Colorado State University OnlinePlus to Offer First MOOC This Fall
In support of Colorado State University’s land-grant charge to expand access to high quality education, CSU OnlinePlus is launching its first MOOC, or Massively Open Online Course, this fall.
“As an innovation engine for Colorado State, CSU OnlinePlus strives to keep the university’s products and delivery methods cutting-edge to meet the changing needs of students, as well as the evolving landscape of higher education,” said Jordan Fritts, CSU OnlinePlus interim associate provost. “CSU is proud to be one of the first land grant institutions to offer free online courses as a way to build on the university’s outreach and engagement mission.”
Science of Relationships
In the first MOOC, Science of Relationships, students will discover the secrets to what makes their significant other tick, why they are attracted to certain people, and how to best nurture a relationship among other topics.
Science of Relationships is taught by social psychology expert and CSU faculty member Jennifer Harman, Ph.D. The noncredit, social-based program is designed for individuals interested in the field of psychology and those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the science behind how relationships work.
“After researching, writing, and teaching about intimate relationships for almost 15 years, I have become passionate about making social psychological research about relationships more accessible and applicable to people’s real lives,” Harman explained. “I am excited to offer this Science of Relationships MOOC so that students can learn about how social psychological research can help them form their own scientifically-based conclusions about relationships, rather than just those based on opinion or drawn from self-help books.”
About MOOCs
Popularly known as MOOCs, these online programs are noncredit, social-based courses that provide educational access to the public at no cost. While the level of student participation is completely up to them as there are no formal grades, MOOCs serve as a glimpse of CSU for prospective students. The courses provide students the opportunity to get a taste of CSU faculty and the high quality of education the institution is known for, without any kind of monetary investment on their end.
The social-based platform – students connect to the course via social networks – allows students to not only build a community within the course, but also create groups outside of the course for opportunities to extend the conversation beyond the classroom.
Anyone can register for a MOOC: students do not have to be admitted to CSU, meet any prerequisites or have a certain GPA, or pay a dime. The variety of student populations participating in MOOCs across the globe enriches the experience with perspectives from different backgrounds.
Registering Students Now
Science of Relationships is now open for registration. The course begins Sept. 23 and closes Nov. 15. “Student Affairs in Higher Education” and “Water, People, and Nature: Addressing 21st Century Global Challenges” are additional MOOCs planned for spring 2014.
Students can visit http://www.online.colostate.edu/free-online-courses/ for course details and registration information, or contact the CSU MOOC team with questions, OnlinePlus_MOOC@colostate.edu.
-30-