Understanding Emotions

That emotions are crucial to our experience of the world around us has been appreciated for thousands of years. When Goleman popularised our understanding of just one dimension – emotional intelligence – in 1995, his book sold millions of copies. Emotions shape our relationships, determine our values, are the basis of our own motivation and how we motivate others. Over ten weeks, with a balance of theory, practical activities, and experiential opportunities, we attempt to understand the detail of emotions and what they are, how they impact us, and fashion society. Explore the definition and components of emotions, and discover how they shape our thoughts, perceptions, and behaviours. Trace the evolution of emotional research, from ancient philosophies to modern cognitive science, gaining valuable insights into this ever-evolving field. Delve into the neuroscience of emotions, the workings of our brain and how it processes emotional responses and discover many more aspects of emotions. Whether for professional or purely personal interest, this course should help you make just a little more sense of the complex world in which we live.