Harvard University is offering a free online course on the history of cities and the many aspects of urban development. “CitiesX: The Past, Present and Future of Urban Life” gives city-dwellers, history buffs, and urban planners the opportunity to learn from Harvard professor Ed Glaeser, a leading economist.

This wide-ranging 12-week course will cover the cultural contributions of cities, the role government plays in urban development, how transportation affects livability, and what the future might hold for urban life. 

CitiesX will give a far-ranging look at the past, present and future of cities, with the aim of better understanding, appreciating and improving urban areas.

The course will explore key concepts of urban development by examining cities around the world, including London, Rio de Janiero, New York City, Shanghai, Mumbai, Kigali and many more.

The course includes a historical exploration of cities: how urban centers like ancient Rome resulted from consolidation of imperial power, how cities like Sao Paulo grew as important hotbeds of industry and how cities like Seattle became hubs of technology and human capital.

After three decades studying cities, Glaeser believes urbanisation offers significant opportunities to improve the human condition, in part by supporting an economy that relies on smartness and innovation.

“We are a social species that gets smart by being around other smart people,” Glaeser said. “I think that’s ultimately why cities have come back and have resurged — they are machines for throwing us into a maelstrom of economic activity where we learn from the people around us.”

The course is inspired by Glaeser’s book Triumph of the City and the framework of the course, like the book, comes from economics but is enhanced by conversations with experts from other disciplines, including urban planning, sociology, journalism, anthropology, history, art, and music.

The course launches today, however students can enroll for free at any time here.