Long before Barack and Michelle, or even Prince Charles and Lady Di, power couples were making headlines and history. These dynamic duos are not only found in popular culture, but in every sphere of human achievement: from politics to literature, science, design and economics.

In this series, we’ll explore the partnerships that forged empires, penned prize-winning prose, started revolutions and lit up the silver screen.

As we survey iconic couples from the worlds of arts and culture, the monarchy and politics, we’ll examine what each half brought to these power partnerships: from collaboration, to competition, to support, to inspiration.

Click Here for a Recommended Reading List for the Course (this will be updated weekly after each lecture)

Week 1

Monarchs and Marriage: Royal and Imperial Power Couples

PDF of Lecture Slides

Week 2

Political Partnerships: From Prime Ministers to Presidents

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Week 3

Fighting the Good Fight Together: Revolutionary Couples

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Week 4

Romantic Rebels: Affairs That Shook the World

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Week 5

Innovation and Industry: Scientific Partnerships

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