Special Topic: Mindsets & Mindshifts - The Psychology of Achievement

Have you ever wondered why some people succeed more repeatedly than others and sustain that success over the long term? What prevents people from aspiring to higher levels of achievement in the first place? Research has revealed that success isn't just a result of talent or luck; it is also created by specific ways of thinking and, more particularly, the right mindset. At the heart of this course are cutting-edge scientific discoveries about how the subjective aspects of the mind - thoughts, beliefs, and expectations - can profoundly influence success in academics, work, sports, and almost every area of human endeavour, with particular attention paid to the belief system known as mindset. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to think critically about classic and recent research evidence, which indicates that what we think, believe, and expect plays an outsized role in determining our performance and personal achievement. This course spans several areas, including theoretical foundations, models of achievement, self-fulfilling prophecies, placebo effects, and common misconceptions about mindsets and belief systems. It also covers neurological and physiological foundations, the latest methods for changing mindsets, and applications in educational, professional, and personal contexts. This course will appeal to a wide range of students - from those looking to increase their performance to those wanting to grow and flourish in a world where uncertainty is a certainty.