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Yale's philosophy of teaching and learning begins with the aim of training a broadly based, highly disciplined intellect without specifying in advance how that intellect will be used. The Yale Courses channel provides entry into the core of the University--its classrooms and academic programs--including complete sets of lectures from the Open Yale Courses initiative. Complementary syllabi, transcripts, and other resources may also be accessed from the Open Yale Courses website listed below.

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online.yale.edu: http://online.yale.edu

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  • Monday · 1 hr 19 min

    15. Backward induction: chess, strategies, and credible threats

    Game Theory (ECON 159) We first discuss Zermelo's theorem: that games like tic-tac-toe or chess have a solution. That is, either there is a way for player 1 to force a win, or there is a way for player 1 to force a tie, or there is a way for player 2 to force a win. The proof is by induction. Then we formally define and informally discuss both perfect information and strategies in such games. This allows us to find Nash equilibria in sequential games. But we find that some Nash equilibria are inconsistent with backward induction. In particular, we discuss an example that involves a threat that is believed in an equilibrium but does not seem credible. 00:00 - Chapter 1. First and Second Mover Advantages: Zermelo's Theorem 10:17 - Chapter 2. Zermelo's Theorem: Proof 17:06 - Chapter 3. Zermelo's Theorem: Generalization 31:20 - Chapter 4. Zermelo's Theorem: Games of Induction 40:27 - Chapter 5. Games of Perfect Information: Definition 01:01:56 - Chapter 6. Games of Perfect Information: Economic Example Complete course materials are available at the Yale Online website: online.yale.edu This course was recorded in Fall 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 52 min

    21. Philip Roth, The Human Stain (cont.)

    The American Novel Since 1945 (ENGL 291) In this final lecture on The Human Stain, Professor Hungerford argues that desire is the engine of narrative, for Roth, both at the structural level and in the very grammar of his sentences. Sex and writing are alike in their attempt to cross the boundaries between persons. Passing does not only occur racially, but is also likened to the process whereby a writer, like Roth or his proxy Nathan Zuckerman, comes to inhabit the subjectivities of other characters. One effect of these conflations--for example, Nathan standing for Faunia as he dances with Coleman--is to raise the threat of homoeroticism, which for Roth collapses difference with same-sex desire. Such stereotypes are a controversial characteristic of Roth's fiction, which nevertheless continues to draw great admiration. 00:00 - Chapter 1. The Engine of Desire: The Structure of Roth's Language 17:32 - Chapter 2. Homoerotic Desire: The Danger of Overcoming Difference 29:57 - Chapter 3. Nathan as Narrator: Blankness or Secrecy? 40:14 - Chapter 4. Roth's Relationship to His Texts: Autobiography and Fiction Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses This course was recorded in Spring 2008. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 18 min

    7.4 | Stop User Errors: Mastering Usability Engineering in Medical Software Course

    Why is user-friendly design paramount in medical software? In this lesson, we delve into Usability Engineering, exploring its critical role in preventing user errors that could lead to patient harm. We'll examine guidance from international standards like IEC 62366 and understand how an iterative design process, including formative and summative evaluations, ensures software is safe and intuitive for clinicians in real-world settings. 🎯 Learning Objectives • Understand the definition and importance of usability engineering in medical software. • Identify how usability prevents user errors and potential patient harm in clinical settings. • Learn about relevant international standards, such as IEC 62366, for usability engineering in medical devices. • Differentiate between formative and summative evaluation processes in user interface design. • Explain the iterative process of designing and validating user interfaces for medical devices, including real-world testing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 4 min

    Tracking Progress on System Change | Connected Leadership with Peter Boyd

    How do you stay accountable to system-level goals as the gap between current state and goal keeps shifting? Use the Waters Institute model to track concern, influence, and control over time and put your system progress on one page. Key topics: - The fourth P: progress at the system level - Mapping concern, influence, and control - Iterating strategies as the gap evolves - Building a system progress one-page worksheet - Connecting self, team, and system one-pagers 📚 About the Course: This course is designed to maximize your ability to create change at the individual, team and system levels. Through study, reflection, and deploying practical tools, you will establish a firm connection between your clearly articulated Purpose, effective Priorities, visualized Potential for success, and pathway to maximized Progress. But, what does that mean in practice? When you take this course, you will: Improve your ability to get the most out of life: Learn a simple practice to reflect on your purpose, clarify priorities, visualize your potential, and maximize your effectiveness at progressing towards your goals. Strengthen your leadership toolkit: Tap into your unique leadership style and strengths and join or create a community of others to maximize your potential as a team. Create change through systems thinking: Become a more effective agent of positive change and appreciate the power and complexity of system thinking. Course Takeaways: Improve your ability to get the most out of life Strengthen your leadership toolkit Practice and apply systems thinking to plan for change 📺 Watch the full playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9mgdi4rNezZEnhZC8dS3AvTnzOiB0Ij 🎓 Enroll on Coursera for assessments and a certificate: https://www.coursera.org/learn/connected-leadership 🌐 Explore more learning opportunities on Yale Online: https://online.yale.edu/courses/connected-leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 10 min

