There are no restrictions on learning, even in this increasingly regulated era for Americans waiting at home for the wave of the coronavirus to pass.
Speaking of pass, Yale University, known as one of the nation's most elite institutions, has come up with a way for those biding time at home to take − and potentially pass − its most popular course. The course, The Science of Well-Being, will be offered on digital course site Coursera for free to anyone with an internet connection, according to Business Insider. Virtual students will take about 20 hours to complete the class, with "challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits," according to a description on the course site.
It was Professor Laurie Santos’ idea to offer the class for free. She first taught the class, then called Psychology and the Good Life, in spring 2018, according to Business Insider. She saw the growing need for such a class, with students experiencing concerning levels of depression and anxiety.
The course has gone on to be considered one of the most popular classes in Yale’s history and gained national media attention.
“Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change,” the course description reads. “You will ultimately be prepared to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life.”
Nearly 950,000 reviewers have written about the course, with many praising the class’ impact and rigor.
One reviewer said:
“I have taken a dozen courses online. This is the most challenging and fulfilling course I have taken so far. And I believe that the course shall be beneficial to all people in different walks of life.”
Some of the class’ topics include:
- Misconceptions about happiness
- Why our expectations are so bad
- How we can overcome our biases
- Stuff that really makes us happy
- Putting strategies into practice
The class became available for free Friday, with more than 500,000 signing up. To sign up for the course, visit www.coursera.org/.
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