Tel Aviv University Courses

Arab-Islamic History: From Tribes to Empires

5

You will study this course in two parts. The first presents the main political events that set the chronological framework for the course, namely 6th century to the arrival of the Ottomans in the Middle East in the beginning of the 16th century. The second part delves into social and cultural realities of the medieval Middle East.This course was produced at Tel Aviv University by TAU Online - learning innovation center.

מבוא לאנרגיה מתחדשת - Introduction to Renewable Energy

0

Class Central TipsLearn How to Sign up to Coursera courses for free1600+ Coursera Courses That Are Still Completely FreeCourse language is Hebrew! English subtitles are planned but not yet available.The Hebrew course description will be followed by an English one.השימוש בדלק לסוגיו הוא התשתית שעליה מבוססים החיים המודרניים. כבר יותר ממאה שנה אנו משתמשים בדלקים מאובנים שנאצרו בבטן האדמה – נפט, גז טבעי ופחם – כדי להניע את גלגלי עולמנו: תעשייה מתקדמת, תחבורה מהירה, בתים נוחים ועוד. בקורס זה ננסה לבחון אלטרנטיבות אפשריות לדלקים המאובנים, הגורמים נזק לא מבוטל לסביבתנו ולבריאותנו. נתאר את המחקר המדעי האינטנסיבי המתקיים בתחום, ונציג מגוון טכנולוגיות מתקדמות להפקת אנרגיה נקייה ממקורות טבעיים ומתחדשים – כמו השמש, הרוח והמים – מקורות המצויים בשפע, אינם מזהמים, ואינם מתכלים.קורס המבוא לאנרגיה מתחדשת ייפתח בשאלות הבסיס של תחום האנרגיה: מהם צורכי האנרגיה של האנושות כיום, ואילו משאבים עומדים לרשותה? אילו תהליכים אנו מכיריםלאיסוף, המרה וניצול של מקורות אנרגיה? מהן הבעיות שנוצרות עקב השימוש הנוכחי במקורות אנרגיה מאובנים? ואיזה שינוי נדרש במדיניות האנרגיה ובמשק האנרגיה של החברה המודרנית?מכאן נעבור לתיאור הסוגים העיקריים של אנרגיה מתחדשת – מקורות אנרגיה טבעיים, זמינים ובלתי מתכלים, שאינם גורמים נזק סביבתי, ועשויים להחליף את הדלקים המאובנים. נדבר על אנרגיית השמש, אנרגיית הרוח, אנרגיית המים וביו-אנרגיה; ננתח את הטכנולוגיות הקיימות כבר היום לניצול המקורות הללו לצורכי האדם; נציג כלים בסיסיים לחישוב יעילות ההמרה של כל טכנולוגיה, וכמויות האנרגיה שניתן להפיק באמצעותה; ונביא דרכים להערכת הכדאיות הכלכלית של כל אחת מהשיטות.במקביל, נדון בקשיים ובאתגרים הממתינים עדיין לפתרון, ונשאל מה יש לעשות כדי שהאנרגיות המתחדשות ייושמו בקנה מידה רחב – בתעשייה, בתחבורה, ובכל תחומי חיינו. נבחן מגוון טכנולוגיות מתקדמות להפקת אנרגיה ממקורות נקיים; נסביר מדוע הן עדיין אינן תופסות את מקומם של הדלקים המאובנים; ונציג כיווני מחקר עכשוויים ופיתוחים חדשניים שמשפרים ומייעלים לא הרף את השיטות הקיימות, במטרה להבטיח לכולנו עתיד בר-קיימא.הקורס כולל חישובים כמותיים ורצוי מאד רקע בפיסיקה ומתמטיקה ברמה של תיכון. על מנת לצבור קרדיט אקדמי של אוניברסיטת תל אביב עבור הקורס, יש לעמוד בהצלחה בבחינה שמתקיימת באוניברסיטת תל אביב. תוכלו למצוא מידע נוסף בקישור הבא - https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/registration. בנוסף, ניתן להתקבל לחלק ממסלולי הלימוד באוניברסיטת תל אביב באמצעות הקורסים המקוונים. קראו עוד כאן -https://go.tau.ac.il/b.a/mooc-acceptance. מורים המעוניינים ללמד את הקורסים בכיתותיהם מוזמנים לקרוא כאן על תוכנית תיכון אקדמי מקוון - https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/online-highschoolCourse language is Hebrew! English subtitles are planned but not yet available.Fuels are the foundations of modern living. For over a century we have been drawing fossil fuels – oil, coal and natural gas – from the depths of the earth, and using them to power our world: advanced industries, fast transportation, comfortable homes and more. In this course we will examine possible alternatives for these fuels - which have proved quite damaging to both our health and our environment. We will describe the intensive worldwide efforts in this field of research, and present their encouraging outcome: a range of innovative technologies for generating clean energy from natural, non-polluting and renewable sources – such as sunlight, wind and water.The course will open with some fundamental questions on energy: What are the energy needs of the global population today, and what will they be tomorrow? What are the resources at our disposal? What are the known processes for harvesting, converting and utilizing resources of energy? What are the problems generated by the use of fossil fuels? In what ways must we change our energy policies and energy economy? And most important of all: What are the alternatives to fossil fuels, and can they supply humanity's extensive and constantly growing energy needs?Subsequent lessons will introduce the main types of safe, clean, natural and renewable energy sources available to us: solar energy, wind energy, water energy and bioenergy. We will speak of existing technologies that already harness these resources to the needs of humankind, and supply simple tools for computing conversion efficiencies, calculating the amounts of energy produced through the various methods, and assessing their economic feasibility.In parallel, we will discuss the remaining problems and challenges, and ask what must be done to enable the large-scale use of renewable energy – in industry, in transportation, and in every other sphere of our lives. We will examine several advanced renewable energy technologies; explain why they have not yet taken the place of fossil fuels; and present cutting-edge innovations and promising research directions – in the ongoing global effort to ensure a sustainable future for us all.A background in physics and mathematics at high school level is highly recommended.

Viruses & How to Beat Them: Cells, Immunity, Vaccines

5

Have you ever wondered what viruses actually are?Have you been curious about the ways they invade our bodies, attack our cells and make us sick? Come and learn what viruses are made of and understand the mechanisms of how they hijack and take over our cells.There is no need for a background in science - just bring your curious mind!Our bodies are made of cells, which are amazing molecular machines. So long as everything is in working order, we feel great. But surprisingly, these unbelievably tiny parasites made of Protein and Genes - viruses - can take over and cause serious damage to our bodies.Step by step, this course will teach you how the cells of our bodies work to keep us healthy. We will then explore the vast kingdom of viruses; especially those that have caused epidemics like the flu, AIDS and Ebola. Finally, we will systematically review our immune system, how it identifies "the enemies," and how it takes them out.The lectures have been carefully planned to clearly describe basic Cell Biology, Virology, and Immunology in terms that everyone can understand, without compromising scientific correctness. You'll participate in a detailed exploration of the structures in our cells and how they function. You'll learn how viruses replicate and the way our immune system protects us from disease, as well as how scientists investigate these topics. You'll view laboratory demonstrations that illustrate how cells and viruses are grown and studied. Throughout the course, you will meet leading experts and scientists - some of whom have received the Nobel Prize in recognition of their discoveries and contributions to Chemistry and Medicine.Together we will gain a clearer understanding of how science has been applied to produce effective diagnostic tests, better medicines, and protective vaccines. You'll gain fascinating and comprehensible knowledge that is also practical. It is our goal to arm you with sufficient credible and practical understanding of how vaccines work so that you can make better vaccine-relevant decisions for you and your family.This course was produced at Tel Aviv University by TAU Online - learning innovation center.

