Understanding the Self
Introduction:
This course deals with the nature of identity, as well as the factors and forces
that affect development and maintenance of personal identity.
The course is divided into:
1. The self from various perspectives – the disciplines of philosophy,
psychology, sociology and anthropology will be discussed. Students will
be able to compare what experts from these fields say about the self,
identity and personality. They will also be able to examine different
influences, factors and forces that shape the self.
2. Unpacking of the self – students can explore the different aspects of self
and identity, such as physical, material, digital, spiritual and sexual self.
Mandatory topics on family planning and population education will also
be covered here.
3. Managing and caring for the self – Theoretical underpinnings of how to
manage and care for oneself will be covered on this part and the students
must be able to apply these for a better quality of life
PART I: THE SELF FROM VARIOUS PERSPECTIVES
What (or who) is self?
- The "self" is defined as a person's essential being that distinguishes
them from others, especially considered as the object of introspection
or reflexive action.
- It has many aspects which make up the "self's integral parts, such as
self-awareness, self-esteem, self-knowledge, and self-perception. The
person is able to alter, change, add, and/or modify himself or herself
for the purpose of gaining social acceptance.
- The "self" is either the cognitive or the affective representation of the
individual. Cognitive is relating to or involving conscious intellectual
activity while affective is relating to or arising from feelings influenced
by emotions.
- It is our identity or personality.
What is Personality?
The word “personality” originated from the Latin persona, which
referred to a theatrical mask worn by Roman actors in Greek dramas.
These ancient Roman actors wore a mask (persona) to project a role or
false appearance. (Feist&Fesit,2013).
Introduction:
This course deals with the nature of identity, as well as the factors and forces
that affect development and maintenance of personal identity.
The course is divided into:
1. The self from various perspectives – the disciplines of philosophy,
psychology, sociology and anthropology will be discussed. Students will
be able to compare what experts from these fields say about the self,
identity and personality. They will also be able to examine different
influences, factors and forces that shape the self.
2. Unpacking of the self – students can explore the different aspects of self
and identity, such as physical, material, digital, spiritual and sexual self.
Mandatory topics on family planning and population education will also
be covered here.
3. Managing and caring for the self – Theoretical underpinnings of how to
manage and care for oneself will be covered on this part and the students
must be able to apply these for a better quality of life
PART I: THE SELF FROM VARIOUS PERSPECTIVES
What (or who) is self?
- The "self" is defined as a person's essential being that distinguishes
them from others, especially considered as the object of introspection
or reflexive action.
- It has many aspects which make up the "self's integral parts, such as
self-awareness, self-esteem, self-knowledge, and self-perception. The
person is able to alter, change, add, and/or modify himself or herself
for the purpose of gaining social acceptance.
- The "self" is either the cognitive or the affective representation of the
individual. Cognitive is relating to or involving conscious intellectual
activity while affective is relating to or arising from feelings influenced
by emotions.
- It is our identity or personality.
What is Personality?
The word “personality” originated from the Latin persona, which
referred to a theatrical mask worn by Roman actors in Greek dramas.
These ancient Roman actors wore a mask (persona) to project a role or
false appearance. (Feist&Fesit,2013).
