# HOPE: What Makes Us Human Review (2026): 8.5/10 · EDX · Paid > Independent review of HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course on EDX. Rated 8.5/10 by our editorial team. Pros, cons, price, and top alternatives. Certificate avail… Personal Development Courses HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course ![HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course](/api/media/file/hero/hope-what-makes-us-human-course.jpg?width=800) # HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course — Review (8.5/10) HOPE: What Makes Us Human offers a profound exploration of identity, freedom, and meaning through existential philosophy. It challenges learners to reflect on what it means to be truly human. While ab... Explore This Course HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course is a 10 weeks online intermediate-level course on EDX by Tel Aviv University that covers personal development. HOPE: What Makes Us Human offers a profound exploration of identity, freedom, and meaning through existential philosophy. It challenges learners to reflect on what it means to be truly human. While abstract at times, its insights are deeply relevant to personal and societal growth. Ideal for those seeking intellectual and emotional depth. We rate it 8.5/10. ## Prerequisites Basic familiarity with personal development fundamentals is recommended. An introductory course or some practical experience will help you get the most value. ## Pros - Encourages deep self-reflection and philosophical inquiry - Explores timeless questions about human existence - Well-structured modules build conceptually over time - Relevant to personal development and social understanding ## Cons - Abstract concepts may challenge beginners - Limited practical application exercises - No graded assignments or feedback ## HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course Review Platform: EDX Instructor: Tel Aviv University Updated Apr 23, 2026·Editorial Standards·How We Rate ## What will you learn in HOPE: What Makes Us Human course - The tenets, thinkers, and concepts of existentialism - What distinguishes humans from animals and machines - The meanings of identity and authenticity and how they impact politics - The nexus between liberty, freedom, bad faith, and reflection - Types of happiness and the point of pursuing it—privately and publicly - The importance of death and dread in our lives - How people seek meaning and legitimacy through truth, morality, and religion - The interplay of love and alienation, and the use of both in politics ### Program Overview ### Module 1: The Foundations of Existential Thought Duration estimate: Weeks 1–3 - Introduction to existentialism and key philosophers - Core concepts: freedom, choice, responsibility - Human consciousness and self-awareness ### Module 2: Identity, Authenticity, and Politics Duration: Weeks 4–5 - Defining personal and collective identity - Living authentically vs. social conformity - Authenticity’s role in political discourse ### Module 3: Freedom, Reflection, and the Human Condition Duration: Weeks 6–7 - Liberty and its philosophical foundations - Bad faith and self-deception - Reflection as a path to self-understanding ### Module 4: Meaning, Love, and Mortality Duration: Weeks 8–10 - Search for meaning through truth and morality - Religion and secular frameworks for legitimacy - Love, alienation, and death as human experiences ### Get certificate #### Job Outlook - Enhances critical thinking for leadership roles - Valuable for careers in education, philosophy, or writing - Supports personal growth in any profession ## Editorial Take HOPE: What Makes Us Human is a thought-provoking journey into the philosophical foundations of identity, freedom, and meaning. Hosted by Tel Aviv University on edX, this course transcends traditional learning by inviting participants to engage with existential questions that define the human experience. ### Standout Strengths - Philosophical Depth: Explores existentialism through thinkers like Sartre, Camus, and Heidegger, grounding abstract ideas in human reality. This foundation helps learners grasp complex notions of self and consciousness. - Existential Clarity: Breaks down dense philosophical concepts into accessible themes such as authenticity, liberty, and bad faith. The course makes profound ideas understandable without oversimplifying them. - Human-Centric Focus: Centers on what distinguishes humans from animals and machines, emphasizing self-awareness and moral reasoning. This focus fosters deeper understanding of personal agency. - Political Relevance: Examines how identity and authenticity shape political movements and ideologies. Learners gain insight into modern discourse through a philosophical lens. - Emotional Intelligence: Addresses death, dread, and alienation as essential to human growth. These themes encourage emotional maturity and resilience in facing life’s uncertainties. - Interdisciplinary Insight: Connects philosophy with psychology, religion, and ethics to explore how people seek meaning. This holistic view enriches personal and intellectual development. ### Honest Limitations - Conceptual Abstraction: Some topics, like bad faith and reflection, remain