HOPE: What Makes Us Human

0

In this course, we look for answers to seemingly unsolvable queries: Why breathe? Why breed? Why bleed? What justifies continuing, creating, and killing lives? Seeking answers to these thorny questions, Princeton University and Tel Aviv University have joined hands to create a unique online course that delves into the depths of the human condition and its politics.Human Odyssey to Political Existentialism (HOPE) is a journey into the human condition and its politics , turning to existentialism for guidance. The course explores, on both individual and political levels, the following themes: Human / nature, identity & authenticity, freedom, reflection, happiness, death & dread, meaning, morality & ethics, truth & trust, God & religion, alienation & love, and finally—hope.” Most philosophers ask “what is the good life?” and answer "to feel good, or to be good, or to do good." Existentialism asks “what is life good for?” and traces the answers that people, in their lived experience, give—to foster our own. HOPE is a richly interdisciplinary course anchored in political science and philosophy. It also draws on history, sociology, psychology, and economy—synthesizing theoretical insights with empirical findings, both vintage and novel. HOPE shows that science and art can create a wonderful synergy when studying—indeed foregrounding—our humanity. HOPE employs novel technologies in ways that enhance—not drain—our humanity and our ability to turn from “power politics” to “purpose politics,” cultivating creative, courageous, civil choices—the gist of existential politics. In HOPE, you will find:Animated talks, interviews and student discussionsExploration of key concepts and figures—thinkers, artists, and politicians—both ancient and modernA host of fascinating questions to probe alone, and together, with friends and in classMyriad multimedia features, including various forms of art (painting, prose and poetry, cinema, tv, and music)An invitation to choose between several edifying projects, including a personal journal and a collective newspaper

The Holocaust: an Introduction - Part 1

4.7

The Holocaust was an inconceivable historical event, which forever robbed Western culture of its innocence. As civilized human beings, we fail to understand how events of such horror could have taken place, and how an idea so inhumanly warped could have spread like wildfire through an entire continent, instigating the systematic annihilation of millions of Jews.This free online course was produced jointly by Tel Aviv University and Yad Vashem – the World Center for Holocaust Research. The course tracks the history of the Holocaust and has two parts. The Holocaust: an Introduction - Part 1 is the first of the two courses and covers the following themes in its three weeks:Week 1: From Hatred to Core IdeologyWe will try to delve into Nazi ideology and the special place of Jews and Judaism in it. We will also discuss how the National Socialist Party converted the German Democracy of the Weimar Republic into a totalitarian regime within a short period of time, and its meaning for Jews and non-Jewish citizens.Week 2: The World and the Jews in World War IIWe will try to examine the broader contexts of the Holocaust and to place it, as part of World War 2. In this meeting we will also refer to the vital Jewish world to be found under various Nazi occupations and influences.Week 3: The Isolation Abyss - the Perspective of the IndividualWe will try to reveal different aspects of Jewish life in the face of the badge of shame, ghettos and segregation, as well as the formation of individual, societies’ and leader’s reactions in the face of a consistent policy of dispossession and discrimination.Once you’ve completed this course, you can continue your learning with The Holocaust: an Introduction - Part 2.This online course is offered in an innovative, multi-level format, comprising:Comprehensive lectures by leading researchers from Tel Aviv University and Yad Vashem.A wealth of voices and viewpoints presented by guest lecturers.Numerous documents, photos, testimonies and works of art from the time of the Holocaust.Novel learning experience: Crowdsourcing – involving the learners themselves in the act of collecting and shaping information, via unique, exciting online assignments.This course is designed for anyone with an interest in the Holocaust, including students, teachers, academics and policy-makers.

The Emergence of the Modern Middle East - Part I

4.8

Class Central TipsLearn How to Sign up to Coursera courses for free1600+ Coursera Courses That Are Still Completely FreeThis course will review the emergence of the modern Middle East from the fall of the Ottoman Empire, at the end of the First World War to the present. We will discuss the Ottoman legacy in the region and the Western imperial impact on the creation of the Arab state system. The course will review the rise and retreat of Arab nationalism, the problems of internal cohesion of the Arab states, issues of religion and state, and the evolution of Islamist politics. We will also focus on the evolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict and its impact on the region and will conclude with an in depth analysis of the “Arab Spring” by placing these contemporary revolutionary events in their historical context.Please note that there is a second part to this course which is a direct extension of this part. We highly recommend to continue to the second part after you finish this one (https://www.coursera.org/learn/modern-middle-east-2/home/info).This course will temporarily close for enrollment from March 1st, 2022 to August 31st, 2022. During this time, the course will be closed for new enrolments. All of the course materials will continue to be able available to previously enrolled learners; however, the course staff will not provide support in the Discussion Forums during this period. Best,The Tel Aviv University Team