    807 | DBL Fund: How Double Bottom Line Investing Drives Change - Social Entrepreneurship Course

    What does it take to truly innovate in social finance? In this lesson, we explore DBL Fund, founded by Nancy Pfund, a pioneer in impact investing with a 'Double Bottom Line' approach. Discover their unique three-pronged investment strategy focused on identifying and supporting innovative, for-profit solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges, from forest conservation to homelessness. This case study also highlights DBL Fund's role in advocating for policy changes and building the broader impact investing field. 🎯 Learning Objectives • Understand the pioneering role of DBL Fund in establishing the field of impact investing. • Learn about DBL Fund's "Double Bottom Line" approach and its core investment principles. • Examine real-world examples of companies like Better Place Forests and Pallet that DBL Fund supports. • Recognize how DBL Fund contributes to systems and framework change through both investment and policy advocacy. 📚 About the Course Have you ever wondered what it would be like to create real change? You don't have to start your own organization to make a difference in the world. Everyone can learn the social entrepreneurship mindset and skillset to build social impact. In this course, you will immerse yourself in a social or environmental challenge you want to tackle. You'll start by researching your topic of choice, talking to people, and ideating a potential solution that you can contribute. Then, you'll build a business model around that solution, understanding concepts like measuring social change, ensuring financial viability, funding and pitching. This course is a safe space to experiment and explore. You'll be guided by a ten stage framework to help structure your journey. Along the way, you'll hear from social entrepreneurs around the world through case studies and campus conversations. These include Yale alumni, members of the New Haven community, and global changemakers. Everyone is welcome to join this course! You can apply your lived, learned, or professional experience to discover how you're going to make a difference. 📺 Watch the full playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9mgdi4rNezbi0aRJeVnt99ynTVZG1PL 🎓 Enroll on Coursera for assessments and a certificate: https://online.yale.edu/courses/creating-change-through-social-entrepreneurship 🌐 Explore more learning opportunities on Yale Online: https://online.yale.edu/courses/creating-change-through-social-entrepreneurship #SocialEntrepreneurship #YaleCourse #Impact #Changemakers #BusinessPlan #DesignThinking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 1 hr 7 min

    Class 3 - Daniel Weiss: Introduction to Bosonic Modes and Kraus Operators

    This video is the live capture of the Yale Quantum Institute Course on Quantum Error Correction, held at the Yale University in July 2025, in partnership with NC A&T. This short course will provide viewers strong foundation on Quantum Error Detection & Quantum Error Correction. Viewers are encouraged to take an introduction to quantum information science before viewing this content. Thank you to the Yale ASCEND Initiative for making this short course possible. And for more information on everything quantum at Yale, visit quantuminstitute.yale.edu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 14 min

    7.1 | The Software Design Document: Requirements to Implementation | Medical Software Course

    In this lesson, we explore the vital role of the Software Design Document (SDD) in medical software development. Learn how this essential document bridges the gap between high-level requirements and detailed coding instructions, ensuring safety, clarity, and adherence to regulatory standards. 🎯 Learning Objectives • Understand the purpose and importance of a Software Design Document (SDD) in medical software development. • Identify the key steps involved in creating a comprehensive SDD, from reviewing requirements to defining architecture. • Explain how the SDD serves as a crucial bridge between system requirements and software implementation. • Discuss the regulatory considerations and best practices for software design, including handling Software of Unknown Provenance (SOUP). • Recognize the importance of intuitive user interface design for preventing errors in medical software. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 1 hr 17 min

    13. Sequential games: moral hazard, incentives, and hungry lions

    Game Theory (ECON 159) We consider games in which players move sequentially rather than simultaneously, starting with a game involving a borrower and a lender. We analyze the game using "backward induction." The game features moral hazard: the borrower will not repay a large loan. We discuss possible remedies for this kind of problem. One remedy involves incentive design: writing contracts that give the borrower an incentive to repay. Another involves commitment strategies; in this case providing collateral. We consider other commitment strategies such as burning boats. But the key lesson of the day is the idea of backward induction. 00:00 - Chapter 1. Sequential Games: Backward Induction 17:57 - Chapter 2. Sequential Games: Moral Hazard 29:50 - Chapter 3. Sequential Games: Incentive Design 44:29 - Chapter 4. Sequential Games: Commitment Strategies 01:01:06 - Chapter 5. Sequential Games: Backward Induction Is Really Important Complete course materials are available at the Yale Online website: online.yale.edu This course was recorded in Fall 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 1 hr 15 min

