Identity and Difference OpenCourseWare: MIT's Free Bachelor Level Human Sciences Class on the Study of Individual and Group Identities

Published Jan 31, 2009

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Discover how our behaviors help shape our identities in this free OpenCourseWare offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 'Identity and Difference' looks at the factors that influence how we perceive ourselves. This course has no prerequisites and is designed for undergraduate students majoring in Anthropology.

Identity and Difference: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

Identity and Difference: Course Description

This course explores how our behaviors shape our identity. The identity of individuals and groups are shaped by natural or modified behaviors that strengthen in a pattern. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)'s School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences offers this OpenCourseWare to explore how our identity is shaped by our choices, including sexual and religious choices and the behaviors associated with them. Students also learn how race, culture and gender influence their perceived identity. This course about exploring and discovering one's identity is ideal for Anthropology students and led by MIT Professor Heather Paxson.

Course readings, assignments and some related reading material are available for free online. To learn more, visit the identity and difference course page.