Seminar in Social Neuroscience
PSYC 334
Spring 2023
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01
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One of the most complex functions we (and other animals) exhibit is the ability to interact with other members of our species. Social behavior, in turn, depends on processes at scales ranging from the entire nervous system down to the effects of individual hormones and genes. This course will examine phenomena such as facial processing, attributions of agency and mental states, aggression, dominance, social isolation, in-group/out-group identification, and group decision-making.
To understand these concepts, we will discuss experimental findings that employ a variety of methods, ranging from behavioral studies to physiological assays, but with particular emphasis on methods from cognitive neuroscience. As we discuss primary research in the field, students will not only gain insight into the specific social behaviors covered, but a broader understanding of research approaches in psychology and neuroscience. Foundations of Contemporary Psychology (PSYC 105) is strongly recommended as a prerequisite. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM PSYC |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (PSYC) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
The Student's Guide to Social Neuroscience, 2nd edition, by Jamie Ward ISBN 978-1138908628.
Weekly readings will be a mixture of introductory material from didactic sources and approximately two primary research articles for each week of the semester.
Didactic text example:
Breedlove, S. M., & Watson, N. V., BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE, 978-1605354187
Article examples:
Van Bavel, J. J., Packer, D. J., & Cunningham, W. A. (2011). Modulation of the fusiform face area following minimal exposure to motivationally relevant faces: evidence of in-group enhancement (not out-group disregard). Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 23(11), 3343-3354.
Walum, H., Westberg, L., Henningsson, S., Neiderhiser, J. M., Reiss, D., Igl, W., ... & Lichtenstein, P. (2008). Genetic variation in the vasopressin receptor 1a gene (AVPR1A) associates with pair-bonding behavior in humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(37), 14153-14156.
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Examinations and Assignments:
In-class discussion and presentation of primary research articles, weekly short responses to assigned general readings, two medium length essays, one final paper. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. If you are interested, please email Professor Tomlin (dtomlin@wesleyan.edu) and describe a) your interest in the course, b) your anticipated year of graduation, c) your major, and d) courses you have completed that you think will be relevant to PSYC 334. Preference will be given to students who have taken relevant breadth courses (e.g., Social Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, or Behavioral Neurobiology). |
| Instructor(s): Tomlin,Damon Austin Times: ..T.R.. 02:50PM-04:10PM; Location: RLANB2; |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 15 | Permission of instructor approval will be granted by the instructor during pre-registration through the Electronic Portfolio. Click "Add to My Courses" and "To request a POI electronically, click here" to submit your request. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 1 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 1 |
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