PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies from edX

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.

What's inside

Learning objectives

A variety of methods from across cultures and history for divining the future.

A common framework that describes human attempts to predict the future.

A variety of methods from across cultures and history for divining the future.
A common framework that describes human attempts to predict the future.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Alyssa Goodman, a Professor of Astronomy at Harvard University, who has a strong profile in astrophysics, observational astronomy, and cosmology

Beginners or those new to the subject of prediction or astrology may find this course well-suited to their experience level

Develops a common framework for thinking about methods of divination, prediction, and astrology

Explores divination, prediction, and astrology methods from around the world and across history, helping learners draw connections between seemingly disparate topics

Addresses 'pre-scientific' systems of prediction that are not grounded in modern science

Reviews summary

Disappointing course on prediction

Learners say that PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies lacks depth and doesn't discuss famous prediction methods.

This course doesn't cover famous prediction methods.

"I think that this course should go deeper."

This course is lacking depth.

"I found it shallow, and it missed some famous other ways of prediction."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies with these activities:

Review ancient divination practices

Show steps

By reviewing these practices, you will gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and evolution of divination systems.

Show steps

Read the sections on ancient divination practices from the course materials.
Watch the videos on ancient Chinese bone burning, the Oracle of Delphi, modern astrology, and tarot.
Take notes on the key concepts and methods of each practice.
Discuss the different divination practices with a classmate or study group.

Organize and review course materials

Show steps

Regularly reviewing and organizing your course materials will help you stay on top of the content and improve your retention.

Show steps

Set aside time each week to review your notes, assignments, and quizzes.
Organize your materials into a logical structure, such as by topic or date.
Highlight or summarize key concepts and ideas.
Review your organized materials regularly, either by yourself or with a study group.

Read 'The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change' by Al Gore

Show steps

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the major trends shaping the future and will complement the course materials by offering a broader perspective on prediction.

Show steps

Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
Set aside dedicated time each day to read.
Take notes on the key concepts and arguments presented in the book.
Write a short summary of the book after you finish reading it.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend a study group on prediction systems

Show steps

Participating in a study group will allow you to engage with other students, share your ideas, and learn from different perspectives.

Show steps

Find a study group or create your own with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss the course materials and work on assignments together.
Prepare questions and discussion topics in advance.
Be an active participant and contribute to the group discussions.

Explore online tutorials on prediction system design

Show steps

These tutorials will provide you with additional guidance and support as you learn about prediction systems and their applications.

Show steps

Search for online tutorials on prediction system design and evaluation.
Select a few tutorials that cover topics of interest or areas where you need further clarification.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and take notes on the key concepts.
Apply what you learn from the tutorials to your own projects or assignments.

Complete practice exercises on prediction system evaluation

Show steps

These exercises will help you develop a deeper understanding of the methods used to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of prediction systems.

Show steps

Access the online practice exercises provided by the course instructors.
Work through the exercises at your own pace.
Check your answers against the provided answer key.
Review the concepts and methods covered in the exercises.

Develop a future prediction system

Show steps

This activity will challenge you to think creatively and apply the concepts you learn in the course to a real-world scenario.

Show steps

Identify a specific area or domain that you want to predict the future of.
Research existing prediction methods and techniques.
Develop your own unique prediction system, based on the principles you learn in the course.
Create a presentation or report to share your prediction system with others.

Build a predictive model for a specific domain

Show steps

This project will provide you with hands-on experience in applying the concepts you learn in the course to a real-world problem.

Show steps

Choose a specific domain or area that you want to build a predictive model for.
Gather data relevant to your chosen domain.
Explore different machine learning algorithms and select the most appropriate one for your model.
Train and evaluate your predictive model.
Write a report or presentation to document your project and findings.

Career center

Learners who complete PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Philosopher

As a Philosopher, you will study the fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, and reality. PredictionX also grapples with fundamental questions about the nature of the future and our ability to predict it. You will learn about different philosophical perspectives on the future and how these perspectives have shaped our attempts to predict it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Philosopher

Machine Learning Engineer

As a Machine Learning Engineer, you will develop and implement machine learning algorithms to make predictions. PredictionX also involves studying the theoretical foundations of prediction. This course may be useful for a Machine Learning Engineer as it can help build a foundation in the principles of prediction, which can be applied to machine learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Risk Analyst

As a Risk Analyst, you will identify, assess, and mitigate risks. PredictionX also involves studying the risks and benefits of different prediction methods. This course may be useful for a Risk Analyst as it can help build a foundation in the principles of prediction, which can be applied to risk analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will collect, clean, and analyze data to find patterns and trends. PredictionX also involves studying patterns and trends in data in order to make predictions. This course may be useful for a Data Analyst as it can help build a foundation in the principles of prediction, which can be applied to data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Writer

As a Writer, you will create content that informs, educates, or entertains. PredictionX involves studying the history and cultural significance of prediction systems. This course may be useful for a Writer as it can help build a foundation in the history and cultural significance of prediction, which can be applied to writing about these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Historian

As a Historian, you will study the past in order to understand the present. PredictionX traces the development of prediction systems across cultures and history. This course may be useful for a Historian as it can help understand how people have tried to predict the future in the past and how these methods have changed over time.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Journalist

As a Journalist, you will report on current events and investigate important issues. PredictionX involves studying the history and cultural significance of prediction systems. This course may be useful for a Journalist as it can help build a foundation in the history and cultural significance of prediction, which can be applied to reporting on these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Consultant

As a Consultant, you will provide advice and guidance to clients on a variety of issues. PredictionX involves studying the different methods that people have used to predict the future. This course may be useful for a Consultant as it can help build a foundation in the different methods of prediction, which can be applied to consulting on these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Teacher

As a Teacher, you will educate students in a variety of subjects. PredictionX involves studying the history and cultural significance of prediction systems. This course may be useful for a Teacher as it can help build a foundation in the history and cultural significance of prediction, which can be applied to teaching about these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Museum curator

As a Museum Curator, you will manage and interpret museum collections. PredictionX involves studying the history and cultural significance of prediction systems. This course may be useful for a Museum Curator as it can help build a foundation in the history and cultural significance of prediction, which can be applied to managing and interpreting museum collections related to these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Librarian

As a Librarian, you will manage and provide access to information. PredictionX involves studying the history and cultural significance of prediction systems. This course may be useful for a Librarian as it can help build a foundation in the history and cultural significance of prediction, which can be applied to managing and providing access to information about these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Theologian

As a Theologian, you will study the nature of God and religious beliefs. PredictionX involves studying the history and cultural significance of prediction systems. This course may be useful for a Theologian as it can help build a foundation in the history and cultural significance of prediction, which can be applied to studying the nature of God and religious beliefs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Theologian

Archaeologist

As an Archaeologist, you will study past human societies through their material remains. PredictionX involves studying the history and cultural significance of prediction systems. This course may be useful for an Archaeologist as it can help build a foundation in the history and cultural significance of prediction, which can be applied to studying past human societies through their material remains.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeologist

Anthropologist

As an Anthropologist, you will study the origins and development of humans and cultures. PredictionX involves studying the history and cultural significance of prediction systems. This course may be useful for an Anthropologist as it can help build a foundation in the history and cultural significance of prediction, which can be applied to studying the origins and development of humans and cultures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Archivist

As an Archivist, you will preserve and provide access to historical records. PredictionX involves studying the history and cultural significance of prediction systems. This course may be useful for an Archivist as it can help build a foundation in the history and cultural significance of prediction, which can be applied to preserving and providing access to historical records related to these topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist