender, and sexual identity in the media, with a particular focus on new media and how digital technologies are transforming popular culture.
Empower girls with hands-on workshops
Girls Who Build Cameras
This hands-on workshop for high school girls provides an introduction to camera physics and technology.
Girls Who Build: Make Your Own Wearable Workshop
This hands-on workshop for high school girls is an introduction to computer science and electrical and mechanical engineering through wearable technology.
These courses and workshops are available through MIT OpenCourseWare. Part of MIT Open Learning, OpenCourseWare offers free, online, open educational resources from more than 2,500 courses that span the MIT undergraduate and graduate curriculum.