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Universal Ethics and Civilization 102
The Practice of Universal Ethics explores the timeless moral principles revealed at Sinai and their relevance for today’s world. Over eight weeks, students will study belief in God, reverence, justice, human dignity, and stewardship of nature, gaining practical guidance for living ethically in modern society. This course provides both a historical foundation and a roadmap for applying universal values in everyday life.
About This Course
Universal Ethics and Civilization 102 explores the foundation of moral civilization through the lens of the 7 Universal Noahide Laws, as taught in the Jewish tradition. This course offers a rational and ethical framework that transcends culture and religion, tracing its roots back to the Revelation at Sinai.
Through eight dynamic weeks of study, students will examine the Divine basis for human dignity, justice, sexuality, stewardship of the Earth, and moral responsibility. The course engages with current global challenges while grounding learners in timeless ethical truths relevant to every society and individual.
Whether you're a student of philosophy, law, theology, or simply someone who wants to understand the moral foundations of civilization, this course provides essential insight into how universal ethics can build a better world for all.
Universal Ethics and Civilization 102– Syllabus
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction — Civilization and Sinai
Discover how the concept of civilization is inseparable from Divine instruction. Explore the origins of universal ethics as revealed at Sinai and their enduring role in human history.
Week 2: Belief in G-d
Examine humanity’s responsibility to acknowledge the Creator, and understand why faith in God underpins all ethical responsibility.
Week 3: Reverence for G-d
Learn how respect for God’s Name shapes honesty, humility, and the sacredness of speech.
Week 4: Human Sexuality
Explore the ethical foundations of family life, dignity, and responsibility in human relationships.
Week 5: Justice
Understand the moral demand for fair courts, law, and accountability as the pillars of peaceful society.
Week 6: Killing
Study the universal prohibition on murder, and its broader meaning in safeguarding the sanctity of life.
Week 7: Theft and Material Harm
Analyze the ethical boundaries around property, commerce, and respect for others’ material well-being.
Week 8: The Treatment of Nature
Reflect on humanity’s stewardship of creation, learning how ethical responsibility extends to the natural world.
Who is this course for?
- First-year university students from all academic backgrounds—especially law, philosophy, ethics, political science, education, international relations, religious studies, and the social sciences.
Why take this course in your first year?
Your first year is about discovering the bigger picture: understanding the world you live in and the role you can play in it.
This course explores the ethical infrastructure of civilization through a time-tested framework—the Seven Noahide Laws—as preserved in Jewish tradition and universal moral thought.
Certification
Get certified by the Noahide Academy of Israel – International Institute for the Seven Universal Laws.
Grading Policy (100%)
Quiz Questions – 70%
Short self-check questions appear after each lesson to confirm understanding. Together they make up 50% of your final grade.
End-of-Course Project – 30%
Write a concise 1–2 page essay applying what you learned to a current issue in your community or country. Clear, well-reasoned, well-written work scores best. (A strong one-page essay is better than a low-effort two-page essay.)
Passing & Completion
- Passing score: 80% overall.
- Completion requirement (non-graded): watch each lesson video and read the Key Concepts page before attempting the quiz.
Learning Outcomes
How will this course benefit you personally and academically?
- Gain a deep understanding of universal moral principles that apply across cultures and belief systems.
- Sharpen your ability to analyze ethical dilemmas, public policies, and legal frameworks from a values-based perspective.
- Cultivate skills in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cross-cultural understanding—competencies highly valued by employers.
How will this give you an edge in your degree and future career?
By grounding your education in universal ethics and moral law, you will:
- Excel in debates, essays, and interviews with a solid grasp of the ethical dimensions of your field.
- Be equipped to lead with integrity in a world seeking principled solutions to global challenges.
- Enhance your résumé and academic profile by demonstrating values-based learning, aligned with initiatives like Education and Sharing Day.
Course Staff
Rabbi Dr. Shimon Dovid Cowen
Rabbi Dr. Shimon Cowen, son of a former Governor-General of Australia, Sir Zelman Cowen OBM, has a dual background in secular and religious studies. He holds a PhD in social philosophy and received Rabbinic Ordination from Rabbi Chaim Gutnick OBM (Australia) and Rabbi S. Y. Cohen (Chief Rabbi of Haifa, Israel). He has been a Senior Research Fellow at Monash University and Program Director of the postgraduate Rabbinic Institute Kollel Menachem Lubavitch in Melbourne. In 1998 he founded the Institute for Judaism and Civilization, serving as its Director.
Rabbi Dr. Moshe Perets
Rabbi Dr. Moshe Perets serves as Founder and Executive Director of the Noahide Academy of Israel – International Institute for the Seven Universal Laws. Bridging Torah and science, he earned an MD from the University of Louvain in Brussels and an MS in Biomedical Research from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and received Rabbinical Ordination at the Chabad Yeshiva of Brussels in 2011. Before focusing full-time on global education, Rabbi Perets conducted stem-cell research at Hebrew University and led humanitarian missions in Africa, guided by a commitment to the physical and spiritual wellbeing of all people. Living in Jerusalem with his wife and children, he teaches the Noahide Code and coordinates the development of Noahide communities across the world in five languages. His work emphasizes rigorous scholarship, practical ethics, and community leadership, equipping students and ambassadors to apply universal moral principles in contemporary life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which web browser should I use?
For the best experience, use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Microsoft Edge is also supported. Internet Explorer is not recommended.
How long do I have access to the course?
You have access for the entire duration of the course, plus any additional time set by the instructor. Check your course dashboard for dates.
Do I need prior knowledge?
No background in law or philosophy is required. The course is designed for first-year university students and anyone curious about universal ethics.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. Students who complete all assignments, quizzes, and the final project will receive a certificate of completion.
How much time should I expect to spend each week?
Plan for about 2–3 hours per week, which includes watching video lectures, reviewing key concepts, and completing quizzes.
What should I do if I have technical issues?
Use the “Help” button in the course navigation or visit the edX Help Center for troubleshooting.
What will I gain practically from this course?
- A clear understanding of the Noahide Laws as a universal code of ethics.
- Skills to analyze real-world issues (law, politics, education, society) through the lens of universal ethics.
- Practice applying ethical principles to challenges in your own country or community.
- Critical thinking tools for discussions on justice, human dignity, and global responsibility.
- A final project that connects course concepts directly to contemporary problems.
- Academic Credits: Recognized in Israel, with future recognition under review by the NCCRS (National College Credit Recommendation Service) in the US.
- Internship Opportunities: Possible placements in Israel and other countries through our international network of partners.