Understanding Plants - Part I: What a Plant Knows

4.7

Class Central TipsLearn How to Sign up to Coursera courses for free1600+ Coursera Courses That Are Still Completely FreeFor centuries we have collectively marveled at plant diversity and form—from Charles Darwin’s early fascination with stems and flowers to Seymour Krelborn’s distorted doting in Little Shop of Horrors. This course intends to present an intriguing and scientifically valid look at how plants themselves experience the world—from the colors they see to the sensations they feel. Highlighting the latest research in genetics and more, we will delve into the inner lives of plants and draw parallels with the human senses to reveal that we have much more in common with sunflowers and oak trees than we may realize. We’ll learn how plants know up from down, how they know when a neighbor has been infested by a group of hungry beetles, and whether they appreciate the music you’ve been playing for them or if they’re just deaf to the sounds around them. We’ll explore definitions of memory and consciousness as they relate to plants in asking whether we can say that plants might even be aware of their surroundings. This highly interdisciplinary course meshes historical studies with cutting edge modern research and will be relevant to all humans who seek their place in nature. This class has three main goals: 1. To introduce you to basic plant biology by exploring plant senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste, balance). 2. To introduce you to biological research and the scientific method. 3. To get the student to question life in general and what defines us as humans.Once you've taken this course, if you are interested in a more in-depth study of plants, check out my follow-up course, Fundamentals of Plant Biology (https://www.coursera.org/learn/plant-biology/home/welcome).In order to receive academic credit for this course you must successfully pass the academic exam on campus. For information on how to register for the academic exam – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/registrationAdditionally, you can apply to certain degrees using the grades you received on the courses. Read more on this here – https://go.tau.ac.il/b.a/mooc-acceptanceTeachers interested in teaching this course in their class rooms are invited to explore our Academic High school program here – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/online-highschool

The History of Modern Israel - Part II: Challenges of Israel as a sovereign state

4.5

Class Central TipsLearn How to Sign up to Coursera courses for free1600+ Coursera Courses That Are Still Completely FreeThis course deals with the Israeli politics, economy, society and culture, since its creation in 1948 till today. It analyzes the construction of the Israeli historical narrative as an identity-building narrative, intending to inculcate a collective memory to a diverse society. We will focus on key events and essential components that shaped the Israeli society from the fifties till the present. We will also discuss the changes that the Israeli society experiences in its almost seventy years of existence and how it affects its politics and culture. Among the topics we will discuss issues such as immigration, economic transformation, political upheaval, religious Zionism and post-Zionism, privatization and Americanization, Holocaust increasing role in shaping Israel's identity, diversity and multiculturalism, as well as the enduring conflict with the Palestinians and the Arab world.This course is a direct extension of the first part "The History of Modern Israel: From an Idea to a State", so if you have not yet taken it, we highly recommend you start your learning from there (https://www.coursera.org/learn/history-israel/).In order to receive academic credit for this course you must successfully pass the academic exam on campus. For information on how to register for the academic exam – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/registrationAdditionally, you can apply to certain degrees using the grades you received on the courses. Read more on this here – https://go.tau.ac.il/b.a/mooc-acceptanceTeachers interested in teaching this course in their class rooms are invited to explore our Academic High school program here – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/online-highschool* This course is a joint effort of Tel Aviv University &Israel Institute (www.israelinstitute.org)* This course uses media material from various archives, courtesy to Yad Vashem Archive for their help.* This course is self-paced. Once you register,you can participate in the course anytime, as often as you wish and over any stretch of time

Unlocking Information Security

5

Nominated for the 2020 edX PrizeInformation Security is everywhere: as the world becomes more and more digitized, so it becomes more and more hackable. Cyber attacks, data breaches, and even cyber warfare are all very real - so it's infinitely important to understand how hackers think and act, and how we can fight back. Needless to say, the demand for professionals that are knowledgeable in information security is exploding, and careers in the field are amongst the highest paying in the industry. Even so, it's a challenging skill to master - information security is a battle of wits between attackers and defenders, so you really do have to learn from the best. Israel is well known as a leader in the field, and "Unlocking Information Security" endorsed by Check Point Ltd., is the first Israeli academic MOOC covering the topic. From their work in the academia, industry and Israeli intelligence corps, the instructors of the course possess an extensive experience in the field. Completing this program will teach you the necessary knowledge and skills needed to become a better and more vigilant professional in the high-tech industry. You will learn about the different ways in which computer systems can be vulnerable, as well as many useful mitigation techniques, including the most important cryptographic tools; you will take a hard look “under the hood” of operating systems and the Internet, understand how they can be exploited and how they can be secured; and most importantly, you will understand the principles of secure computer systems and the mindsets of both attackers and defenders.

