Well, will you look at that? Half of Circuit Breaker’s done, with only half more to go. If by now, you’re entertaining the thought of shelving your day job (and extremely difficult clients), responsibilities at home, and social obligations to retreat into a cosy hole, I totally get it.
It’s alright not to have your s**t together all the time—we are going through a global pandemic after all. Since you’ve probably had enough of work and company resources in general, let me propose something you can do for nobody but yourself. For zero dollars.
Taking a course in an area that you’re personally interested in and that’s unrelated to your job is a great way to hit that reset button for your mind while still doing something meaningful with your time. I understand that not everybody has the luxury of time or money to elope from work (no matter how tempting that sounds), so behold 8 free and interesting Coursera courses that you can complete in one day—an efficient yet useful companion during your time in CB, or while clearing your annual leaves.
1. Psychological First Aid (Johns Hopkins University)
“I thoroughly enjoyed this class. We’re living in times in which this type of training seems increasingly necessary.”
-By Rashida B | 5 Stars
Many of us might be well-acquainted, or even certified with first aid knowledge—but what about psychological first aid? Being equipped for situations that require soothing, intervention, and reflective listening isn’t just reserved for counsellors or therapists.
Through this course, you’ll learn how to prioritise psychological and behavioural crisis reactions, as well as mitigate acute distress and dysfunction, where appropriate.
Who should take this course: Anyone looking to be a better human being. That should be all of us. So all of you should sign up now.
Psychological First Aid | Sign Up Here | From 6 May
2. Feminism and Social Justice (University of California, Santa Cruz)
“Beautiful course. A sensitive topic very lucidly compiled.”
-By Richa A | 5 Stars
We all have that one friend who’s constantly banging away on her keyboard fending off sexist and racist comments online, ever ready to fight anyone who thinks otherwise. Instead of just re-sharing her thoughts, I’ll do you one better. Why not educate yourself on how to more effectively frame such events and reactions surrounding social justice?
This course is taught by Distinguished Professor Bettina Aptheker from the department of feminist studies.
Who should take this course: The one who feels a little too strongly about the #MeToo movement.
Feminism and Social Justice | Sign Up Here | From 6 May
3. Introduction to International Criminal Law (Case Western Reserve University)
“This is a course that marked the start of my journey with international law 4 years ago that continues to this day.”
-By Emilia A | 5 Stars
Not everyone gets to be a lawyer, but most still have the opportunity to grasp some legal knowledge that will provide a greater understanding of the society around them.
This course is taught by Interim Dean Michael Scharf and delves deeper into the history of crimes against humanity, special modes of liability, and pre-trial issues.
Who should take this course: The self-proclaimed Sherlock Holmes and for those whose lawyer dreams were dashed by a dose of reality.
Introduction to International Criminal Law | Sign Up Here | From 6 May
4. Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content (University of Pennsylvania)
“There’s science behind all viral content. It’s not the luck. Very easy to understand and put into practice.”
-By Rom S | 5 Stars
Here at the HYPE&STUFF team, we constantly endeavour to put out viral and relatable content—as you can so clearly tell—in hopes that our audience will enjoy reading our articles as much as we enjoy writing them.
No matter the medium or mode of choice, if you create any content at all, you could definitely learn a thing or two about effective marketing. In the meantime, we’ll be busy taking notes from this course, if anybody needs us.
Who should take this course: Literally anyone who uses social media and one day aspires to run a YouTube empire.
Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content | Sign Up Here | From 6 May
5. Understanding Obesity (The University of Edinburgh)
“This is a great class for anyone who wants to learn more about and even wants to be able to help fix this global issue.”
-By A | 5 Stars
Often misunderstood, there’s more than meets the eye where matters surrounding obesity are concerned. This course aims to debunk as well as uncover the truth behind that, and discuss the key physiological and psychological concepts around the brain’s control of appetite and body weight.
Learners will get a chance to consider the biological and environmental pressures that make it easy to gain weight—and those that make it hard to lose it too.
Who should take this course: The one who’s curious as to where all that fried chicken is going.
Understanding Obesity | Sign Up Here | From 17 Aug
6. Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences (The University of Edinburgh)
“I feel like I got a handle on Dark Matter and Dark Energy at least at a layman’s talk at a cocktail party (I go to very nerdy cocktail parties) level.”
-By Stephen L | 5 Stars
You have been warned—do not take this course if you aren’t adequately prepared to question every single thing you know about your existence. On the off chance that you are, then, well, head over right this way.
Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences explores our role in the universe as human agents capable of knowledge, and probes into the question: what makes us intelligent cognitive agents seemingly endowed with consciousness?
Who should take this course: The one who’s the ‘thinker’ of the group.
Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences | Sign Up Here | From 6 May
7. Introduction to Food and Health (Stanford University)
“Very informative and digestible information (pun intended). This course really makes you feel knowledgeable about what you put into your body.”
-By Aston H | 5 Stars
Since it appears as though CB has made master chefs out of all of us, why not give your gastronomical prowess an additional push by educating yourself on nutrition as well? Even after this pandemic ends, knowledge on healthful eating and chronic disease will always come in handy, nevertheless.
Do your body a favour and invest your time in knowledge that may quite literally save your life. This course is taught by Maya Adam, lecturer at Stanford School of Medicine.
Who should take this course: The one who, against all odds, won’t stop counting calories.
Introduction to Food and Health | Sign Up Here | From 4 May
8. Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know (University of California, Davis)
“It is quick, concise, and highlights what should be kept in mind when working with different materials.” -By Ethan R | 5 Stars
If, like me, you have a pang of regret not pursuing engineering knowledge earlier, then join me in embarking on the ‘10 Things Every Engineer Should Know’ course. Whether you’re a newbie or cramming for that final exam, this should serve as a crash course for basic engineering comprehension.
Participants can expect to recognise the important aspects of the materials used in modern engineering applications, and learn to identify the role of thermally activated processes in many of these important entities.
Who should take this course: That aspiring pilot school student.
Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know | Sign Up Here | From 7 May
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