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Hillsdale College offers short “interim” courses during the winter holiday. These are condensed, intensive classes that run between the fall and spring semesters. Examples include history, literature, politics, economics, philosophy, and faith.
You, too, can take Hillsdale College courses online during your winter break – for free!
The best Hillsdale free online courses are short, self-contained ones that can be completed in 1-2 weeks, making them perfect for the time between semesters.
Recommended Winter Break Courses
Here are some standout options from Hillsdale’s online course catalog:
- Colonial America: From Wilderness to Civilization (6 lessons, ~3.5 hours) – Great for history lovers who want a quick but rich dive into America’s early foundations.
- American Paintings (4 lessons, ~4.5 hours) – A visually engaging course that explores fine arts—ideal if you want something lighter and inspiring.
- The Federalist (10 lessons, ~6.5 hours) – A deeper political/philosophical study, perfect if you want to challenge yourself intellectually during break.
- Understanding Capitalism (7 lessons, ~4 hours) – A concise economics course that explains free-market principles—timely and practical.
- Constitution 101: The Meaning and History of the Constitution (12 lessons, ~10.5 hours) – One of Hillsdale’s most popular courses. Longer, but excellent if you want a substantial project over break.
- The Genesis Story: Reading Biblical Narratives (6 lessons, ~6.5 hours) – A literature/theology blend that’s reflective and meaningful, especially during the holiday season.
- S. Lewis on Christianity (7 lessons, ~5.5 hours) – A thoughtful course that pairs well with winter break reflection and reading.
- Marxism, Socialism, and Communism (6 lessons, ~3.5 hours) – Short, sharp, and relevant—good if you want to understand ideological debates quickly.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Course Length: Most Hillsdale online courses range from 3-12 lessons, each about 30-45 minutes. Shorter ones (3-6 hours total) are best for a quick winter break study.
- Flexibility: You can pause and resume anytime, so even longer courses can be spread across the break.
- Focus Area: Hillsdale emphasizes classical studies—so consider whether these would be something that you’d enjoy during downtime.
Suggested Strategy
- If you want something light and inspiring, go with American Paintings or C.S. Lewis on Christianity.
- If you’re looking for a challenge, pick The Federalist or Constitution 101.
- If you need it to be short and quick, try Colonial America or Marxism, Socialism, and Communism.
Winter break courses can be a “bridge” between the holidays and January routines. These courses will give you a taste of what Hillsdale College classes are like. They can be extended into the New Year by using them to supplement homeschool lessons or fill in learning gaps on your high school transcript.