Economic Growth and Distributive Justice

0

Class Central TipsLearn How to Sign up to Coursera courses for free1600+ Coursera Courses That Are Still Completely FreeAfter successfully completing this course, we expect you to be able to:better understand economic issues presented in the mediahave an informed opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of presented social economic policiesdefine and measure inequality and povertydefine the relationship between inequality (income, wealth) and economic growthexplain the foundation of economic growthdesign a tax and transfer system to maximize happinessAll leading you to better understand the policies being developed around you, and play a larger, more informed role in their development as a conscientious citizen.The course is founded upon the elemental idea that the role of the state is to maximize the wellbeing - or simply the happiness - of its residents. In 6 fascinating, edifying lessons, using only simple words and decoding professional terminologies, that sometimes baffle the intelligent layman, the course expounds many truths – both intuitive and unintuitive. The course often uses US and European examples, but does not focus on policies from any particular region of the world, and is directly applicable to all countries of the world.It touches upon the essence of important concepts like efficiency and equity, inequality and poverty, gross domestic product, tax evasion and tax planning; it presents the work of Nobel Laureate James Mirrlees and his followers - promoting a coherent system that integrates tax and government expenditures to maximize social welfare; and illuminates a range of high-profile issues from their economic angle:Climate change: the atmosphere and oceans as public goods, and how smart (Pigovian) taxation can be used to combat the rapidly increasing threats to our planet;Technology as the engine of economic growth;Taxing the Rich. How to Mitigate the Growing Inequality Problem? Should we   impose a Global Tax on Capital?The curriculum includes interviews with major figures in the fields of law and of economics:  Harvard's Elhanan Helpman, Dan Shaviro from NYU and Richard Epstein from Chicago and NYU. 

The Fall and Rise of Jerusalem

3.6

Class Central TipsLearn How to Sign up to Coursera courses for free1600+ Coursera Courses That Are Still Completely FreeThe destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem and the Babylonian Exile were a great catastrophe in the history of the Jewish Nation.What really happened during that dark, fateful age, and how did new opportunities arise from the ashes?This course will temporarily close for enrollment from March 1st, 2022 to August 31st, 2022. During this time, the course will be closed for new enrolments. All of the course materials will continue to be able available to previously enrolled learners; however, the course staff will not provide support in the Discussion Forums during this period. Best,The Tel Aviv University Team

The History of Modern Israel - Part I: From an Idea to a State

4

Class Central TipsLearn How to Sign up to Coursera courses for free1600+ Coursera Courses That Are Still Completely FreeHow did the State of Israel come to be? How is it that an idea, introduced in 19th century Europe, became a reality? And how does that reality prevail in the harsh complexities of the Middle East?Presented by Professor Eyal Naveh, with additional units from Professor Asher Sussers' "The Emergence of the Modern Middle East" course, This course will take you on a journey through the history of Modern Israel. In this 1st part of the course we will explore:How did the 19th century idea of a Jewish state become a reality? So the next time you hear about Israel in the news, you will be informed enough about the history of this area to comprehend the many sides and narratives that interact to shape the complex reality of Israel today.Please note that there is a second part to this course "The History of Modern Israel - Part II: Challenges of Israel as a sovereign state" which is a direct extension of this part. We highly recommend to continue to the second part after you finish this one (https://www.coursera.org/learn/history-israel-sovereign-state).In order to receive academic credit for this course you must successfully pass the academic exam on campus. For information on how to register for the academic exam – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/registrationAdditionally, you can apply to certain degrees using the grades you received on the courses. Read more on this here – https://go.tau.ac.il/b.a/mooc-acceptanceTeachers interested in teaching this course in their class rooms are invited to explore our Academic High school program here – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/online-highschool* This course is a joint effort of Tel Aviv University &Israel Institute (www.israelinstitute.org)* This course uses media material from various archives, courtesy to Yad Vashem Archive for their help.* This course is self-paced. Once you register,you can participate in the course anytime, as often as you wish and over any stretch of time

