Psychology: Understanding the Self and Our World
What are the various types of social influences, and how do they affect our reality? How are our individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impacted by others? In this course, you will investigate the central and active role of personality and the ‘self’ as it relates to our understanding of the world. You will evaluate the biased manner in which we make judgments of others and ourselves, and analyze the connection between knowledge of ‘self’ and wellness.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: 2- and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Individual Course Fees
$1,495
Discover the Inner Workings of the Psyche
Explore the Interplay of Social Psychology and Self
Immerse yourself in the field of psychology and its various applications, centering on the social psychology subset. Identify the concept of the ‘self:’ its components, functions, and developmental process.
Investigate How Personality is Manifested through the Self
Delve into the various theories of personality. Explore cultural and social influences that impact personality, and common assessment approaches, like Myers-Briggs.
Uncover How Social Cognition Constructs Reality
Understand how we make sense of ourselves, others, and our social world. Identify the motives that influence and shape social cognition, while evaluating stereotypical judgments.
Determine Social Influence’s Role in Psychology
Consider how the expectations of others influences how we feel, think, and behave. Delve into each type of social influence: compliance, obedience, and persuasion.
Investigate the Various Types of Social Influence
Highlight the benefits of self-knowledge and how it impacts psychological well-being. Learn ways to mitigate the negative impacts of social media’s influence while leveraging the power of social/human connection.
Explore Degrees and Careers in Psychology
Topics covered offer a vital background for college majors and potential careers in psychology, such as psychologist, human resources professional, political strategist, PR specialist, and much more.
How You Will Benefit
You'll be able to:
- Define the fields of psychology and social psychology
- Explore the way psychologists think about and study the ‘self’ and human behavior
- Evaluate the biased manner in which we make judgments of others and ourselves
- Understand where personality comes from, the ways it’s influenced by culture, and how to assess it
- Complete a Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Notre Dame
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Capstone Project
All online courses culminate in a Capstone Project that allows you to:
- Reflect on your social media use and how it influences your sense of well-being.
- Envision your future self: Who do you see yourself becoming? Identify a path that will help you become that person using what you have learned throughout this course.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies
- Brainstorming and ideation to help you prepare for your Final Project
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule
- Flexible learning format through video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you
- 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
All course options have the same educational content, learning materials, and number of assignments. We are offering a condensed version of the course in order to accommodate students’ individual schedules.
Hear from University of Notre Dame
Course Designed by University of Notre Dame Faculty
Anre Venter, Ph.D.
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Serving as the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Psychology Department for both the psychology major and the neuroscience and behavior major, Professor Venter's focus is on teaching, advising, and administering the undergraduate major. Trained as a social psychologist, Venter's interests focus on understanding the self—what it is and what it does.
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to know more?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch!
Frequently asked questions
When will you find out if you’ve been accepted? How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time will you get to complete a project?Answers to your questions are here.
Admissions
Our application is simple. You can expect a prompt decision.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your Profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.