avatarJerry Keszka

Summary

Harvard University offers seven free online courses that cover a range of subjects, including rhetoric, programming, pricing strategy, game development, customer needs, Chinese philosophy, and happiness management, aimed at enhancing practical skills and knowledge for personal and professional growth.

Abstract

The undefined website presents an opportunity to engage with high-quality education through seven free courses provided by Harvard University. These courses are designed to be accessible online and cover diverse fields such as persuasive writing, programming basics with Scratch, strategic pricing, interactive game development, customer needs analysis, insights into Chinese philosophy for a good life, and managing personal happiness. Each course offers unique learning outcomes, from mastering rhetorical devices and coding fundamentals to understanding economic decisions based on demand, game design principles, and philosophical concepts that can contribute to a happier and more fulfilling life. The courses are available for varying periods, with some accessible until the end of 2023 and others closing soon, encouraging learners to enroll promptly.

Opinions

  • The author believes that these courses can significantly impact one's life by broadening practical knowledge and skills.
  • There is an emphasis on the value of learning from one of the world's most respected universities without the financial burden traditionally associated with such education.
  • The courses are not only for personal development but also for upskilling, which is crucial for solopreneurs, online creators, and writers, as indicated by the author's ongoing education project.
  • The article suggests that understanding customer needs and pricing strategies is essential for business success.
  • The author implies that engaging with ancient Chinese philosophy can provide practical tools for self-awareness and managing one's impact on the world.
  • The concept of managing happiness is presented as an attainable goal through the application of scientific knowledge about the mind, body, and community.
  • The author encourages readers to support Medium writers, including themselves, by subscribing to Medium for unlimited access to articles, which indirectly supports the creation of valuable content like the courses listed.

7 Free Courses From Harvard University That Will Change Your Life

Don’t miss the opportunity to gain free knowledge from Harvard University

Welcome to online education, where the world’s greatest universities are only a few clicks away. Harvard University, one of the most respected universities in the world, provides free courses that can change your life. Imagine taking a class taught by a Harvard professor without having to pay a dime or leave the comfort of your own home.

The selected courses will broaden your practical knowledge and skills, from computer science to business and self-development.

Whether you want to upskill or learn something new, these courses will extend your horizons and leave you feeling accomplished. Therefore, let’s dig into the seven free Harvard University courses to improve your life.

Image by the author using Canva

1. Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

In studying this introduction to American political rhetoric, you will develop essential communication skills, including writing and public speaking.

What you will learn:

  • When and how to use a range of different types of rhetorical devices in both writing and speech
  • How to distinguish between a valid argument and an effective rhetorical style
  • How to persuade others with your writing, whether it be an editorial or a brief speech
  • Methods for determining the persuasiveness of an argument
  • How to recognize and avoid flawed logical arguments

Available — until May 17, 2023

2. Introduction to Programming with Scratch

A straightforward and approachable introduction to programming that will get you ready for more advanced coding studies.

What you will learn:

  • Functions
  • Events
  • Values
  • Conditions
  • Loops
  • Variables

Available — until December 31, 2023

3. Pricing Strategy

In this course, which lasts 15 minutes, you will learn how to evaluate and make economic decisions based on demand.

What you will learn:

  • With Ace Tickets, investigate the economics of demand through pricing strategies
  • Recognize the concept of willingness to pay and its implications for business

Available anytime.

I am working on an education project for solopreneurs, online creators, and writers, so make sure that you are updated with the progress and get on the list here: https://medium.com/@jkeszka/subscribe

4. Introduction to Game Development

This hands-on course will teach you about developing 2D and 3D interactive games. You will investigate the design of games such as Super Mario Bros., Pokémon, Angry Birds, and more.

What you will learn:

  • Principles of 2D and 3D graphics, animation, sound, and collision detection
  • Unity and LÖVE 2D
  • Lua, C#
  • Basics of game design and development

Available until December 31, 2023

5. Understanding customer needs

This Harvard Business School (HBS) Online lesson will take you 15 minutes to complete and will teach you how to understand the demands of your customers.

What you will learn:

  • Learn how to develop new talents and respond to changing client demands within your organization.
  • Recognize why clients make particular purchases and how you might build products and services that tackle the problems they’re attempting to solve.

Available anytime.

6. The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches Us about the Good Life

Your ideas about what it takes to be happy, lead a meaningful life and make a difference in the world can be tested as you investigate ancient Chinese philosophy, ethics, and political theory.

What you will learn:

  • Studying ancient Chinese philosophy can help you live a happier existence.
  • Tools for self-awareness, ritual power, and detecting your surroundings
  • How personal actions and reactions affect the planet
  • Confucius’, Mozi’s, Mencius’, Laozi’s, Zhuangzi’s, Xunzi’s, and Han Feizi’s philosophical ideas

Available until June 14, 2023

7. Managing Happiness

You have the keys to your own happiness. Write your own ending.

What you will learn:

  • Investigate several concepts of happiness and its role in daily life.
  • See how genetic, societal, and economic factors influence your happiness.
  • Use the science of the mind, body, and community to manage emotions and behaviors better.
  • Create a happiness portfolio centered on your most significant wants and goals.
  • Appreciate the influence of success and performance on short-term versus long-term satisfaction.
  • Create a happy finale for your career and life at any age or stage.

Availability — closing soon.

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