Exploring the Origins of Selfhood
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Exploring the Origins of Selfhood
This course is part of Personal Journeys: Identity, Motivation, and Resilience Specialization
Instructor: Roger L Martinez
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There are 5 modules in this course
This course is an immersive journey that invites learners to unravel the intricate tapestry of selfhood and identity across different periods and contexts. Learners will will develop critical thinking skills, enhance their self-awareness, and foster a deeper understanding of their own identity and its interconnectedness with societal, cultural, and digital influences. What sets this course apart is its interdisciplinary approach, blending historical, philosophical, psychological, sociological, digital, and global perspectives. It provides a holistic exploration of identity, reflecting the complexity of selfhood in the modern world. This course not only equips learners with knowledge but also empowers them to understand and navigate their identity in an ever-evolving world.
Starting with historical and philosophical perspectives, the course spans from ancient philosophies to present-day theories, revealing how luminaries like Plato, Descartes, and contemporary scholars have informed our understanding of selfhood. Students will delve deeper into the realm of identity formation, analyzing the impact of both psychological and social influences. As we navigate an increasingly digital era, learners will investigate the complex relationship between technology, self-perception, and the management of digital identities. We will scrutinize the influence of social media on self-esteem and the ethics involved in online identity construction. Lastly, in the global context, we will explore how globalization interplays with cultural identity, the concept of cultural assimilation, the emergence of hybrid identities, and the significance of cultural heritage in identity shaping.
This module provides an overview of the concept of identity and its historical and philosophical roots. It explores various theories of selfhood, including those from ancient civilizations to modern thinkers. Topics covered may include Plato's theory of Forms, Descartes' concept of cogito ergo sum, Jacob Burkhardt's Burckhardt’s “spiritual individuals” distinctly separate from social groups, Stephen Greenblatt's individuals who existed as “cultural artifacts” that were fashioned by social institutions., and John Jeffries Martin's argument that “identity was not about individuality but rather explicitly about the problem of the relation of one’s inner experience to one’s experience in the world.” It considers the development of individual identity in the context of societal changes.
What's included
12 videos12 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
12 videos•Total 50 minutes
- Course Overview•3 minutes
- Wheel of Fortune, Wheel of Meaning•4 minutes
- The Middle Ages and Renaissance•6 minutes
- Personal Introduction - Prof. Dr. Roger Martinez-Davila•2 minutes
- Personal Introduction - Prof. Stefan Huddleston•1 minute
- Personal Introduction - Prof. Ian Torres•1 minute
- Exploring Identity: Historical and Philosophical Foundations•4 minutes
- Identity in Flux: Cultural Artifacts and Spiritual Individuals•5 minutes
- The Inner Experience: Identity and the World•6 minutes
- Identity in Context: Societal Changes and Individual Development•7 minutes
- Assignment Overview: Exploring Identity: A Historical, Philosophical, and Societal Perspective•3 minutes
- Identity in "Black Skin, White Masks" by Frantz Fanon•7 minutes
12 readings•Total 125 minutes
- Growing Identities, Motivation and Resilience at Madrid's Royal Botanical Garden•10 minutes
- A Note on Teaching Philosophy and AI•10 minutes
- Plato: The Republic and the Theory of Forms•10 minutes
- Jacob Burckhardt and Identity•10 minutes
- Who is Stephen Greenblatt?•10 minutes
- A Summary of "Renaissance Self-Fashioning: From More to Shakespeare" by Stephen Greenblatt•15 minutes
- John Jeffries Martin and More on Identity•10 minutes
- Who was Albrecht Dürer?•10 minutes
- About Ibn Khaldun•10 minutes
- Comparing and Contrasting Identity in Medieval Europe and the Medieval Islamic World•10 minutes
- About Frantz Fanon•10 minutes
- Identity in Post Colonial Africa •10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 45 minutes
- Self-Assessment of Video Reflection: Exploring Identity: A Historical, Philosophical, and Societal Perspective•45 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 60 minutes
- Prepare a Video Reflection on Exploring Identity•60 minutes
This module delves into the psychological and social factors that contribute to the formation of individual and collective identities. It examines the role of nature and nurture, self-concept development, and the influence of socialization processes.Topics covered may include Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, social identity theory, and the impact of cultural and social contexts on identity formation.