    1. Introduction: five first lessons

    Game Theory (ECON 159) We introduce Game Theory by playing a game. We organize the game into players, their strategies, and their goals or payoffs; and we learn that we should decide what our goals are before we make choices. With some plausible payoffs, our game is a prisoners' dilemma. We learn that we should never choose a dominated strategy; but that rational play by rational players can lead to bad outcomes. We discuss some prisoners' dilemmas in the real world and some possible real-world remedies. With other plausible payoffs, our game is a coordination problem and has very different outcomes: so different payoffs matter. We often need to think, not only about our own payoffs, but also others' payoffs. We should put ourselves in others' shoes and try to predict what they will do. This is the essence of strategic thinking. 00:00 - Chapter 1. What Is Strategy? 02:16 - Chapter 2. Strategy: Where Does It Apply? 02:54 - Chapter 3. (Administrative Issues) 09:40 - Chapter 4. Elements of a Game: Strategies, Actions, Outcomes and Payoffs 21:38 - Chapter 5. Strictly Dominant versus Strictly Dominated Strategies 29:33 - Chapter 6. Contracts and Collusion 33:35 - Chapter 7. The Failure of Collusion and Inefficient Outcomes: Prisoner's Dilemma 41:40 - Chapter 8. Coordination Problems 01:07:53 - Chapter 9. Lesson Recap Complete course materials are available at the Yale Online website: online.yale.edu This course was recorded in Fall 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 4 min

    System Stakeholders and the Power Matrix | Connected Leadership with Peter Boyd

    Bring the stakeholder matrix back, this time at the system level. Learn to map influential champions, concerned skeptics, fans, and historically overlooked groups so your strategies engage the right people without missing the voices that should be heard. Key topics: - Revisiting the stakeholder two-by-two for systems - Engaging high-influence champions and concerns - Avoiding overinvestment in naysayers - Surfacing historically overlooked groups - Power-over versus power-with thinking 📚 About the Course: This course is designed to maximize your ability to create change at the individual, team and system levels. Through study, reflection, and deploying practical tools, you will establish a firm connection between your clearly articulated Purpose, effective Priorities, visualized Potential for success, and pathway to maximized Progress. But, what does that mean in practice? When you take this course, you will: Improve your ability to get the most out of life: Learn a simple practice to reflect on your purpose, clarify priorities, visualize your potential, and maximize your effectiveness at progressing towards your goals. Strengthen your leadership toolkit: Tap into your unique leadership style and strengths and join or create a community of others to maximize your potential as a team. Create change through systems thinking: Become a more effective agent of positive change and appreciate the power and complexity of system thinking. Course Takeaways: Improve your ability to get the most out of life Strengthen your leadership toolkit Practice and apply systems thinking to plan for change 📺 Watch the full playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9mgdi4rNezZEnhZC8dS3AvTnzOiB0Ij 🎓 Enroll on Coursera for assessments and a certificate: https://www.coursera.org/learn/connected-leadership 🌐 Explore more learning opportunities on Yale Online: https://online.yale.edu/courses/connected-leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 1 hr 22 min

    14. Guest Lecture by Andrew Redleaf

    Financial Markets (ECON 252) Andrew Redleaf, a Yale graduate and manager of Whitebox Advisors, a hedge fund, discusses his experience with financial markets. He addresses one of the fundamental questions in finance--whether or not markets are efficient--and concludes that although they don't seem to be efficient, beating the market is very difficult. Mr. Redleaf discusses his thoughts about psychological barriers that make markets inefficient. He also comments on his beliefs regarding risk management and how people are compensated for mitigating risks, rather than for taking on risk as is often perceived. He ends by answering several questions from students. 00:00 - Chapter 1. The Markets Are Not Efficient 10:15 - Chapter 2. Psychological Factors of Market Inefficiency 25:57 - Chapter 3. Rewards Are for Risk-Mitigating, Not Risk-Taking 33:14 - Chapter 4. Issues in the Current U.S. and Global Economies 43:41 - Chapter 5. Questions: Cash and Bonds as Default Investments 01:04:35 - Chapter 6. Speculating on Backdated Options Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses This course was recorded in Spring 2008. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 20 min

