This learning unit is not being organized during year 2023-2024.
Teacher(s)
Language
English
> French-friendly
> French-friendly
Main themes
This course address critical themes that are relevant to the development of identity throughout the lifespan, using a range of theoretical approaches and a developmental perspective at its core. Building upon classic theories and empirical evidences, it will touch upon a range of topics and “layers” of one’s identity, including dimensions of personal vs. social identity, the development of personality, possible selves, or gender and sexual identity. The course will also discuss new settings for the formation of identity, including technological and social media innovations which greatly shape the way new generations of youth address their developmental task. While doing so, the course will outline the continuous nature of the construction of the self and identity, a lifelong developmental process on which people have agency.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 | Students will have a better understanding of theoretical and scientific approaches to identity formation, as well as the keys to apply this knowledge in their future professional life. Learning outcomes : A, B, C, E |
Content
Overview
This course addresses critical themes that are relevant to the development of identity throughout the lifespan, using a range of theoretical approaches and a developmental perspective at its core. Building upon classic theories and empirical evidences, it will touch upon a range of topics and “layers” of one’s identity, including dimensions of personal vs. social identity, the development of personality, possible selves, or gender and sexual identity. The course will also discuss new settings for the formation of identity, including technological and social media innovations which greatly shape the way new generations of youth address their developmental task. While doing so, the course will outline the continuous nature of the construction of the self and identity, a lifelong developmental process on which people have agency.
Specific topics (subject to change)
This course addresses critical themes that are relevant to the development of identity throughout the lifespan, using a range of theoretical approaches and a developmental perspective at its core. Building upon classic theories and empirical evidences, it will touch upon a range of topics and “layers” of one’s identity, including dimensions of personal vs. social identity, the development of personality, possible selves, or gender and sexual identity. The course will also discuss new settings for the formation of identity, including technological and social media innovations which greatly shape the way new generations of youth address their developmental task. While doing so, the course will outline the continuous nature of the construction of the self and identity, a lifelong developmental process on which people have agency.
Specific topics (subject to change)
| Session | Themes |
| S2 | Who am I? – An introduction to the constructs of Self and Identity |
| S3 | Identity Development Across the Life Cycle: Key Insights from Lifespan Perspectives. |
| S4 | Self-Consciousness and the development of Self-concepts |
| S5 | Intersectionality of identity: a focus on gender, sexual, racial/ethnic identities and their interactions |
| S6 | Digital identit(ies) and the Self |
| S7-S8 | Identity, Integrity, Quest: Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stage Model of Identity Construction. |
| S9-10 | Neo-Eriksonian models. |
| S11 | Identity formation as a creative process |
| S12 | Migration and European identity |
| S13 | The impact of chronic illness on identity formation during adolescence and young adulthood |
| S14 | Review / Q & R |
Teaching methods
Lectures (including guest-lectures)
Group discussions
Class activities
Group discussions
Class activities
Evaluation methods
The evaluation for this course consists of two cumulative parts:
- Individual final examination (60%): a final examination including multiple choice questions (30 items with 4 answer options. One point is awarded for each correct answer and no points are awarded for no answer or incorrect answer) / 10 short answers questions touching upon all the knowledge-based content covered in the course, as well as a short case conceptualization (2h).
- Group work (40%): by groups of 2 to 4, students will prepare a maximum 10min “capsule” presenting and discussing a topic of their choosing (in agreement with the instructor) relevant to any identity issue (e.g., Religious identity and terrorism; Belgitude)
Other information
This course is given in English but in an “French-friendly” format. For details, please see below.
- The course is given in English
- The core reading for the course is in English.
- The standard exam is a written exam in English. However, students taking this course:
- will be allowed to use a dictionary when taking the written exam in English
- Are provided with the opportunity to provide written response to the exam either in English or French
- Are provided with the opportunity to present the group work either in English or French
Bibliography
Mandatory readings will be provided via Moodle and in class. Readings listed here are recommended references to further support the foundations of this course.
- Kroger, J. (2006). Identity development: Adolescence through adulthood. Sage publications.
- Lannegrand-Willems, L. (2014). Chapitre 4. La construction de l’identité. In M. Claes & L. Lannegrand-Willems (Eds.), La psychologie de l’adolescence. Presses de l’Université de Montréal.
- Schwartz, S.J., Luyckx, K., & Vignoles V. L. (eds.). (2011). Handbook of Identity Theory and Research. Springer. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2F978-1-4419-7988-9.pdf
Faculty or entity