What's included
7 videos8 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
7 videos•Total 38 minutes
- Nature and Nurture: Exploring the Interplay in Identity Formation•7 minutes
- Enjoy a Moment at the Real Jardin Botanico•1 minute
- The Journey of Self-Discovery: Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development•9 minutes
- Social Identity: Exploring Belonging and Identity in a Social Context •8 minutes
- Culture's Imprint: Identity Formation in Cultural and Social Contexts•7 minutes
- Assignment Overview: Psychology and Society: A Multifaceted Exploration of Identity•4 minutes
- Exploring Identity and Selfhood: A Comparative Analysis of Rembrandt's "The Night Watch”•4 minutes
8 readings•Total 80 minutes
- The X in Latinx•10 minutes
- Nature Vs. Nurture and Food Preferences •10 minutes
- Erik Erikson's Paradigm of Psychosocial Development•10 minutes
- Pope Julius II, Michelangelo, and the Sistine Chapel•10 minutes
- Henri Tajfel and John Turner •10 minutes
- The Medicis•10 minutes
- Miguel de Cervantes and Don Quixote•10 minutes
- Dutch Renaissance Art•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 45 minutes
- Self-Assessment of Video Reflection on Psychology and Society: A Multifaceted Exploration of Identity•45 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 60 minutes
- Prepare a Video Reflection on Psychology and Society: A Multifaceted Exploration of Identity•60 minutes
This module explores the intersections between technology and how to manage one's own identity in the digital age. It examines how digital platforms, social media, and virtual reality shape our self-perception, self-presentation, and interpersonal relationships. Topics covered may include online identity construction, the impact of social media on self-esteem and self-image, and the ethics of digital identity management.
What's included
7 videos6 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
7 videos•Total 31 minutes
- Digital Footprints: Navigating the Intersections of Technology and Identity•6 minutes
- Crafting the Digital Self: Online Identity Construction and Management•6 minutes
- Enjoy a Moment at the Real Jardin Botanico•1 minute
- Digital Influence: Social Media's Impact on Self-Esteem and Self-Image•4 minutes
- The Ethical Dimensions of Crafting Your Digital Identity•4 minutes
- Assignment Overview: Navigating Digital Identity: Self-Awareness, Influence of Social Media, and Responsible Management•4 minutes
- Identity in Mid-20th Century Film•6 minutes
6 readings•Total 60 minutes
- The Influence of Social Media Algorithms •10 minutes
- Role-playing games and Identity•10 minutes
- Authenticity in the Digital Age•10 minutes
- Social Media and Self-Esteem•10 minutes
- Examining the Impact of Curated Online Identities•10 minutes
- 20th Century Cinema•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 45 minutes
- Self-Assessment of Video Reflection: Navigating Digital Identity: Self-Awareness, Influence of Social Media, and Responsible Management•45 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 60 minutes
- Prepare a Video Reflection on Navigating Digital Identity: Self-Awareness, Influence of Social Media, and Responsible Management•60 minutes
This module examines the influence of globalization on cultural identity and its implications for individuals and societies. It explores how globalization processes, such as migration, multiculturalism, and global communication, impact the formation and negotiation of identities. Topics covered may include cultural assimilation, hybrid identities, the challenges of maintaining cultural authenticity in a globalized world, and the role of cultural heritage in shaping identity.
What's included
7 videos9 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
7 videos•Total 38 minutes
- Globalization and Cultural Identity: Unraveling the Complexities•7 minutes
- Enjoy a Moment at the Real Jardin Botanico•1 minute
- Cultural Assimilation or Cultural Fusion? Navigating Identity in a Globalized World•7 minutes
- Preserving Cultural Authenticity: Challenges in a Globalized Era•7 minutes
- Cultural Heritage and Identity: Shaping the Past, Present, and Future•6 minutes
- Assignment Overview: Globalization and Identity: The Interplay of Culture, Assimilation, and Heritage•3 minutes
- The Unbelievable Story of the Carvajal - Santa Maria Family•7 minutes
9 readings•Total 90 minutes
- Language of the Aztecs•10 minutes
- Defining Cultural Assimilation and Cultural Fusion •10 minutes
- An Example of Cultural Fusion Through Food•10 minutes
- The Ecological, Cultural, and Economic Transformations of the "Columbian Exchange"•10 minutes
- Aztec Pictograms and Iconography•10 minutes
- Defining Cultural Heritage and Cultural Identity •10 minutes
- Edward Said and Orientalism•10 minutes
- Religion and Culture in Medieval Spain•10 minutes
- Creating Conversos: The Carvajal-Santa Maria Family in Early Modern Spain•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 45 minutes
- Self-Assessment of Video Reflection: Globalization and Identity: The Interplay of Culture, Assimilation, and Heritage•45 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 60 minutes
- Prepare a Video Reflection on Globalization and Identity: The Interplay of Culture, Assimilation, and Heritage•60 minutes
In this interactive module, students will explore the multifaceted concept of identity through a unique assignment: "A Mandala of Personal Identity in a Globalized World." Utilizing a mandala framework, learners will synthesize theories of identity, critically evaluate digital identity management, and analyze the impact of globalization on cultural identity. The module culminates in a reflective video discussion, offering a holistic understanding of the student's identity in today's interconnected world.
What's included
3 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
3 videos•Total 10 minutes
- Culminating a Global Renaissance Individual•5 minutes
- Assignment Overview: Mandala of Personal Identity in a Globalized World•4 minutes
- Enjoy a Moment at the Real Jardin Botanico•1 minute
1 assignment•Total 45 minutes
- Self-Assessment of Video Reflection: Culminating a Global Renaissance Individual•45 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 120 minutes
- Prepare a Mandala of Personal Identity in a Globalized World•120 minutes
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