"I believe that we have not even begun to tap human potentialities, and that by continuing humble but persistent study of human behavior, we can learn consciously to create civilizations within which an increasing proportion of human beings will realize more of what they have it in them to be."
Home > Academics > Courses Offered > Dynamics of Developing & Exercising Personal Power
Dynamics of Developing & Exercising Personal Power
AC 30
8 credits
Historically power has been construed as the ability to influence others. This AC examines personal power from an existential point of view, arguing that human beings present false versions of themselves, unconsciously built to cover up their perceived sense of inadequacy. Personal power, therefore, involves breaking through the false self, understanding the development of the unconscious mind from early childhood through adulthood, telling the truth, and consciously choosing to exercise a requisite variety of power. Students will learn to recognize and analyze types, styles, and poles of power (masculine-feminine, receptive-aggressive, active-passive, positive-negative, positional) and synthesize these understandings with principles of existential psychology such as authorship of life, personal choice and responsibility, and here-and now experience. No prerequisite.
Back to top
I wasn't ever good in school. I limited myself and let others limit me. I didn't think I'd ever have the capacity to learn what I'm learning now. The non-traditional learning atmosphere at WGI is taking those barriers down. I'm not reading and taking a test—I'm engaging in my education and living what I'm learning. There's no excuse for me not to learn!