Section 1.1: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

The course titled "The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking" offered by Harvard is a treasure for anyone wishing to master rhetoric. This program is rooted in the theory and practical applications of persuasive communication, equipping learners with the skills to construct and defend compelling arguments essential in various scenarios.

Using iconic speeches from notable twentieth-century figures like Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan, the course delves into rhetorical structure and style. It is based on Harvard Professor James Engell’s on-campus course, "Elements of Rhetoric," and aims to empower learners to analyze rhetorical techniques, appreciate the significance of persuasive communication, and recognize persuasive strategies in everyday life.

Key learning outcomes include:

• Mastering various rhetorical devices for writing and speaking.
• Understanding the distinction between argument and rhetorical technique.
• Crafting a persuasive opinion editorial and short speech.
• Assessing argument strength and identifying logical fallacies.

The self-paced course spans eight weeks, requiring approximately 2-3 hours of commitment weekly. It forms part of a Professional Certificate in Leadership and Communication. While auditing is free, a certificate can be obtained for $209 USD. Currently, it has attracted 646,775 participants.

The first video "Become A Software Engineer For Free (Class 01) - 100Devs" provides valuable insights into starting a career in software engineering, offering guidance and resources for aspiring developers.

Section 1.2: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming

If you have ever been curious about how your favorite applications and websites function, MIT's "Introduction to Computer Science and Programming" is the perfect starting point. This course demystifies coding by transforming complex algorithms into digestible concepts using Python 3.5 to tackle real-world analytical challenges.

The curriculum is organized into nine weeks:

1. Introduction to Python and computational thinking
2. Core components of programming
3. Basic algorithms, testing, and debugging
4. Iteration and recursion
5. Understanding structured types and mutability
6. Advanced testing and debugging techniques
7. Object-oriented programming
8. Exploring Python classes and inheritance
9. Analyzing computational complexity

Instructors Dr. Ana Bell, Prof. Eric Grimson, and Prof. John Guttag from MIT deliver the course with clarity and engagement, contributing to its popularity among students.

The second video "Meet the Woman Who Built a $100M Online Education Empire" showcases an inspiring story of success in the online education realm, highlighting innovative approaches to learning.

Section 2.1: Financial Markets

Navigating the complex world of finance can be daunting. Yale's "Financial Markets" course serves as a guiding light, offering a comprehensive look at the principles, methods, and institutions that drive the financial sector. This course emphasizes practical insights into the functioning of securities, insurance, and banking, empowering you to use this knowledge for societal benefit.

What you'll learn includes:

• Behavioral finance and its implications
• Understanding financial markets and their operations
• Insights into behavioral economics

Robert Shiller, a distinguished economist and Sterling Professor at Yale, leads the course, providing clear explanations and fostering an engaging learning atmosphere. It boasts a 4.8-star rating, reflecting high student satisfaction.

Section 2.2: Introduction to Psychology

Curious about human behavior? Yale's "Introduction to Psychology" offers an insightful exploration of the human mind, addressing fundamental questions about our thoughts, dreams, and fears. The course is structured into four engaging modules:

1. Foundations of psychology and neuroscience
2. Developmental psychology and language acquisition
3. Cognitive processes and memory
4. Social interactions and emotional responses

This course is an excellent choice for anyone interested in understanding psychological principles, making it both engaging and enlightening.

Section 2.3: Statistics with SAS

For data enthusiasts, the "Statistics with SAS" course provides a roadmap to statistical analysis using SAS/STAT software. This program goes beyond mere number-crunching, emphasizing the narrative that data reveals. Key topics include:

• T-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression
• An introduction to logistic regression

Jordan Bakerman, an Analytical Training Consultant at SAS, guides students through complex statistical concepts with clarity, making the course accessible to all.

Section 2.4: Writing in the Sciences

Stanford's "Writing in the Sciences" course is designed to help scientists enhance their writing skills through practical examples and exercises. This program covers essential writing principles and the structure of scientific manuscripts, alongside topics such as peer review and ethical considerations in publication.

Dr. Kristin Sainani, a professor at Stanford, delivers the course with an engaging approach, resulting in a 4.9-star rating. This course is invaluable for both novice and seasoned scientists aiming to communicate their ideas effectively.

CS50: Introduction to Computer Science

Harvard's CS50 course captivates students from the outset. Starting with Scratch in Week 0, learners are introduced to programming in an enjoyable manner. The curriculum progresses through various programming concepts, culminating in a final project that showcases the skills acquired over the course. This transformative experience is highly recommended for anyone interested in computer science.

In today's world, the opportunities to learn are boundless. Begin your journey where you are, cultivate positive habits, and embrace lifelong learning. Remember, the knowledge you acquire is invaluable and uniquely yours.

If this article resonated with you, feel free to connect with me on Twitter for bite-sized resources, tech insights, and marketing tips. Subscribe to receive my best articles directly in your inbox.