    8.3 | Software Testing Essentials: Finding Bugs and Ensuring Quality in Medical Software Course

    Ever wondered how critical medical software is rigorously checked for errors? In this lesson, we delve into the fundamental principles of software testing, exploring its distinction from validation and why finding bugs is a continuous, essential process. We'll examine various testing methodologies from unit-level code scrutiny to comprehensive system checks, specifically considering the unique challenges and requirements within the medical domain. 🎯 Learning Objectives • Differentiate software testing from validation and verification. • Explain the purpose and limitations of software testing. • Compare and contrast white box and black box testing methodologies. • Describe the different levels of software testing, including unit, integration, and system testing. • Discuss strategies for effective testing, such as reducing complexity and utilizing interactive user testing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 52 min

    9. The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle's Politics, VII

    Introduction to Political Philosophy (PLSC 114) This final lecture on Aristotle focuses on controlling conflict between factions. Polity as a mixture of the principles of oligarchy and democracy, is the regime that, according to Aristotle, can most successfully control factions and avoid dominance by either extreme. Professor Smith asserts that the idea of the polity anticipates Madison's call for a government in which powers are separated and kept in check and balance, avoiding therefore the extremes of both tyranny and civil war. 00:00 - Chapter 1. Polity: The Regime that Most Successfully Controls for Faction 07:30 - Chapter 2. The Importance of Property and Commerce for a Flourishing Republic 12:28 - Chapter 3. The Aristocratic Republic: A Model for the Best Regime 26:50 - Chapter 4. What Is Aristotle's Political Science? 35:21 - Chapter 5. Who Is a Statesman? 37:54 - Chapter 6. The Method of Aristotle's Political Science Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses This course was recorded in Fall 2006. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 1 hr 17 min

    23. Asymmetric information: silence, signaling and suffering education

    Game Theory (ECON 159) We look at two settings with asymmetric information; one side of a game knows something that the other side does not. We should always interpret attempts to communicate or signal such information taking into account the incentives of the person doing the signaling. In the first setting, information is verifiable. Here, the failure explicitly to reveal information can be informative, and hence verifiable information tends to come out even when you don't want it to. We consider examples of such information unraveling. Then we move to unverifiable information. Here, it is hard to convey such information even if you want to. Nevertheless, differentially costly signals can sometimes provide incentives for agents with different information to distinguish themselves. In particular, we consider how the education system can allow future workers to signal their abilities. We discuss some implications of this rather pessimistic view of education. 00:00 - Chapter 1. Asymmetric Information: Signaling and Information Unraveling 16:48 - Chapter 2. Information Unraveling: Examples 35:07 - Chapter 3. Signaling: Good and Bad Workers 59:36 - Chapter 4. Signaling: Conclusions Complete course materials are available at the Yale Online website: online.yale.edu This course was recorded in Fall 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 1 hr 14 min

    2. The Dark Ages

    Introduction to Ancient Greek History (CLCV 205) In this lecture, Professor Donald Kagan explores the earliest history of Greek civilization. He demonstrates how small agricultural enclaves eventually turned into great cities of power and wealth in the Bronze Age, taking as his examples first Minoan Crete and then Mycenaean Greece. He also argues that these civilizations were closely related to the great monarchies of the ancient Near East. He points out that the Mycenaean age eventually came to an abrupt end probably through a process of warfare and migration. Reconstructing the Mycenaean age is possible through archaeological evidence and through epic poetry (Homer). Finally, he provides an account of the collapse of the Mycenaean world, and explains how in its aftermath, the Greeks were poised to start their civilization over on a new slate. 00:00 - Chapter 1. The Minoan Civilization 08:58 - Chapter 2. Mycenaean Language and Writing 16:07 - Chapter 3. The Citadel, Farmland, Burials and the Oil Trade 26:29 - Chapter 4. Cultural Unity, Agriculture, Religious Authority 33:41 - Chapter 5. Society and Economy 39:05 - Chapter 6. Theories about the Fall of the Mycenaean World 56:52 - Chapter 7. Results of the Fall Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses This course was recorded in Fall 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 15 min

    9.1 | From Coin Flips to Clinical Trials: Introduction to Probability - Medical Software Course

