The sesquicentennial of the Kansas territory has led to two new online courses available through Kansas University Continuing Education.

“History of Kansas” deals with the national events that influenced how the state developed. “Topics in Reading and Writing: Plains Literature” uses novels, essays and diaries to help students understand the people of the Plains and the human and philosophic issues that arise in a culture in which lives and livelihoods depend on the weather and nature.

Both are offered for three hours of undergraduate credit. For more information or to enroll, visit www.kuce.org/isc or call 864-5823.