The Most Popular Course at Harvard University, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the course you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:34
At the heart of Harvard University, students and alumni often debate over which course truly captivates and educates the most. It's a friendly and ongoing competition that highlights the richness of Harvard's academic offerings. Gathering votes on the most popular course helps incoming students and curious academics to understand where passions and interests align in the ever-active minds on campus.
By focusing on the courses that have captured the attention and adoration of most, we can create a dynamic list that reflects current academic trends and student preferences at Harvard. This provides a snapshot of what is thriving in the university's intellectually stimulating environment. Such insights are invaluable not only for prospective students but also for educators aiming to gauge which courses resonate most and why.
What Is the Most Popular Course at Harvard University?
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176votes
CS50 Introduction to Computer Science
David J. MalanThis course is extremely popular because it is open to students of all backgrounds and does not require any prior programming experience. It teaches students the fundamentals of computer science and programming languages such as C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript.CS50 Introduction to Computer Science is one of the most popular courses at Harvard University that offers an introduction to the fundamental concepts of computer science and programming. The course aims to teach students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. It covers various topics such as abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development. Students get hands-on experience with languages like C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript.- Course Code: CS50
- University: Harvard
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Lectures per Week: 1
- Lecture Length: Approximately 75 minutes
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231votesThis course is taught by Harvard's most popular professor, Michael Sandel, and explores philosophical questions surrounding justice and morality. It has gained a large following due to its engaging lectures and thought-provoking subject matter.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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316votes
The Science of Happiness
Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharThis course is based on the concept of positive psychology and teaches students how to live a happier and more fulfilling life. It has gained popularity due to its practical nature and relevance to students' lives.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 class at Harvard
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416votes
Introduction to Neuroscience
Dr. David CoxThis course is designed for students interested in the brain and its functions. It covers topics such as brain development, neuroplasticity, and the neural basis of behavior. It is popular among students interested in pursuing careers in neuroscience or related fields.Introduction to Neuroscience is a highly popular course at Harvard University that provides an overview of the fundamental principles and concepts in the field of neuroscience. The course aims to introduce students to the structure and function of the nervous system, as well as the mechanisms underlying brain development, sensory perception, learning, and memory. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on experiments, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how the brain works and its impact on human behavior.- Level: Undergraduate
- Department: Neurobiology
- Course number: NEURO 80
- Credits: 4
- Prerequisites: None
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512votes
Financial Markets
Professor Robert C. MertonThis course teaches students about the inner workings of financial markets and how they affect the global economy. It is popular among students interested in finance, economics, or business.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 class at Harvard
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616votesThis course explores the United States Constitution and its interpretation by the Supreme Court. It is popular among students interested in law or politics.Constitutional Law is a branch of law that focuses on the interpretation, application, and enforcement of a country's constitution. It involves the fundamental principles, rights, and structures that govern the relationship between individuals and the government.
- 1: It sets out the basic framework and organization of a country's government.
- 2: It defines the fundamental rights and liberties of individuals.
- 3: It establishes the powers and limitations of each branch of government (executive, legislative, and judicial).
- 4: It provides a mechanism for the amendment or revision of the constitution.
- 5: It determines the relationship between the central government and regional or local governments.
Constitutional Law in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most difficult area of law
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77votes
The Psychology of Close Relationships
Dr. Ellen BerscheidThis course examines the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and covers topics such as attraction, communication, and conflict resolution. It is popular among students interested in psychology or sociology.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 10 of 10 in Most popular class at Harvard
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83votes
Global Health Delivery
Dr. Paul FarmerThis course teaches students about healthcare systems in low-resource settings and how to improve healthcare delivery in these areas. It is popular among students interested in public health or global development.Global Health Delivery is a highly popular course offered at Harvard University that focuses on addressing the challenges and complexities of delivering healthcare services in resource-limited settings around the world. This interdisciplinary course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact on global health outcomes.- Course level: Graduate
- Department: Harvard Medical School
- Discipline: Global Health
- Credit hours: 4
- Format: In-person
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94votesThis course explores the works of William Shakespeare and their historical and cultural context. It is popular among students interested in literature or theater.Shakespeare is an esoteric programming language that is designed to resemble the style and structure of plays written by William Shakespeare. The language uses a unique syntax and grammar to create programs that are expressive and theatrical.
- Paradigm: Multi-paradigm: imperative, procedural, object-oriented
- Data Types: Integers, characters, booleans, strings, arrays
- Variables: Declared using character names from the play
- Conditionals: If-else statements
- Loops: While and until loops
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104votes
The History of the Universe
Dr. John SmithThis course covers the history of the universe from the Big Bang to the present day. It is popular among students interested in astronomy or physics.The History of the Universe is an extremely popular course offered at Harvard University, which provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the origin and evolution of the universe. Spanning from the Big Bang to the present day, the course explores various scientific theories, astronomical phenomena, and cosmic events that have shaped the universe as we know it. It delves into concepts related to cosmology, astrophysics, and the interdisciplinary nature of studying the cosmos.- Course Level: Undergraduate
- Department: Physics
- Class Format: Lecture
- Credits: 4
- Prerequisites: None
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular course
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Enrollment numbersThe number of students enrolled in the course during a given semester or academic year is a significant indicator of its popularity. Courses with high enrollment numbers are generally considered popular among students.
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Course reputationThe overall reputation of the course, including its academic rigor, quality of instruction, and the learning outcomes, plays a significant role in determining its popularity. This can be evaluated through student reviews and feedback, as well as the prominence of the faculty members involved in the course.
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Relevance to students' interests and career goalsCourses that align with students' career ambitions and areas of interest are more likely to be popular. The relevance of the course material to current industry trends and the potential for practical application also contribute to its popularity.
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Course availability and accessibilityA course's popularity can be influenced by factors like the number of sections offered, the ease of enrolling in the course, the time and location of the class, and whether it is an elective or a required course.
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Alumni success and outcomesThe post-graduation success of students who have taken the course, in terms of their careers, further education, or achievements, can contribute to the course's popularity. Students are likely to find a course more attractive if it has a proven track record of leading to successful outcomes.
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Course uniqueness and noveltyA one-of-a-kind or innovative course offering, which is not commonly found in other institutions, may attract more students and contribute to its popularity.
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Prerequisites and difficulty levelThe difficulty level or the prerequisites required for enrolling in the course may affect its popularity. Courses that are more accessible to a broader range of students tend to be more popular.
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Connections with other popular or significant courses or programsIf a particular course is part of a larger, successful academic program, or is related to other popular courses, it may be popular by association.
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Media attention and publicityA course that has received a significant amount of media attention or publicity for its unique approach or outstanding results may attract more students and become more popular.
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Awards and recognitionCourses that have won prestigious awards, honors, or have been recognized for their innovation and excellence may have a higher level of appeal to students.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular course at Harvard University. 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
- 1744 views
- 182 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 course at harvard university
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, attracting some of the brightest minds from around the globe. With a wide range of courses and programs offered, it can be tough to determine which course is the most popular. However, based on numerous polls and surveys, it is safe to say that Economics is the most popular course at Harvard. This course is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum, talented faculty, and real-world applications. Many students also appreciate the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the most accomplished economists in the field. So, if you're considering attending Harvard and looking for a popular course to take, Economics may just be the one for you!
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