The Most Popular Class at Harvard, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the class you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:33
Students often face the challenge of selecting which classes to attend, given the myriad of options available at prestigious universities. Common factors in their decision-making process include course content, credit value, and, significantly, the popularity of the class among peers. This popularity can be a telling indicator of a class's educational value or enjoyability, making such knowledge extraordinarily useful to prospective students.
To assist in this decision, a dynamic ranking of popular classes can serve as a valuable resource. It reflects current student preferences and trends within the academic offerings. By participating in the voting process, students contribute to a continuously updated guide that benefits the whole student body, helping them make informed choices about their educational journey.
What Is the Most Popular Class at Harvard?
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164votes
CS50 - Introduction to Computer Science
David J. MalanThis course is Harvard's most popular course, attracting over 800 students each year. It is an introductory course that covers the basics of computer programming and computer science.CS50 - Introduction to Computer Science is a popular course at Harvard University that provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the field of computer science. The course covers a wide range of topics, including algorithms, data structures, computer systems, programming languages, software development, and more. Through a series of lectures, problem sets, and projects, students gain practical experience in programming and problem-solving skills.- Course Format: In-person lectures and online materials
- Duration: 13 weeks
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Assignments: Weekly problem sets and projects
- Languages: C, Python, SQL, JavaScript
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222votesThis course, taught by Michael Sandel, is one of Harvard's most popular courses. It explores various theories of justice and the ethical principles that underlie them.Justice is a complex concept that embodies fairness, equality, and the proper application of laws to maintain order and harmony in a society. It refers to the principle of upholding rights and providing equal opportunities for all individuals. Justice seeks to establish a balance between the rights of individuals and the needs of society as a whole.
- Fairness: Justice emphasizes treating individuals fairly and impartially.
- Equality: Justice strives for equal treatment and opportunities for all people.
- Impartiality: Justice requires decision-making to be unbiased and free from personal interest.
- Lawfulness: Justice is closely tied to the proper application and interpretation of laws.
- Rights: Justice protects and upholds the rights of individuals.
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315votes
The Science of Happiness
Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharThis course explores the science behind happiness and how we can increase our own happiness. It is one of Harvard's most popular courses.The Science of Happiness is a highly popular class at Harvard University that focuses on the study of happiness and well-being. It explores the scientific understanding of happiness and teaches practical strategies for leading a happier and more fulfilling life.- Course Level: Undergraduate
- Department: Psychology
- Duration: 16 weeks
- Credit Hours: 4 credits
- Class Format: In-person lectures and discussions
The Science of Happiness in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular course at Harvard University
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416votes
Positive Psychology
Martin SeligmanThis course explores the psychology of happiness and how we can cultivate positive emotions and attitudes. It is one of Harvard's most popular courses.Positive Psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding and enhancing human well-being and flourishing. It seeks to explore and promote the positive aspects of human life, such as happiness, resilience, gratitude, mindfulness, and personal strengths. Unlike traditional psychology, which primarily focuses on treating mental illness, Positive Psychology aims to discover and nurture human potential.- Focus on Well-being: Positive Psychology places a strong emphasis on understanding and promoting psychological well-being.
- Scientific Approach: It follows a scientific approach, using research and evidence-based methods to study and promote positive aspects of human psychology.
- Positive Emotions: Positive Psychology explores the role of positive emotions, such as happiness, joy, and contentment, in enhancing well-being.
- Character Strengths: It emphasizes identifying and developing individual character strengths and virtues to enhance overall functioning.
- Resilience: Positive Psychology seeks to understand and promote resilience in individuals, helping them bounce back from adversity.
