Top Five Courses You Should Take at Harvard University

Explore these top 5 courses you must take at Harvard University

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious and renowned institutions for higher education in the world. With a rich history, a diverse faculty, and a wide range of academic programs, Harvard offers something for everyone. But with so many options, how do you choose the best courses to take at Harvard? Here are our top five recommendations for courses at Harvard University, based on popularity, relevance, and quality.

1. CS50: Introduction to Computer Science

CS50 is Harvard's flagship course on computer science and one of the most popular courses in the world. Taught by the charismatic and engaging Professor David Malan, CS50 introduces you to the fundamentals of programming, algorithms, data structures, web development, and more. You will learn how to think computationally and creatively, and how to solve real-world problems using code. CS50 is a challenging but rewarding course that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in technology or any other field.

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2. Justice

Justice is one of Harvard's most famous and influential courses, taught by the renowned philosopher Professor Michael Sandel. Justice explores the big questions of moral and political philosophy, such as what is the right thing to do, what is a fair society, and what is the role of government. You will engage with the ideas of thinkers such as Aristotle, Kant, Mill, Rawls, and Singer, and apply them to contemporary issues such as abortion, euthanasia, affirmative action, and income inequality. Justice is a course that will challenge your assumptions, broaden your perspectives, and inspire you to think critically and ethically.

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3. Data Science: Machine Learning

Machine learning is one of the most exciting and powerful applications of data science and one of the most sought-after skills in the job market. In this course, part of Harvard's Professional Certificate Program in Data Science, you will learn how to build a movie recommendation system and learn the science behind one of the most popular and successful data science techniques. You will learn the concepts and methods of supervised and unsupervised learning, such as regression, classification, clustering, and dimensionality reduction. You will also learn how to use Python and its libraries, such as pandas, numpy, scikit-learn, and matplotlib, to implement and evaluate machine learning models.

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4. Fundamentals of Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system, and is one of the most fascinating and interdisciplinary fields of science. In this course, taught by Harvard Medical School faculty, you will explore the entire nervous system, from the microscopic inner workings of a single nerve cell to the staggering complexity of the brain. You will learn the basics of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology, and how they relate to sensation, perception, cognition, emotion, and behavior.

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

Communication is one of the most essential and valuable skills in any field or endeavor. In this course, you will learn how to write and speak effectively and persuasively, using the principles and techniques of rhetoric. You also learn how to use rhetorical devices, such as ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos, to enhance your appeal and impact. You will also examine and critique examples of communication from American political rhetoric, such as the speeches of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama.

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