Economic Growth and Distributive Justice Part I - The Role of the State

4

Class Central TipsLearn How to Sign up to Coursera courses for free1600+ Coursera Courses That Are Still Completely FreeIf you really care about the big questions in the economies and societies of the 21st century, such as distributive justice - namely, inequality of income or wealth, and its correlation with economic growth - this course is meant for you. The knowledge you will gain can truly change your outlook on our world."Economic Growth and Distributive Justice - the Role of the State" is the first part of a two part course and it includes the following four lectures: (1) What do we need a state for? (2) The Relationship between Efficiency and Distributive Justice (3) Demonstrating the implications of different ethical theories(4) Distributive Justice: measurement and implicationsOnce you've completed the first part, we strongly recommend that you register for the second part entitled: "Economic Growth and Distributive Justice - Maximizing Social Well-being", as well. Taking both parts of the course would enable you to obtain a fuller and more comprehensive knowledge about Economic Growth and Distributed Justice.The course is founded upon the elemental idea that the role of the state is to maximize the well-being - or simply the happiness - of its residents. In 9 fascinating, edifying lessons, using only simple words and decoding professional terminologies that sometimes baffle the intelligent layman, the course expounds many truths – both intuitive and unintuitive. Often using examples from the US and Europe, it does not however focus on policies in any particular region of the world, and is directly applicable to all countries around the globe.The course touches upon the essence of important concepts like efficiency and equity, inequality and poverty, gross domestic product, tax evasion and tax planning; it presents the work of Nobel Laureate James Mirrlees and his followers - promoting a coherent system that integrates tax and government expenditures to maximize social welfare; and illuminates a range of high-profile issues from their economic angle:• Climate change: the atmosphere and oceans as public goods, and how smart (Pigovian) taxation can be used to combat the rapidly increasing threats to our planet;• Technology as the engine of economic growth;• Taxing the rich: How can we mitigate the growing inequality problem? Should we impose a global tax on capital?The curriculum includes interviews with major figures in the fields of law and of economics:Harvard's Elhanan Helpman, Dan Shaviro from NYU and Richard Epstein from the University of Chicago and NYU.After successfully completing this course, you can expect to be able to:• Better understand economic issues presented in the media• Form an informed opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of presented social economic policies• Define and measure inequality and poverty• Define the connection between inequality (income, wealth) and economic growth• Explain the foundations of economic growth• Design a tax and transfer system to maximize the happiness of individualsAll these will allow you to better understand the policies being developed around you, and to play a larger, more informed role in their development, as a conscientious citizen.In order to receive academic credit for this course you must successfully pass the academic exam on campus. For information on how to register for the academic exam – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/registrationAdditionally, you can apply to certain degrees using the grades you received on the courses. Read more on this here – https://go.tau.ac.il/b.a/mooc-acceptanceTeachers interested in teaching this course in their class rooms are invited to explore our Academic High school program here – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/online-highschoolPlease note that there is a second part to this course which is a direct extension of this part. We highly recommend to continue to the second part after you finish this one (https://www.coursera.org/learn/economic-growth-part-2/home/welcome).This course will temporarily close for enrollment from March 1st, 2022 to August 31st, 2022. During this time, the course will be closed for new enrolments. All of the course materials will continue to be able available to previously enrolled learners; however, the course staff will not provide support in the Discussion Forums during this period. Best,The Tel Aviv University Team