highly theoretical. Learners expecting hands-on activities may find engagement challenging without concrete applications. - Limited Interaction: As a self-paced course, it lacks live discussions or instructor feedback. This can reduce motivation for learners who thrive on community and dialogue. - No Skill Certification: While intellectually enriching, the course doesn’t build technical or job-specific skills. Career-focused learners may question its direct professional utility. - Assessment Gaps: Absence of graded assignments or quizzes limits accountability. Learners must self-motivate to fully absorb and reflect on the material. ### How to Get the Most Out of It - Study cadence: Dedicate 3–4 hours weekly to lectures and readings. Consistent pacing ensures deeper absorption of complex philosophical ideas over the 10 weeks. - Parallel project: Keep a journal reflecting on authenticity, freedom, and identity. Writing enhances personal insight and reinforces course concepts through self-application. - Note-taking: Use structured notes to map key thinkers and concepts. Organizing ideas helps clarify relationships between existential themes and real-life experiences. - Community: Join edX forums or start a study group. Discussing topics like death, love, and morality with others deepens understanding and reduces isolation. - Practice: Apply concepts like reflection and authenticity to daily decisions. Small, mindful choices reinforce philosophical learning beyond the classroom. - Consistency: Maintain a routine even when motivation dips. The course’s value emerges gradually through sustained reflection and intellectual patience. ### Supplementary Resources - Book: Read "Being and Nothingness" by Jean-Paul Sartre to deepen understanding of freedom and bad faith. This complements the course’s exploration of self-deception. - Tool: Use a digital mind-mapping app to visualize connections between liberty, identity, and authenticity. Visual aids clarify abstract philosophical relationships. - Follow-up: Enroll in ethics or political philosophy courses to extend learning. These build on HOPE’s foundation with applied societal perspectives. - Reference: Consult Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for detailed entries on existentialism. It provides reliable, academic context for course themes. ### Common Pitfalls - Pitfall: Expecting quick answers to deep questions. Existentialism resists simple solutions—learners must embrace ambiguity and sit with uncertainty for growth. - Pitfall: Skipping reflection exercises. Without introspection, the course becomes academic rather than transformative. Engagement is key to meaningful takeaways. - Pitfall: Isolating study from real life. Applying concepts like authenticity only in theory limits impact. Integration into daily experience is essential. ### Time & Money ROI - Time: Ten weeks is reasonable for the depth offered. Learners gain lasting insights, but only with active participation and consistent effort throughout. - Cost-to-value: The paid model supports access to quality content and certification. While not inexpensive, the intellectual return justifies the investment for many. - Certificate: The Verified Certificate validates completion and engagement. It’s useful for personal development portfolios or academic resumes. - Alternative: Free philosophy courses exist, but few match HOPE’s structured approach and institutional credibility from Tel Aviv University. ### Editorial Verdict HOPE: What Makes Us Human stands out as a rare online course that prioritizes inner transformation over technical skill-building. It invites learners into a reflective space where questions about identity, freedom, and meaning are not just academic but deeply personal. The course’s strength lies in its ability to make existential philosophy accessible without diluting its complexity. Through well-organized modules, it guides participants from foundational concepts to profound insights about what it means to be human. Each theme—from dread to love, from authenticity to death—is treated with intellectual rigor and emotional sensitivity, making it ideal for those seeking more than surface-level knowledge. However, its abstract nature means it won’t suit everyone. Learners looking for career-advancing skills or immediate practical tools may feel underwhelmed. The lack of interactive elements and assessments also means motivation must come from within. Yet for those ready to engage deeply, the course offers lasting value. It cultivates self-awareness, critical thinking, and emotional resilience—qualities increasingly vital in a fragmented world. Whether used for personal growth or as a foundation for further study, HOPE earns strong recommendation for intellectually curious minds willing to sit with discomfort in pursuit of truth. ## How HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course Compares | Course | Platform | Rating | Level | Duration | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course | EDX | 8.5/10 | Intermediate | 10 weeks | | Focus: Strategies for Enhanced Concentration and Performance Course | Udemy | 10.0/10 | N/A | N/A | | Practice Exams for Gemology Students (GIA® GG Curriculum) Course | Udemy | 10.0/10 | N/A | N/A | | Stress Free Like a Monk: 21-Days Brain Training Sci & Veda Course | Udemy | 10.0/10 | N/A | N/A | ## Who Should Take HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course? This course is best suited for learners with foundational knowledge in personal development and want to deepen their expertise. Working professionals looking to upskill or transition into more specialized roles will find the most value here. The course is offered by Tel Aviv University on EDX, combining institutional credibility with the flexibility of online learning. Upon completion, you will receive a verified certificate that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume, signaling your verified skills to potential employers. If you are exploring adjacent fields, you might also consider courses in Agile & Scrum Courses, AI Courses, Arts and Humanities Courses, which complement the skills covered in this course. ### Career Outcomes - Apply personal development skills to real-world projects and job responsibilities - Advance to mid-level roles requiring personal development proficiency - Take on more complex projects with confidence - Add a verified certificate credential to your LinkedIn and resume - Continue learning with advanced courses and specializations in the field ## More Personal Development Courses on EDX Explore other highly rated courses in personal development available on EDX to expand your learning path: - Classical Works course 9.7/10 - HarvardX: Calculus Applied! course 9.7/10 - Social and Environmental Leadership in the Arctic Course 8.5/10 - Unpacking Activism Course 8.5/10 - Principles of Hemp Cultivation Course 8.5/10 - Introduction to American Civics: Presented by Zero-L 8.5/10 - European Paintings: From Leonardo to Rembrandt to Goya 8.5/10 - PredictionX: Lost Without Longitude Course 8.5/10 - Super-Earths and Life Course 8.5/10 - Vocal Recording Technology Course 8.5/10 ## Top Alternatives on Other Platforms Looking for a different teaching style or approach? These top-rated personal development courses from other platforms cover similar ground: - Focus: Strategies for Enhanced Concentration and Performance Course 10.0/10 Udemy - Practice Exams for Gemology Students (GIA® GG Curriculum) Course 10.0/10 Udemy - Stress Free Like a Monk: 21-Days Brain Training Sci & Veda Course 10.0/10 Udemy - Sacral Chakra: The Center of Passion & Trust Course 9.8/10 Udemy - Certified: Manifestation, Universal Laws & Chakras Course 9.8/10 Udemy - Certified: Devotion to your Heart Chakra 9.8/10 Udemy - The Kabbalah 10 Sefirot Course 9.8/10 Udemy - Find Your Purpose in Life: A Practical Self-Discovery System 9.8/10 Udemy - The Art of Palmistry: Unlocking the Secrets in Your Hands Course 9.8/10 Udemy - 7-Day 5-Minute Face Lift Method – Sculpt & Lift Your Face 9.8/10 Udemy ## More Courses from Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv University offers a range of courses across multiple disciplines. If you enjoy their teaching approach, consider these additional offerings: - The Holocaust – An Introduction (I): Nazi Germany: Ideology, The Jews and the World Course 9.8/10 - Economic Growth and Distributive Justice Part II - Maximize Social Wellbeing Course 8.7/10 - Economic Growth and Distributive Justice Part I - The Role of the State Course 8.5/10 - Planetary Boundaries: Breakthrough Science from Frontiers Planet Prize Champions Course 8.5/10 - Unlocking Information Security I: From Cryptography to Buffer Overflows 8.5/10 - Arab-Islamic History: From Tribes to Empires Course 8.5/10 View all courses from Tel Aviv University → ## Related Articles & Guides Deepen your understanding with these articles from our editorial team, covering career advice, industry trends, and learning strategies: - Build AI skills with the Google AI Professional Certificate - Python Tutorial: Best Courses to Learn Python in 2026 - CISSP vs CompTIA Security+: Which Cert Should You Pursue? - Coursera Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Worth It in 2026? - Best edX Courses in 2026: Top Picks by Enrollment and Career Value - Best Online Coursera Courses in 2026: What's Actually Worth Your Time - Udemy Online: What the Platform Actually Delivers in 2026 - OKR for Leaders: 7 Best Training Courses Compared (2026) - Generative AI for Marketing with Microsoft 365 Copilot: Professional Certificate Review - The Best React Courses in 2026, Ranked and Reviewed ## Explore All Course Categories Not sure what to learn next? 