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IDST 385 Turning Points: Self-Transformation

Various authors define turning points as "major transformations in views about the self, identity, or the meaning of life." Psychologists associate turning points with transitions and stages of human development defined and explored by authors such as Erik Erikson, while philosophers examine turning points in terms of the human condition, and according to how death defines the meaning of our lives. Retirement or loss of a job, the end of a love affair, reaching the "golden years" (maturity) or learning that one (or a family member) has a fatal disease are all examples of challenges that often result in critical turning points throughout life. As an interdisciplinary course, we will explore turning points illustrated in works of classical literature and contemporary films, as well as through the application of various philosophical, psychological, and literary perspectives that focus on moments of self-transformation.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective May 10, 2010 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Apply theories of developmental psychology on ¿the life story,¿ to various individual turning points in an individual¿s life.
  • Analyze and apply various philosophical perspectives that reflect on the meaning of life and challenges and event that lead to personal transformation.
  • Detect and discuss representations of individual turning points through analysis of classical literary texts and contemporary films.
  • Distinguish defining features of turning points; how they emerge in retrospect; how they differ from life transitions; and how individual turning points affect larger communities.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.