Free Open Yale Courses

[BarbTherese]

Some of you might be quite familiar with open courses, others may not.

There are free Open Yale Courses at https://oyc.yale.edu/.  There are no credits usually connected to a course, for me anyway it is an interest only investment.  Browsing on the internet will come up with other universities offering the same type of thing.  There are an interesting variety of subjects in open courses.

I am now and then watching: "Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature" https://oyc.yale.edu/philosophy/phil-181/lecture-1  There are some very real benefits from an open course investment.  Ability to start and stop as one pleases.  Ability to stop and read/research connected matters/books.  There is a transcript also available.  No need to buy a clicker 

When you stop in the middle of a video, wise to record the time you stopped making it very easy to pick up where one left off.

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Another site to investigate for free Catholic courses etc. is: https://epicpew.com/8-online-programs-you-should-know-about/

[Guest]

Lecture 4 gives an excellent example of why some statistics and/or conclusions can present an inaccurate picture due to sample bias.  This lecture does get more complex as it continues.....for me anyway, but worth taking in.

[Guest]

I begin with a prayer to The Holy Spirit always.  I am now almost totally physically incapacitated.  I did buy knitting material planning to knit squares for blankets and charity.  That plan was not a good fit at all and knitting has been abandoned at this point.  

In the writings of the fathers, it is suggested that one simply sit in one's cell and the cell will tell one what to do.  There is very real truth in that.

These are really helpful lectures which anyone could understand, since I can do so.  The lecturer is easy to understand once one accustoms oneself to when she hits soprano in her voice inflections.  It very much grated at first.   Also there is a written transcript on the bottom of the screen. 

Some points remain in memory and are taken on board, others are not.  Trust completely in The Holy Spirit.  What I plan to do after listening to all the lectures, is read some of the reading matter recommended and then I will return to the lectures and listen again.  Doubtless, things in memory taken on board will become clearer as well as new points insighted.

At the moment, in Lecture 8, it is focused on expectations. at 22.45minutes and previously.  This whole lecture series in No. 8 focuses on detachment and expectations.

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Third Age: "the period in life of active retirement, following middle age."  University of the Third Age cost per year $30AUD.

I am doing things upside down, I know.  In University of the Third Age http://u3asouthaustralia.org.au/ (very cheap online courses), I plan to study independently online:  "Introduction to Western Philosophy" https://www.u3aonline.org.au/courses/summary/142.  At U3A one has a choice between independent study or one with a course leader.  There is also a discussion forum.

And probably at the same time, go to my public library (just across the road) and have a browse through the philosophy section.

I think by then I might have at least a working knowledge of philosophy, I am hoping.  I am then planning on browsing for free courses related to Catholic Theology as well as Spirituality.

All the above is not an end, it is a means to an end which is unclear to me at this point with trust in The Holy Spirit.  One obvious end, just now apparent to me, is to use my time constructively through self education.

[Pax17]

Barbara, thanks for the links.  It's wonderful to be able to use technology to access such knowledge for free....there are so many courses out there at little or no expense.  Lifelong learning is a real gift.  I'm using the time while recovering from surgery to explore all sorts of subjects online.

Sorry to read about your poor physical condition...hope you are not in pain.  :Prayers:

[Guest]

Thank you very much for kind thoughts and most of all for prayer

I am not in unbearable pain thankfully.   The internet is a real Gift of God, which can be abused sadly.  One can access the whole wide world from one's kitchen as it were.  I am really enjoying my Yale course and am looking forward to finding other free courses once I have finished this current one and the U3A Philosophy course.  

I am hoping that keeping my mind active might stave off the worst of potential problems in the later years.  It is a real gift that doing so is so enjoyable and fulfilling.

Thank you again for your kindness...........Regards.........Barb