Economic Growth and Distributive Justice Part II - Maximize Social Wellbeing

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Class Central TipsLearn How to Sign up to Coursera courses for free1600+ Coursera Courses That Are Still Completely FreeIf you really care about the big questions in the economies and societies of the 21st century, such as distributive justice - namely, inequality of income or wealth, and its correlation with economic growth - this course is meant for you. The knowledge you will gain can truly change your outlook on our world."Economic Growth and Distributive Justice -Maximizing Social Wellbeing" is the second part of a two part course and it includes the following five lectures: (1) The excess burden of taxation(2) Tax incidence: who bears the economic burden of tax?(3) Progressivity: definition and ways to achieve(4) Low Income, Low Ability and the Optimal Income Tax Model(5) Designing the Tax and Transfer System that Maximizes Social WellbeingIf you haven't done that already, we strongly recommend that you register for the first part of the course: "Economic Growth and Distributive Justice - the Role of the State". Taking both parts of the course would enable you to obtain a fuller and more comprehensive knowledge about Economic Growth and Distributed Justice.The course is founded upon the elemental idea that the role of the state is to maximize the well-being - or simply the happiness - of its residents. In 9 fascinating, edifying lessons, using only simple words and decoding professional terminologies that sometimes baffle the intelligent layman, the course expounds many truths – both intuitive and unintuitive. Often using examples from the US and Europe, it does not however focus on policies in any particular region of the world, and is directly applicable to all countries around the globe.The course touches upon the essence of important concepts like efficiency and equity, inequality and poverty, gross domestic product, tax evasion and tax planning; it presents the work of Nobel Laureate James Mirrlees and his followers - promoting a coherent system that integrates tax and government expenditures to maximize social welfare; and illuminates a range of high-profile issues from their economic angle:• Climate change: the atmosphere and oceans as public goods, and how smart (Pigovian) taxation can be used to combat the rapidly increasing threats to our planet;• Technology as the engine of economic growth;• Taxing the rich: How can we mitigate the growing inequality problem? Should we impose a global tax on capital?The curriculum includes interviews with major figures in the fields of law and of economics:Harvard's Elhanan Helpman, Dan Shaviro from NYU and Richard Epstein from the University of Chicago and NYU.After successfully completing this course, you can expect to be able to:• better understand economic issues presented in the media• form an informed opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of presented social economic policies• define and measure inequality and poverty• define the connection between inequality (income, wealth) and economic growth• explain the foundations of economic growth• design a tax and transfer system to maximize the happiness of individualsAll these will allow you to better understand the policies being developed around you, and to play a larger, more informed role in their development, as a conscientious citizen.In order to receive academic credit for this course you must successfully pass the academic exam on campus. For information on how to register for the academic exam – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/registrationAdditionally, you can apply to certain degrees using the grades you received on the courses. Read more on this here – https://go.tau.ac.il/b.a/mooc-acceptanceTeachers interested in teaching this course in their class rooms are invited to explore our Academic High school program here – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/online-highschoolThis course is a direct extension of the first part "Economic Growth and Distributive Justice Part I -The Role of the State", so if you have not yet taken it, we highly recommend you start your learning from there (https://www.coursera.org/learn/economic-growth-part-1/home/welcome).This course will temporarily close for enrollment from March 1st, 2022 to August 31st, 2022. During this time, the course will be closed for new enrolments. All of the course materials will continue to be able available to previously enrolled learners; however, the course staff will not provide support in the Discussion Forums during this period. Best,The Tel Aviv University Team

The Holocaust: an Introduction - Part 2

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The Holocaust was an inconceivable historical event, which forever robbed Western culture of its innocence. As civilized human beings, we fail to understand how events of such horror could have taken place, and how an idea so inhumanly warped could have spread like wildfire through an entire continent, instigating the systematic annihilation of millions of Jews.This free online course was produced jointly by Tel Aviv University and Yad Vashem – the World Center for Holocaust Research. This course is the second of the two courses and covers three themes in its three weeks:Week 1: The Final SolutionWe’ll look at the cultural and mental processes that paved the way to the comprehensive and systematic mass murder of Jews in Europe – that is, the Final Solution. As part of this hard lesson we will discuss the various characteristics of the murder sites and death camps, and reveal selected aspects of the horror that occurred in them.Week 2: Jewish and Non-Jewish Responses to the HolocaustWe will try to explore questions regarding knowledge about the application of the Final Solution, as well as a variety of responses and annihilation of victims, local populations and perpetrators.Week 3: The End of the WarWe will dedicate this lesson to the events that occurred in the last years of the Holocaust, as well as questions of memory, commemoration and future research.We strongly recommend that you register for The Holocaust: an Introduction - Part 1 as well. Taking both parts of the course would enable you to obtain a fuller and more comprehensive knowledge about The Holocaust.This online course is offered in an innovative, multi-level format, comprising:Comprehensive lectures by leading researchers from Tel Aviv University and Yad Vashem.A wealth of voices and viewpoints presented by guest lecturers.Numerous documents, photos, testimonies and works of art from the time of the Holocaust.Novel learning experience: Crowdsourcing – involving the learners themselves in the act of collecting and shaping information, via unique, exciting online assignments.This course is designed for anyone with an interest in the Holocaust, including students, teachers, academics and policy-makers.