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 Exploring the Impact of Second Language Learning on Our Perception of the World 

The Moulding of Our Internal Figures through the Gothic

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Benefits of doing
this unique
Personal-Development
Course

​1. Deepened Understanding of Language and Cognition​​

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of how language shapes our perception of reality, influences our thought processes, and molds our identities.

  • This knowledge is valuable for anyone interested in linguistics, cognitive science, or psychology, offering new perspectives on how language learning affects the mind.

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2. Enhanced Cultural Awareness

  • Explore the cultural implications of learning a second language, including how it changes perceptions of different cultures and enhances empathy towards others.

  • This is particularly useful for educators, cultural theorists, and anyone working in multicultural environments, as it fosters a deeper appreciation for diversity and cross-cultural communication.

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 3. Exploration of the Unconscious Mind

  • Through the lens of Jungian psychology and Gothic literature, the course offers insights into the unconscious mind and how language learning can bring hidden aspects of the self to the surface.

  • This benefit is particularly relevant for psychologists, therapists, and individuals interested in self-discovery or personal development.

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4. Critical Analysis Skills

  • Develop the ability to critically analyse Gothic literature, exploring themes of duality, the uncanny, and the repressed, while connecting these themes to language learning and identity formation.

  • This skill is crucial for students, researchers, and professionals in the humanities, enhancing their ability to interpret complex texts and ideas.

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5.  Enhanced Creativity

  • Engage with creative writing and project-based assignments that encourage the exploration of identity, duality, and transformation through language and the Gothic genre.

  • Writers, artists, and anyone involved in creative pursuits will find this aspect of the course particularly enriching, offering new sources of inspiration and thematic material.

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6. Professional Development

  • For educators, language instructors, and psychologists, the course provides professional insights into how language acquisition influences learners’ identities and psychological development.

  • This can inform teaching methods, therapeutic practices, and curriculum development, leading to more effective and empathetic professional practices.​

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7. Personal Growth and Self-Awareness

  • Through reflective exercises and discussions, the course encourages participants to explore their own experiences with language learning and how it has shaped their identity and worldview.

  • This can lead to greater self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a more nuanced understanding of one’s own psyche, which is beneficial to both personal and professional contexts.

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8. Interdisciplinary Knowledge

  • The course offers a unique blend of linguistics, psychology, literature, and cultural studies, providing a multidisciplinary approach to complex concepts.

  • This interdisciplinary knowledge is valuable for researchers and academics, enhancing their ability to approach topics from multiple perspectives and produce more comprehensive analyses.

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9. Preparation for Advanced Study or Research 

  • The course prepares participants for further academic research in fields such as Gothic literature, linguistic relativity, or Jungian psychology by providing foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills.

  • Ideal for students planning to pursue advanced degrees or research projects, this course offers a solid base of interdisciplinary knowledge and methodologies.

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10. Community and Networking Opportunities

  • Engage with a community of like-minded learners, educators, and professionals who share an interest in language, psychology, and literature.

  • Networking with peers and instructors can lead to collaborations, academic opportunities, and a supportive environment for sharing ideas and experiences.

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11. Insight into the Role of Language in Shaping Literature

  • Understand how language not only reflects but also shapes literary genres like the Gothic, influencing how themes of identity, duality, and the unconscious are portrayed.

  • This insight is particularly beneficial for literature students and writers, providing tools to analyze and create complex, multi-layered texts.

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Who is this Self-Development Language Course for?

This mentoring course is designed for a wide range of individuals across various fields, particularly those interested in the intersections of language, culture, identity, psychology, and literature. It is suitable for anyone looking to explore the deeper, often subconscious impacts of language learning and how it shapes not only our perception of the world but also our internal landscapes, as expressed through the lens of Gothic themes.

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This mentoring is aimed at:

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  • Graduate Students in Humanities and Social Sciences specialized in areas such as linguistics, literature, cultural studies, psychology, and philosophy who want to engage deeply with the complex intersections of language, identity, literature, and psychology. This course will provide you with a multidisciplinary perspective that will enhance your research or academic work.

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  • Educators and Language Instructors interested in exploring the broader psychological and cultural impacts of language learning who want to get new insights into how language learning influences perception and identity, which could be valuable for educators seeking to understand their students’ experiences or to incorporate more culturally and psychologically informed approaches into their teaching.

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  • Writers and Artists interested in the Gothic genre, language, and identity who want to explore how language shapes internal figures and worldviews to help them offer new perspectives and inspiration for their work, particularly if they engage with themes of identity, duality, and transformation.

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  • Psychologists and Therapists especially those interested in Jungian theory, language acquisition, or the psychological aspects of cultural integration and want to connect second language learning with psychological concepts like the Shadow and individuation, which can be useful for therapists working with multilingual clients or those exploring identity issues.

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  • Multilingual Individuals and Language Enthusiasts who are passionate about learning languages and are curious about the deeper psychological and cultural implications of this process. This course provides these profiles with a framework to understand their own experiences with language learning and its impact on their identity, perception, and interaction with different cultures.

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  • Researchers in Interdisciplinary Studies conducting interdisciplinary research that combines elements of language studies, cultural theory, psychology, and literature. The course's integration of multiple disciplines makes it ideal for those looking to explore the intersections of language, culture, and the Gothic in their work.

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  • Linguists and Cognitive Scientists or students in linguistics and cognitive science with an interest in how language shapes thought and perception and are looking for insights into the broader implications of linguistic relativity and how language learning influences cognitive and psychological processes, particularly in relation to identity and the unconscious. 

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  • Gothic Literature Enthusiasts interested in exploring the genre from a psychological and linguistic perspective. The course connects the Gothic with linguistic and psychological themes, offering new ways to interpret and engage with Gothic texts.