    Why is probability essential for medical software development? In this lesson, we take a crucial detour from the software lifecycle to explore the mathematical foundations of probability and statistics. We'll introduce key concepts from an engineering perspective, demonstrating their application in critical areas like signal detection and the design of robust clinical trials and validation studies, which are vital for reliable medical software. 🎯 Learning Objectives • Distinguish between deterministic and stochastic systems in an engineering context. • Define and differentiate between discrete and continuous probability density functions (PDFs). • Explain the application of probability in medical software, including signal detection and clinical trial design. • Understand the concepts of cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) and survival functions. • Identify and interpret multivariate probability distributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Monday · 20 min

    2.5 | Navigating Medical Software Regulations: Your Guide to Approval (Medical Software Course)

    Are you ready to navigate the intricate landscape of medical software approval? This lesson delves into the regulatory processes governing medical software, highlighting key considerations from initial agency review to market release. We'll cover how risk classification impacts approval pathways and explore distinct regulatory frameworks in the United States, European Union, and China. 🎯 Learning Objectives • Understand the core principles regulatory agencies apply when reviewing medical software, focusing on efficacy, safety, and security. • Differentiate between device classifications (Class I, II, III) and their corresponding review processes, including 510k, De Novo, and Pre-Market Approval (PMA) in the US. • Explain the distinctions and applications of general controls and special controls in medical device regulation. • Compare and contrast the regulatory frameworks and approval processes for medical software in the United States (FDA), European Union (MDR), and China (NMPA). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Sunday · 1 hr 18 min

    7. Nash equilibrium: shopping, standing and voting on a line

    Game Theory (ECON 159) We first consider the alternative "Bertrand" model of imperfect competition between two firms in which the firms set prices rather than setting quantities. Then we consider a richer model in which firms still set prices but in which the goods they produce are not identical. We model the firms as stores that are on either end of a long road or line. Customers live along this line. Then we return to models of strategic politics in which it is voters that are spread along a line. This time, however, we do not allow candidates to choose positions: they can only choose whether or not to enter the election. We play this "candidate-voter game" in the class, and we start to analyze both as a lesson about the notion of equilibrium and a lesson about politics. 00:00 - Chapter 1. Bertrand Duopoly: Standard Model 28:18 - Chapter 2. Bertrand Duopoly: Product Differentiation 40:13 - Chapter 3. Perfect Competition Revisited: The Candidate Voter Model Complete course materials are available at the Yale Online website: online.yale.edu This course was recorded in Fall 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Sunday · 1 hr 20 min

    8. Nash equilibrium: location, segregation and randomization

    Game Theory (ECON 159) We first complete our discussion of the candidate-voter model showing, in particular, that, in equilibrium, two candidates cannot be too far apart. Then we play and analyze Schelling's location game. We discuss how segregation can occur in society even if no one desires it. We also learn that seemingly irrelevant details of a model can matter. We consider randomizations first by a central authority (such as in a bussing policy), and then decentralized randomization by the individuals themselves, "mixed strategies." Finally, we look at rock, paper, scissors to see an example of a mixed-strategy equilibrium to a game. 00:00 - Chapter 1. Candidate - Voter Model 14:22 - Chapter 2. Location and Segregation: Why Outcomes Are Not Necessarily Preferences 46:01 - Chapter 3. Location and Segregation: Examples 52:10 - Chapter 4. Location and Segregation: Policy Implications 57:51 - Chapter 5. Location and Segregation: Central vs. Individual Randomization 01:00:51 - Chapter 6. Pure vs. Mixed Strategies: Rock, Paper, Scissors Complete course materials are available at the Yale Online website: online.yale.edu This course was recorded in Fall 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Sunday · 1 hr 22 min

    20. Subgame perfect equilibrium: wars of attrition

    Game Theory (ECON 159) We first play and then analyze wars of attrition; the games that afflict trench warfare, strikes, and businesses in some competitive settings. We find long and damaging fights can occur in class in these games even when the prizes are small in relation to the accumulated costs. These could be caused by irrationality or by players' having other goals like pride or reputation. But we argue that long, costly fights should be expected in these games even if everyone is rational and has standard goals. We show this first in a two-period version of the game and then in a potentially infinite version. There are equilibria in which the game ends fast without a fight, but there are also equilibria that can involve long fights. The only good news is that, the longer the fight and the higher the cost of fighting, the lower is the probability of such a fight. 00:00 - Chapter 1. Wars of Attrition: The Rivalry Game 17:39 - Chapter 2. Wars of Attrition: Real World Examples 24:04 - Chapter 3. Wars of Attrition: Analysis 47:53 - Chapter 4. Wars of Attrition: Discussion of SPEs 01:06:54 - Chapter 5. Wars of Attrition: Generalization Complete course materials are available at the Yale Online website: online.yale.edu This course was recorded in Fall 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Showing 141–160 of 524 episodes