Welcome to the Taos Institute’s first self-paced online course:

NEW: Co-Creating Futures – An Introduction to Social Construction

Provocative, unsettling, liberating, inspiring…all have been applied to the dialogues on the social construction of knowledge. The ideas have swept across the academic world and into personal and professional life. For many, they contain the ingredients for a promising life together on this planet.

In this new self-paced online course, Ken Gergen introduces the transformative ideas of social construction, challenging traditional notions of objectivity, truth, and knowledge. Emphasizing that our views of reality emerge through our relationships, the course explores the powers and limitations of language, the design of dialogues, and the transformation of conflict.

Through 6 modules, each featuring 3 short videos by Ken Gergen, you will explore and critique approaches that prioritize claims to truth, prediction and control. You will develop a curiosity and appreciation for multiple perspectives, stories, and values. Applications range from therapy, consulting, coaching, education, healthcare, research, governance, community development, to your personal life. In addition, you will learn how adopting a constructionist stance offers significant resources for transforming political, religious and organizational divides. 

This self-paced course will challenge your current worldview, inspire innovation in your profession, and point to means of moving more harmoniously in every-day relationships. 

What’s included in the course:

  • Six thought-provoking modules covering topics such as multiple realities, language, making knowledge, and peace and conflict
  • New videos by Taos Institute Co-founder & President Ken Gergen
  • An electronic copy of the book, An Invitation to Social Construction!
  • Questions for reflection to bring the concepts to your own life
  • An online platform for participatory learning
  • A live group meeting with Ken Gergen and Loek Schoenmakers on July 8, 10:00-11:00am EST!

Author Bio
Kenneth Gergen is a Senior Research Professor in Psychology at Swarthmore College, Co-Founder and President of the Taos Institute. He is internationally known for his contributions to social constructionist theory, technology and cultural change, qualitative inquiry, and relational theory and practice. Based on indicators of impact, quality, and quantity of published work, ScholarGPS ranks Ken Gergen in the top .05% of all scholars in the world. He has received numerous awards for his work, including honorary degrees in both the U.S. and Europe. For more information, visit Ken Gergen’s profile page.

Course Content
The course is composed of 6 modules in 18 parts. Each part features a short video and lecture as well as questions for reflection. Topics include:

Module 1: Multiple Realities
Module 2: Facts & Values
Module 3: Language
Module 4: Making Knowledge
Module 5: Social Construction in Action
Module 6: Peace and Conflict

Bonus Live Group Meetings!
Every few months, participants in the self-paced course are invited to get together on a live group meeting to share their experience and reflections. The first is on April 16, 2025, 10-11am EST. Details will be available in the course space once you register.

Course Fee and Registration
$200 – Ambassador Rate* If you are able, please consider this rate to allow us to offer scholarships and give more people access to our programs.
$175 – Standard Rate*
$150 – Reduced Rate* This rate is available in case the Standard course fee presents a financial hardship for anyone. 

* You will be prompted to sign in to, or join (free), the Taos Institute Commons online community before accessing the course registration page.

For group pricing or scholarship requests, please email info@taosinstitute.net.

Testimonials

Participants with early access to the course have shared valuable insights and feedback about their experience. Here is what they said:

The course was very dynamic, covering many different topics and providing a good introduction to social construction. – José Damaceno

I found the course to be highly engaging and thought-provoking.The way it introduced and developed key concepts of social constructionism was meaningful, encouraging deep reflections on how knowledge, reality, and interactions are shaped. […] It was a valuable learning experience that not only expanded my understanding but also inspired me to further explore some of the topics presented. – Marcos

At the end of the course, the feeling I connected with most was hope. […] It’s a great way to get a glimpse of what social constructionism is and also a way for those who already know about it to reconnect with its potential. – Ederglenn Nobre

This is one of the best introductory courses [about social construction] I have ever taken. The rich readings and the quality of the content made the topic accessible and easy to understand. – Giovanna Dutra