Positive Psychology in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular subfields of psychology
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510votes
Financial Markets
Professor Robert C. MertonThis course explores the workings of financial markets and how they affect the global economy. It is one of Harvard's most popular courses.Financial Markets is a popular class offered at Harvard University that aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the financial markets and the various factors influencing them. The course explores topics such as market structure, investment strategies, risk management, and financial derivatives.- Course Code: ECON 2520
- Prerequisites: Introductory finance and economics courses
- Level: Intermediate
- Credits: 4
- Lecture Hours: 3 hours per week
Financial Markets in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular course at Harvard University
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611votes
Introduction to Psychology
Dr. Amelia CrawfordThis course is an introductory course in psychology that covers the basic principles of psychology and its applications.Introduction to Psychology is an engaging and interactive class offered at Calamity University that provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and theories of psychology. It explores human behavior, mental processes, and the factors that influence them. This class aims to cultivate a deep understanding of the human mind and behavior, encouraging critical thinking and self-reflection.- Course Duration: One semester
- Credit Hours: 3
- Prerequisites: None
- Class Format: In-person lectures and interactive discussions
- Assignments: Regular quizzes, research papers, and group projects
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73votes
Introduction to Economics
Dr. Gregory MankiwThis course is an introductory course in economics that covers the basic principles of economics and its applications.Introduction to Economics is a foundational course offered at Harvard University that provides students with a comprehensive overview of economic principles and concepts. The course explores the fundamental principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, giving students a broad understanding of how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions regarding resource allocation and economic outcomes. By examining real-world examples and case studies, students develop critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate economic problems and solutions.- Course Level: Undergraduate
- Course Number: Econ 10
- Credit Hours: 4
- Prerequisites: None
- Course Duration: One semester
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87votes
Introduction to Philosophy
Dr. Samuel HartmanThis course is an introductory course in philosophy that covers the basic principles of philosophy and its applications.Introduction to Philosophy is a thought-provoking class at Calamity that delves into the fundamental questions of human existence and the study of knowledge, reality, and ethics. It provides students with a strong foundation in critical thinking and analytical reasoning.- Course Code: PHIL101
- Level: Undergraduate
- Prerequisites: None
- Credit Hours: 3
- Course Duration: One semester
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99votes
The Literature of Crisis
Professor John SmithThis course explores literature that deals with crises, such as war, famine, and natural disasters. It is one of Harvard's most popular courses.The Literature of Crisis is a popular class offered at Harvard University, known for its in-depth exploration of the ways in which literature reflects and responds to times of crisis. Students in this course analyze various literary works from different periods and genres, examining how authors grapple with personal, social, political, or environmental crises through their writing. Through intensive discussions, close readings, and critical analysis, students gain a deeper understanding of both the literature and the crises it represents.- Course number: ENG-LIT-202
- Prerequisites: None
- Credit hours: 3
- Level: Undergraduate
- Class format: In-person lectures and discussions
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107votes
The Psychology of Close Relationships
Dr. Ellen BerscheidThis course explores the psychology of close relationships, including romantic relationships, friendships, and family relationships. It is one of Harvard's most popular courses.The Psychology of Close Relationships is a popular class at Harvard that explores the dynamics and complexities of relationships. It examines the psychological factors that influence the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of close relationships.- Course Code: PSYCH E1280
- Department: Psychology
- Level: Undergraduate
- Credits: 4
- Prerequisites: Introductory Psychology
The Psychology of Close Relationships in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular course at Harvard University
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular class
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Enrollment numbersThe total number of students enrolled in the class is an essential indicator of its popularity.
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Course subject matterClasses that cover trendy or highly-demanded topics are likely to be more popular among students.
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Professor reputationThe reputation, teaching style, and experience of the professor leading the class are essential factors in attracting students.
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Course ratings and reviewsHigh ratings and positive reviews from past students can indicate that a class is well-liked, leading to increased enrollment.
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Difficulty levelA balanced difficulty level may contribute to a course's popularity, as it can be accessible and challenging for a majority of students.
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Course scheduleThe timing, frequency, and length of the class can impact its popularity. Classes that fit comfortably within a typical college schedule may be more popular.
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Pre-requisites and eligibilityClasses with fewer pre-requisites or more inclusive eligibility requirements may attract a larger student base.
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Applicability to majors, minors, and concentrationsCourses that fulfill general education requirements or count towards multiple programs are likely to have high enrollment numbers.
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Course format and teaching styleInteractive, discussion-based, or experiential learning classes often attract students looking for engaging learning experiences.
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Notoriety or historical popularityClasses that have been known to be popular in the past or have a documented history of high enrollment are more likely to retain their popularity among students.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular class at Harvard. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or class is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1902 views
- 165 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each class once every 24 hours. The rank of each class is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular class at harvard
Harvard University is known for its exceptional academic programs, and it is no surprise that the institution attracts some of the brightest minds in the world. With its rigorous academic curriculum, Harvard offers a diverse range of classes that cater to various interests and career goals. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which class is the most popular amongst students. Through our extensive research and analysis, we have identified the top-rated classes at Harvard and have compiled a list of the most popular ones. From economics to computer science, these classes have consistently been a hit amongst students, and we are excited to share our findings with you!
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