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Be the first to share your experience! ## FAQs What are the prerequisites for HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course? A basic understanding of Personal Development fundamentals is recommended before enrolling in HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course. Learners who have completed an introductory course or have some practical experience will get the most value. The course builds on foundational concepts and introduces more advanced techniques and real-world applications. Does HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course offer a certificate upon completion? Yes, upon successful completion you receive a verified certificate from Tel Aviv University. This credential can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume, demonstrating verified skills to employers. In competitive job markets, having a recognized certificate in Personal Development can help differentiate your application and signal your commitment to professional development. How long does it take to complete HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course? The course takes approximately 10 weeks to complete. It is offered as a paid course on EDX, which means you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule. The content is delivered in English and includes a mix of instructional material, practical exercises, and assessments to reinforce your understanding. Most learners find that dedicating a few hours per week allows them to complete the course comfortably. What are the main strengths and limitations of HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course? HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course is rated 8.5/10 on our platform. Key strengths include: encourages deep self-reflection and philosophical inquiry; explores timeless questions about human existence; well-structured modules build conceptually over time. Some limitations to consider: abstract concepts may challenge beginners; limited practical application exercises. Overall, it provides a strong learning experience for anyone looking to build skills in Personal Development. How will HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course help my career? Completing HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course equips you with practical Personal Development skills that employers actively seek. The course is developed by Tel Aviv University, whose name carries weight in the industry. The skills covered are applicable to roles across multiple industries, from technology companies to consulting firms and startups. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, earn a promotion in your current position, or simply broaden your professional skillset, the knowledge gained from this course provides a tangible competitive advantage in the job market. Where can I take HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course and how do I access it? HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course is available on EDX, one of the leading online learning platforms. You can access the course material from any device with an internet connection — desktop, tablet, or mobile. The course is paid, giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits your schedule. All you need is to create an account on EDX and enroll in the course to get started. How does HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course compare to other Personal Development courses? HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course is rated 8.5/10 on our platform, placing it among the top-rated personal development courses. Its standout strengths — encourages deep self-reflection and philosophical inquiry — set it apart from alternatives. What differentiates each course is its teaching approach, depth of coverage, and the credentials of the instructor or institution behind it. We recommend comparing the syllabus, student reviews, and certificate value before deciding. What language is HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course taught in? HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course is taught in English. Many online courses on EDX also offer auto-generated subtitles or community-contributed translations in other languages, making the content accessible to non-native speakers. The course material is designed to be clear and accessible regardless of your language background, with visual aids and practical demonstrations supplementing the spoken instruction. Is HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course kept up to date? Online courses on EDX are periodically updated by their instructors to reflect industry changes and new best practices. Tel Aviv University has a track record of maintaining their course content to stay relevant. We recommend checking the "last updated" date on the enrollment page. Our own review was last verified recently, and we re-evaluate courses when significant updates are made to ensure our rating remains accurate. Can I take HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course as part of a team or organization? Yes, EDX offers team and enterprise plans that allow organizations to enroll multiple employees in courses like HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course. Team plans often include progress tracking, dedicated support, and volume discounts. This makes it an effective option for corporate training programs, upskilling initiatives, or academic cohorts looking to build personal development capabilities across a group. What will I be able to do after completing HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course? After completing HOPE: What Makes Us Human Course, you will have practical skills in personal development that you can apply to real projects and job responsibilities. You will be equipped to tackle complex, real-world challenges and lead projects in this domain. 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