Skip to content
History & The Arts
Featured content
Free courses
All content
  • Activity
  • 20 mins
  • Level 1: Introductory

How women changed the world

Updated Monday 5th March 2018

Who wrote the first novel over 1000 years ago? Who disguised herself as a man to explore the new world? Take this interactive world tour to discover the stories the history books left out. 

Meet some extraordinary individuals who rewrote the rules rather than accept them; when you return from this voyage of discovery you won't see history in the same way again. Select the targets on the interactive map now to begin your journey and follow the links to hear that woman's story. 

To use this tour of how women changed the world:

  • Select the targets that appear on the map next to the illustrative clue.
  • Read the 'Did you know?' clue related to the woman who revolutionised her part of the world.
  • Follow the link 'www.open.edu' or image underneath the 'Did you know?' clue to find out the full story the history books left out. 

Alternatively you can view articles of the women's remarkable stories here.

Like this? Try a free history course

  • Copyrighted image Icon Used with permission
    History as commemoration

    History as commemoration

    Commemoration - remembering and marking your past - makes an important contribution to our sense of community. This free course, History as commemoration, considers ways in which written texts, memorials, letters and photographs can all serve to commemorate events, people and values we wish to remember from our past.

    Learn moreHistory as commemoration

    Free course

    4 hours

    Level: 1 Introductory

  • Copyrighted image Icon Used with permission
    The Enlightenment

    The Enlightenment

    The free course will examine the Enlightenment. To help understand the nature and scale of the cultural changes of the time, we offer a 'map' of the conceptual territory and the intellectual and cultural climate. We will examine the impact of Enlightenment on a variety of areas including science, religion, the classics, art and nature. Finally, we will examine the forces of change which led from Enlightenment to Romanticism.

    Learn moreThe Enlightenment

    Free course

    16 hours

    Level: 2 Intermediate

Take it further with an Open University degree

  • Copyrighted image Icon Copyright: Firebrandphotography | Dreamstime.com
    BA (Honours) History

    BA (Honours) History

    With this degree course you will develop and deepen your knowledge of different periods of history from antiquity to the twentieth century. Engaging with a range of exciting and challenging topics such as imperialism, politics, social relations, medicine, warfare and religion in different periods, you will learn the skills of the historian in studying the materials of the past. You will also examine some of the critical approaches taken by historians to their subject matter.  We offer a number of alternative routes through the BA (Hons) History with different combinations of modules, allowing you to align your studies with your own particular historical interests. Studying within a broad framework designed to meet high national standards for single-subject history degrees, you will develop a range of skills in knowledge management, oral and written communication, critical reasoning, research, and information and communications technologies, all of which are highly valued in the modern workplace.

    Learn moreBA (Honours) History

    OU course

 

Author

Related content

Become an OU student

MA History part 1 free course icon

History & The Arts 

MA History part 1

This module aims to provide a foundation for studying local and regional history at an advanced level. You will cover the key issues in the practice of local history within each of the four distinct 'nations' of the United Kingdom: England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The module then explores six key local history themes - poverty, crime and policing, the family, urban history, religion and industrialisation. Underpinning all of this is the development of your research skills. You will be shown how to begin a research project and how to find relevant sources using the growing number of online historical databases.

OU course
Copyrighted image Icon Copyright: Irochka | Dreamstime.com
Certificate of Higher Education Open free course icon

Society, Politics & Law 

Certificate of Higher Education Open

If you’re keen to try university study and want to keep your options open, this certificate course is ideal. It’s part of our unique Open qualifications programme – one of the most flexible in the UK – which enables you to mix and match any subjects you like, building a study profile to suit your particular needs and interests. The Certificate of Higher Education Open (Open CertHE) is the first stage of the programme, and is a nationally recognised award in its own right. You can study the Certificate and stop there, or use it as a stepping stone towards a diploma or degree. The huge choice of modules means you can keep an open mind throughout – whether you decide to follow your enthusiasms, stretch yourself with a subject you’ve never considered before, or focus on something useful for your career (or all three!). No matter where your future lies, the Certificate is an excellent place to begin. In addition to a valuable qualification, you’ll gain essential study skills and a thorough grounding in your chosen subject(s), By the end of your studies, you’ll be a confident learner, ready to take on new challenges – intellectual and otherwise.

OU course
Copyrighted image Icon Copyright: Firebrandphotography | Dreamstime.com
BA (Honours) History free course icon

History & The Arts 

BA (Honours) History

With this degree course you will develop and deepen your knowledge of different periods of history from antiquity to the twentieth century. Engaging with a range of exciting and challenging topics such as imperialism, politics, social relations, medicine, warfare and religion in different periods, you will learn the skills of the historian in studying the materials of the past. You will also examine some of the critical approaches taken by historians to their subject matter.  We offer a number of alternative routes through the BA (Hons) History with different combinations of modules, allowing you to align your studies with your own particular historical interests. Studying within a broad framework designed to meet high national standards for single-subject history degrees, you will develop a range of skills in knowledge management, oral and written communication, critical reasoning, research, and information and communications technologies, all of which are highly valued in the modern workplace.

OU course

More like this

International Women's Day 2015 article icon

TV, Radio & Events 

International Women's Day 2015

International Women's Day 2015 - Sunday 8th March 

Article
Creative commons image Icon The Open University under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 license
The Real Wonder Women activity icon Award icon

Society, Politics & Law 

The Real Wonder Women

Take a look at 60 of the world's most influential and pioneering women and the impact they made over 100 years.

Activity
Creative commons image Icon Gruenemann under CC BY 2.0 license under Creative-Commons license
Divine Women: Discussion Hub article icon

TV, Radio & Events 

Divine Women: Discussion Hub

What are your views on the role of women in religion in the past, present and future? Vote in our polls and share your views right here

Article
Copyrighted image Icon Copyright: The Open University 2011
Women in Science audio icon

Science, Maths & Technology 

Women in Science

How have individual female scientists contributed to the advancement of science through time? To celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day (March 8th) and to mark International Year of Chemistry 2011, The Open University asked some of the female scientists currently working in its Faculty of Science, to nominate their personal choice of outstanding woman of science. The female scientists nominated include several Nobel Prize Laureates, such as Marie Curie, Dorothy Hodgkin and American geneticist, Barbara McClintock. The academics also talk about their own experiences of being a woman in the sciences today.

Audio
50 mins
 

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?