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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.
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
Identity Formation: Psychological and Social Factors
Module 2•4 hours to complete
Module details
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
Show info about module content
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
Identity in the Digital Age: Technology and Selfhood
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
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
Show info about module content
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
Identity and Globalization: Cultural Perspectives
Module 4•4 hours to complete
Module details
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
Show info about module content
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
Culminating a Global Renaissance Individual
Module 5•3 hours to complete
Module details
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
Show info about module content
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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When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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