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

Co-Creating Futures – An Introduction to Social Construction

What if reality isn’t fixed, but something we create through our relationships and language? How could rethinking what is true and what constitutes knowledge transform you as a therapist, leader, educator, change agent, community or family member? Could questioning conventional ways of relating with others lead to more harmonious relationships, improved communication, and offer innovative solutions to the challenges you confront day-to-day?

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 resolution of conflict.

Through 6 modules, each featuring 3 short videos by Ken Gergen, you will explore and critique traditional models that prioritize facts, predictions and control. Instead, you will develop a curiosity and appreciation of multiple perspectives, stories, and values. In addition to applications in therapy, education, research, community development, and your personal life, you will learn how adopting a constructionist lens offers significant resources for overcoming political, religious and organizational divides. This on demand course will instantly make you more impactful and innovative in your profession and significantly reduce tension in your every-day interactions.   

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

Course Fee and Access
Coming soon!