Brain, Consciousness and Society

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Brain, Consciousness and Society
Leerdoelen	After this course students can - summarize the state of the art of consciousness research, philosophically as well as scientifically, how the phenomenon is investigated and which theories have been proposed to explain it; - summarize the basics of Eastern approaches to mind and consciousness with a focus on meditation and mindfulness and their health benefits; - generally reflect on the interplay between brain, individual and society; and - generally communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to their teachers and peer-students.
Omschrijving	This course deals with findings from psychological, psychiatric, and neuroscientific research and their reception, both in personal lives and society at large. Topics addressed in the course include: What is the riddle of consciousness about and how might it be solved scientifically? Is "brain" or even "mind reading" possible with recent neuroscientific methods? How much progress are we making? What are the precursors of present brain stimulation and which hopes (or fears) were associated with it, both in science and society? On which level can we describe people and how are these levels interrelated? What are Eastern approaches (i.e. Yoga and Buddhist psychology) about and how do they influence psychotherapy (i.e. mindfulness-based psychotherapy)? The exam is based on multiple choice questions BUT students have the possibility to gain extra points for their exam score in a group exercise. This involves the critical analysis of a scientific study related to the course material. Note that this activity usually takes place during the last lecture of the year and that you must be present personally to participate. More details will be provided in the course material.
Uren per week	variabel
Onderwijsvorm	werkcollege
Toetsvorm	schriftelijk tentamen (meerkeuze) DIGITAAL, werkstuk (Multiple choice exam plus extra points earned in the group exercise (see text).)
Vaksoort	master
Coördinator	Dr. S. Schleim, MA.
Docent(en)	guest lecturers
Entreevoorwaarden
Opmerkingen	The course literature will be made available online. You do not need to buy any book.
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type Course units for exchange students MSc level - Autumn semester (Sep-Jan) - semester I b keuze PS Ma psychologie (EN)  (Ma psychologie (Theory and History of Psychology)) 1 semester I b keuze F