Learning Outcome
Understand a variety of methods from across cultures and history for divining the future
Individual Course
PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies
Course Length
1 week
3-5 hours a week
Featuring faculty from:
Harvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Enroll as Individual
Certificate Price:
$ 99
Enroll as Individual
Certificate Price:
$ 99
PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies is an online course from Harvard that examines the details of over a dozen prediction systems as well as theoretical frameworks connecting them.
Humans have always sought to know their own future, be it the destiny of an empire or an individual's fate. Across cultures and history, we find people trying to find their place in the Universe by attempting to gaze into the future.
Join us for this one-week, immersive learning experience as we explore “pre-scientific” prediction systems ranging from ancient Chinese bone burning to the Oracle of Delphi to modern astrology and tarot, with practitioners and Harvard faculty leading the journey. We will examine the details of over a dozen prediction systems as well as theoretical frameworks connecting them.
This module is a part of PredictionX, which examines our efforts to predict the future over all of recorded history. PredictionX courses will cover topics from omens and oracles in ancient civilizations, which this course discusses, to the evolution of the general approach to science most take today (which includes the course John Snow and the Cholera Outbreak of 1854) as well as modern computer simulations and the role they play in predicting our futures today.
Self-Guided
EDX
Harvard Case Method Premium Learning
Learning Outcome
Explore a common framework that describes human attempts to predict the future
- Learn from Harvard faculty
- Do it on your own time
- Get a certificate, add it to your resume
- Be part of the Harvard Community
Faculty
Your Instructor
Alyssa Goodman
Alyssa Goodman is a physicist by training (Sc.B, MIT 1984, PhD, Harvard 1989), but an artist at heart. She combines her passions for science and art with interests in computing, archaeology, the history of science, and new technologies in her work, which spans astrophysics, data visualization, and new approaches to STEM education. She was named “Scientist of the Year” by the Harvard Foundation in 2015. The PredictionX effort began during Goodman’s sabbatical as “Scholar-in-Residence” at the WGBH media organization in Boston, and crystallized into the highly collaborative project you see today when HarvardX committed to creating re-usable, modular, online, multi-media content.
Being a Harvard global learner will be a life-changing experience that not only will transform my professional capabilities, but also broaden my perspectives and enrich my personal growth.
Saad A.
Complete your journey with this XSeries
These courses can be bundled together to receive a professional certificate at a discounted price.
Learn More- 3 Courses
- 1 Month
- Earn Your Certificate
PredictionX: John Snow and the Cholera Epidemic of 1854
3-5 hours per week
PredictionX: Lost Without Longitude
2-5 hours a week
Ways to take this course
Audit or Pursue a Verified Certificate
A Verified Certificate costs $99 and provides unlimited access to full course materials, activities, tests, and forums. At the end of the course, learners who earn a passing grade can receive a certificate.
Alternatively, learners can Audit the course for free and have access to select course material, activities, tests, and forums. Please note that this track does not offer a certificate for learners who earn a passing grade.
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