Understanding Emotions



Overview

That emotions are crucial to our experience of the world around us has been appreciated for thousands of years.  When Goleman popularised our understanding of just one dimension – emotional intelligence – in 1995, his book sold millions of copies.

Emotions shape our relationships, determine our values, are the basis of our own motivation and how we motivate others. 

Over ten weeks, with a balance of theory, practical activities, and experiential opportunities, we attempt to understand the detail of emotions and what they are, how they impact us, and how they fashion society.

Explore the definition and components of emotions, and discover how they shape our thoughts, perceptions, and behaviours. Trace the evolution of emotional research, from ancient philosophies to modern cognitive science, gaining valuable insights into this ever-evolving field.

Delve into the neuroscience of emotions, the workings of our brain and how it processes emotional responses. Examine the ongoing debate of whether emotions are innate or social constructs, exploring the interplay between biology, culture, and socialisation.

Uncover the minimal set of emotions that form the foundation of our emotional repertoire and explore their universality across cultures. Discover how empathy serves as a mechanism for emotional communication among individuals and even other sentient animals.

Investigate the relationship between positive emotions and psychopathology, gaining practical strategies for fostering mental wellness. Explore the intersection of emotions and motivation, and how they influence our actions and decision-making. Examine behavioural economics and marketing, where emotions are skilfully provoked to shape popular behaviour.

Understand the connection between wisdom, values, and emotions, and practical decision-making and finding meaning in our lives. Lastly, explore the relationship between religion and emotions, uncovering their role in spiritual practices and beliefs.

Previous participants have included coaches, nurses, artists, counsellors, social workers, and several members of the public interested in what makes their friends and family tick!

Whether for professional (CPD) or purely personal interest, this course should help you make just a little more sense of the complex world in which we live.

Programme details

Course starts: 29 Sep 2025

Week 1: What is an emotion?

Week 2: A brief history of emotional research

Week 3: Are emotions actually 'made'?

Week 4: The minimal set of emotions

Week 5: On the expression of emotions

Week 6: Positive emotion and psychopathology

Week 7: Emotion and motivation

Week 8: Provoking emotions and consequent behaviour

Week 9: Wisdom, values and emotions

Week 10: Emotions and religion

Digital Certification

Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) Points

Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail. Please follow this link for more information on Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) points

Digital Certificate of Completion 

Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Please note students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee (with no assessment) £300.00
Assessment and Accreditation fee £60.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Graham Wilson

A leadership and OD consultancy/coaching career followed my behavioural science PhD. Since 2015, I’ve taught psychology, counselling, coaching, and photography at Oxford. Through teaching, writing (15+ textbooks), and conversations, I hope I help people understand these subjects' day-to-day relevance.

Course aims

Whether you're seeking professional development or personal enrichment, this course will help you navigate the complexity of our emotional world and make sense of the intricate tapestry of human experiences.

Course objectives:

  1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of emotions and their profound impact on our lives. Explore the definition, components, and evolution of emotions, and uncover how they shape our thoughts, perceptions, and behaviours.

  2. Delve into the world of neuroscience and appreciate how our brain processes emotional responses. Examine the ongoing debate of whether emotions are innate or socially constructed, and explore the interplay between biology, culture, and socialisation.

  3. Discover the universal foundation of emotions and their role in shaping our relationships, values, motivation, and societal norms. Explore practical strategies for fostering mental well-being, understand the connection between emotions and decision-making, and gain insights into the influence of emotions in behavioural economics and marketing.

Teaching methods

Using a virtual learning environment (Canvas), background notes will be provided shortly before each session so that you can read up on the week's theme in advance if you wish. I try to make sessions interactive and dynamic - you won't find me hiding behind a lectern.  Classroom activities will be varied, involve a range of discussions and creative tasks, in both the full and smaller groups. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be expected to:

(1) appreciate the nature and significance of emotions in contexts from the individual to society and beyond

(2) reflect on the impact of emotions on their own life

(3) assess the nature of emotional well-being and effective ways of enhancing it

Assessment methods

The assessment will consist of a piece of reflective writing (1500 words). You will be asked to make a brief presentation on the focus of your assignment around week 7 or 8.

Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation will submit coursework.

 

Application

To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £60 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Students who do not register for assessment and credit during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, i.e. first year undergraduate level, and you will be expected to engage in a significant amount of private study in preparation for the classes. This may take the form, for instance, of reading and analysing set texts, responding to questions or tasks, or preparing work to present in class.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support