Motivation Science

This course conceived and developed by Federica, delves into the essence of motivation and its integral role in goal attainment across a variety of domains. In the course, mechanisms driving people towards their goals are explored, with focus on social and cognitive influences, emotional responses, and the impact of various situations on behavior. A closer look is taken at the cognitive factors determining motivation, the role of emotions in goal pursuit, and the steering power of values. External influences, such as cultural knowledge and social interactions, are also considered for their potential to fuel motivation.
Pivotal questions, like “What do people really want?”, “Why do they desire what they do?” and “Where does motivation stem from?” are addressed. Throughout the course, students grapple with key theories and related literature and many opportunities are offered to students to employ motivational tools in case studies and devisepractical applications of these tools.