PSYC 411
How do we think? Fall 2023
Division III

Class Details

In this seminar, we will seek to understand how the mind operates and how various factors shape our thinking. We will explore how emotion, values, and beliefs influence cognitive processes and consider the means by which rationality and heuristics influence decision-making. We will compare algorithms used by the brain with those used in artificial intelligence systems. We will also examine how the ways we think shape our interactions with society. Through student-facilitated discussions, we will explore how psychological research informs our understanding of cognition. We will examine how accurately (or inaccurately) popular media reflect research findings. Students will identify gaps in our knowledge and propose novel research to fill those gaps. Finally, we will apply findings from the literature to help develop interventions to combat cognitive blind spots, distortions, and biases, and to foster happiness, well-being, and deeper connections.
The Class: Format: seminar
Limit: 14
Expected: 14
Class#: 1937
Grading: no pass/fail option, no fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: Students will serve as discussion facilitators several times during the semester. Students will be expected to actively participate in discussions. Assignments will include three 5-7 page papers of different types.
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Preferences: Senior Psychology majors
Distributions: Division III

Class Grid

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