Introduction to Understanding the Self

The instructor, Lara Teresar, greets students and introduces herself. She has been an instructor at Aurora State College of Technology for almost five years, holds a BS in Human Ecology, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Environment and Natural Resources Management.

The video is divided into four parts: course overview, course outline, class requirements, and assignment/activity. The course 'Understanding the Self' aims to help students explore issues and concerns regarding self and identity. It also includes mandatory topics on family planning and population education.

Chapter 1 covers the 'Self from Various Perspectives'. This includes philosophical perspectives (e.g., Socrates, Plato, Augustine, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant, Ryle, Merleau-Ponty, Churchland), sociological perspectives (focusing on Mead, Cooley, and Goffman), psychological perspectives (discussing various psychologists and their concepts of self, including Sigmund Freud), and eastern and western concepts of the self (including Buddhist, Hindu, Confucian, and Taoist perspectives).

Chapter 2, 'Unpacking the Self', covers six lessons: Physical Self (body image and self-esteem), Sexual Self (physical development, sexual orientation, gender identity, STDs, triangular theory of love, responsible parenthood), Material Self (how material possessions affect identity), Spiritual Self (belief in God, rituals, and world religions like Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism), Political Self (symbols, heroes, rituals, values, and Filipino character strengths/weaknesses), and Digital Self (Philippine digital technology, setting online boundaries, and responsible online behavior).

Chapter 3, 'Managing and Caring for the Self', includes three lessons: Learning to be a better student, setting goals for success, and taking charge of one's physical and mental health.

Class requirements include three exams (pre-midterm, midterm, finals) accounting for 30% of the grade, module activities (20%), a final project (15%), quizzes (15%), and recitation (10%). Recitation will be via Facebook group participation. Attendance is not mandatory, but assignment submission is crucial.

The first assignment is to creatively introduce oneself, which can involve singing, dancing, or other creative expressions. An example video is provided. The assignment should be submitted via Google Drive, and the grading criteria are content (40%), relevance (30%), and creativity/presentation (30%).