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  • Cultural Theorists and Sociologists interested in how language influences cultural perception and social identity and are looking for a unique angle on how second language acquisition impacts one’s perception of self and others within various cultural contexts.

Antique typewriter
Alice in Gothic Land book.jpg

Exploring the Impact of Second Language Learning on Our Perception of the World

The Moulding of Our Internal Figures through the Gothic

Language access level B2+

This course delves into the psychological, cultural, and literary impacts of learning a second language, with a special focus on how this process shapes our internal figures, self-perception, and worldview through the lens of Gothic literature. The course will explore theories from linguistic relativity, psychology (especially Jungian theory), and literary studies, analysing how acquiring a new language influences the way we perceive reality, construct our identities, and engage with the darker, Gothic aspects of our consciousness.

Module 1: Introduction to Language, Perception, and Identity

  • Introduction to key theories in language and cognition.

  • Discussion on how language influences self-perception and worldview.

  • Exercise: analysis of introductory texts on language and perception Journal about initial perceptions of one's identity in the context of language.

Module 2:  The Gothic and the Unconscious Mind

  • Introduction to Carl Jung's theories: archetypes and the collective unconscious.

  • Exploration of the Gothic as a representation of the unconscious mind.

  • Exercise: Analisis of a Gothic text to identify representations of the unconscious. Group discussion on how the Gothic evokes internal fears and hidden aspects of the self.

Module 3 :  Language as a Gateway to the Unconscious

  • The psychological impact of learning a new language.

  • Jungian theory: Language as a path to the Shadow.

  • Exercise: Reflective writing on how learning a new language has revealed or changed aspects of the self. How language in Gothic literature serves as a medium to express the inexpressible.

Module 4 :  The Dual Self in Second Language Acquisition

  • Theories on identity and language acquisition.

  • Analysis of the split self in Gothic characters

  • Exercise: Write a short Gothic narrative that explores the dual self in the context of language learning.

Module 5 :  Cultural Perception and the Gothic Other

  • Cross-cultural communication and the concept of “the Other” in language learning.

  • The Gothic “Other”: Monsters, strangers, and the uncanny.

  • Exercise: Create a presentation on how learning a language has altered perceptions of other cultures.

Module 6 :  Language, Memory, and the Gothic Past

  • The role of language in shaping and accessing memories.

  • Gothic literature’s focus on the past, memory, and trauma.

  • Exercise: Reflective essay: How has learning a new language affected your memories or perception of the past?

Module 7 :  The Shadow and Second Language Learning

  • Jung’s Shadow: The darker side of the personality.

  • How learning a new language can bring the Shadow to the forefront.

  • Exercise: Analyse a Gothic text for representations of the Shadow and connect it with how has language learning brought out aspects of your Shadow?

Module 8 :  Transformation and Individuation through Language and Gothic

  • The transformative effects of acquiring a new language.

  • Jung’s individuation process and its parallels in Gothic narratives.

  • Exercise: Creative project: Create a visual or literary piece that represents your transformation through language learning.

Module 9 :  The Role of Silence and the Unspoken in Language and the Gothic

  • The power of silence in communication and language learning.

  • Gothic literature’s exploration of the unspeakable and the unknown.

  • Exercise: Reflective writing: What role has silence or the unspoken played in your language learning journey?

Module 10 :  Integration and Final Project Presentation

  • Review of key concepts: linguistic relativity, the Gothic, Jungian psychology, and identity.

  • Discussion on the overall impact of language learning on worldview and internal figures.

  • Guidance on integrating course concepts into final projects.

  • Final project presentations: Presentations of students' research, creative work, or analysis that connect language learning with Gothic themes and Jungian psychology. 

  • Group reflection and discussion

Obtention of your Certificate

  • Participation (20%): Active involvement in discussions, group activities, and reflection exercises.

  • Weekly Reflections (20%): Short reflective essays or journal entries on the week's themes.

  • Creative Projects (20%): A mid-term project that creatively explores the dual self, transformation, or the Gothic Other in the context of language learning.

  • Final Project (40%): A comprehensive project (research paper, creative work, or presentation) that integrates course concepts, demonstrating a deep understanding of the impact of second language learning on perception and identity through the Gothic lens.

Requirements

To access this course you need a minimum language level: B2 in English.

If you don't know what your English level is, contact us and we'll send you all the information for a pre-entry language test.

 

"Having worked with Alicia, she is an excellent, warm, intuitive mentor who genuinely interacts with students and makes learning a joyful experience. As an interviewer, she has an extensive knowledge of literature and is a joy to work with; she understands the writing process and asks intuitive, interesting questions. I warmly recommend her classes to anyone who wants to improve their criticality through the study of writing."

Tracy Fahey,  Irish writer, academic and researcher

Meet your Mentor

Second Language and the Psyche Tier 1

€64

64

Every month

Exploring the Impact of Second Language Learning on Our Perception of the World

Valid for 10 months

Sessions of 1.5 - 2 hours

Monthly recordings to work at your own pace

Downloadable presentations

Exercises at the end of each module

Monthly Newsletter

Best Value

Second Language and the Psyche Tier 2

€576

576

Exploring the Impact of Second Language Learning on Our Perception of the World

Valid for 10 months

Sessions of 1.5 - 2 hours

Monthly recordings to work at your own pace

Downloadable presentations

Exercises at the end of each module

Written feedback on your exercises

Monthly Newsletter

Second Language and the Psyche Tier 3

€1,176

1,176

Exploring the Impact of Second Language Learning on Our Perception of the World

Valid for 12 months

Sessions of 1.5 - 2 hours

Live sessions with Q&As

Recordings of all the sessions

Downloadable presentations

Correction of exercises at the end of each module

Direct access to your mentor

Monthly Newsletter

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