Leadership Through Social Influence Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a practical, science-based framework for mastering social influence in professional and everyday contexts. Over four weeks, you'll explore key psychological principles that drive behavior change and learn actionable strategies to lead, persuade, and inspire others. With a total time commitment of approximately 10–12 hours, each module combines concise video lectures, real-world examples, and reflective exercises to build your influence skills step by step. The course concludes with a final project where you’ll apply what you've learned to a real-life scenario.

Module 1: Influencing Attitudes

Estimated time: 2.5 hours

• Crafting consequence-based arguments
• Assessing desirability and probability in persuasion
• Addressing objections effectively
• Applying attitude change strategies in communication

Module 2: Influencing Social Factors

Estimated time: 2.5 hours

• Understanding descriptive and injunctive social norms
• Leveraging group behavior to shift perceptions
• Identifying sources of social influence
• Using normative cues to guide decisions

Module 3: Influencing Perceived Ability

Estimated time: 2.5 hours

• Reducing perceived barriers to action
• Building confidence through role models
• Enhancing self-efficacy in target audiences
• Designing support structures for behavior change

Module 4: Converting Intentions into Action

Estimated time: 2.5 hours

• Using prompts and reminders strategically
• Applying planning frameworks to close intention-action gaps
• Implementing motivational nudges
• Designing action plans for real-world influence

Module 5: Applying Influence in Practice

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Integrating core influence principles
• Analyzing real-world influence scenarios
• Developing a personal influence strategy

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Identify a real-life influence challenge
• Design a science-based influence plan using course tools
• Submit and reflect on your strategy for feedback

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of communication principles
• Interest in leadership, persuasion, or behavior change
• No prior experience in psychology required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Influence individual attitudes using evidence-based persuasion techniques
• Shape group behaviors by leveraging social norms
• Increase others’ confidence and perceived ability to act
• Bridge the gap between intention and actual behavior
• Design and implement effective influence strategies in professional and personal settings