Since Bitcoin’s launch in 2009, crypto has offered the hope of a stronger, more democratic financial system. And it’s raised plenty of questions as it continues to evolve. Now experts and skeptics at the center of the conversation are sharing a straightforward look at how this ecosystem is changing. Learn the basics, dive deep into the world of blockchain and Web3, and get the breakdown on what you need to know now.
Overview
Syllabus
- Meet Your Instructors
- With instructors at the front end of crypto and economics, this class reveals the inner workings of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Meet your new board of advisers: Emilie Choi, Chris Dixon, Paul Krugman, and Changpeng “CZ” Zhao.
- History of Crypto
- Changpeng “CZ” Zhao deconstructs the true origins of crypto and how the mysterious figure known as “Satoshi Nakamoto” introduced it to the world. Then, Chris Dixon shares why cryptocurrency and Web3 are in a golden age.
- Decentralization: Freedom and Possibility
- The instructors outline why cryptocurrency and blockchain technology may be the answer to many of the problems facing the world today.
- Decentralization: Is it Built on a Lie?
- Professor Paul Krugman shares the reasons behind his skepticism of cryptocurrency and blockchains, including what he sees as their misleading and unreliable value.
- Paul & CZ In-Conversation: The "Problem" With Crypto
- In a MasterClass first, CZ and Professor Paul Krugman engage in a debate covering several of crypto’s most polarizing topics, including the greatest challenges for digital currency.
- Blockchain Evolution
- In this lesson, Emilie Choi and Chris Dixon detail the futuristic world of Web 3—powered by blockchain technology and cryptocurrency—and the prospects of the “new internet.”
- Web3: Read, Write, Own
- Emilie Choi, Chris Dixon, and CZ discuss some of the drawbacks of on-chain technology and the innovations necessary to propel blockchains and cryptocurrency into the future.
- Crypto for Entrepreneurs
- Emilie Choi shares executive insight into how entrepreneurs can best interact amid the excitement of cryptocurrency. CZ and Chris Dixon dive into how blockchain could help solve some of the traditional challenges that entrepreneurs face.
- DAOs: Companies Run by Communities
- Groups operating in cryptocurrency are exploring the communal potential of DAOs, “decentralized autonomous organizations.” Chris Dixon examines why DAOs were created and how they are experiments in democracy.
- NFTs: Digital Goods
- NFTs may be the buzziest acronym in cryptocurrency. One by one, Chris Dixon deconstructs the types of NFTs and their potential applications. He also shares how these tokens allow for participation and ownership for everyone involved.
- Crypto Token Ownership
- There is a proliferation of tokens in the cryptocurrency space—but they don’t all hold real value. Chris Dixon unpacks the tokens that exist in the market and shares tips on what to consider before buying into something new.
- Stablecoins: Are They Really Stable?
- Stablecoins may have at least two sides. Emilie Choi discusses different types of stablecoins and their potential, while Professor Paul Krugman argues that this type of cryptocurrency is an example of an old banking problem.
- Paul & CZ In-Conversation: Are Stablecoins Safe?
- Continuing their cryptocurrency debate, Professor Paul Krugman and CZ cover the contentious topic of Stablecoins.
- Why Is Crypto So Volatile?
- The cryptocurrency market has had its share of ups and downs. Professor Paul Krugman draws economic parallels between traditional and decentralized finance. Then, Emilie Choi and CZ state their case for the importance of volatility.
- The Dangers for Investors
- The crypto ecosystem is seen by some as a world of innovation and by others as a world of scams. Professor Paul Krugman and CZ cover the dangers present in the cryptocurrency landscape and offer ways to protect yourself.
- Paul & CZ In-Conversation: Crypto Consumer Protection
- Wrapping up their debate, Professor Paul Krugman and CZ scrutinize the consumer market for crypto and blockchains and their visions for the technology’s future.
- Crypto Regulation Is Necessary
- Professor Paul Krugman details the history of financial regulation, including how it works and who it serves, and he discusses why he believes cryptocurrency shouldn’t be exempt from legal oversight.
- The Future of Crypto
- The instructors share their views on how cryptocurrency and blockchain will continue to evolve.
- Primer: How Blockchains Work
- Emilie Choi breaks down the basics of blockchain technology in this quick, animated lesson and explains how it can create a more open, accessible financial model.
Taught by
Chris Dixon, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, Emilie Choi, and Paul Krugman
