Michael Nagelbach

The human mind is one of the most fascinating and complex subjects of modern science. How can we possibly hope to understand it? This course will use the tools of psychological history and science to suggest answers. Recent and contemporary readings in psychological research and theory building, such as the nature of psychology & psychological research, learning theory, cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, psychodynamic psychology, & group and social psychology. Students will be evaluated for receiving credit in the class based on class participation, their written work (three papers) and their performance on three in-class exams.'

The human mind is one of the most fascinating and complex subjects of modern science. How can we possibly hope to understand it? This course will use the tools of psychological history and science to suggest answers. Recent and contemporary readings in psychological research and theory building, such as the nature of psychology & psychological research, learning theory, cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, psychodynamic psychology, & group and social psychology. Students will be evaluated for receiving credit in the class based on class participation, their written work (three papers) and their performance on three in-class exams.'

?Much madness is divinest sense,? Emily Dickinson wrote, further observing that ?much sense [is] starkest madness.? The poet insisted that the majority sets and enforces the standard by which sanity is evaluated. This course will introduce a variety of topics in the psychology of madness through lectures, discussions, and readings. In the twenty-first century, the study of the mind ?in psychiatry, psychoanalysis, clinical psychology, and especially psychopharmacology and neuroscience?claim tremendous scientific authority and exert enormous influence. This course explores varied clinical descriptions and models of madness. It also explores madness as a key cultural symbol, representing profound threats to order and rationality. There will be a mid-term paper and a final paper assignment and students will write brief essays on some of the readings and will be encouraged to do class presentations at some of our meetings.

The course will include information related to basic conceptualizations of so-called ?abnormal behavior,? historical perspectives on psychopathology, research methods and progress, and contemporary and emerging issues in mental health. Readings will include books and articles that reference, among other sources, information from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM 5). Students will be evaluated for receiving credit in the class based on class participation, their written work (three papers) and their performance on three in-class exams.

The course will include information related to basic conceptualizations of so-called ?abnormal behavior,? historical perspectives on psychopathology, research methods and progress, and contemporary and emerging issues in mental health. Readings will include books and articles that reference, among other sources, information from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM 5). Students will be evaluated for receiving credit in the class based on class participation, their written work (three papers) and their performance on three in-class exams.

Psychology is relatively new as a distinct discipline in science or social science, and relatively old as a part of philosophy of mind. In this course we will consider a spectrum of issues and approaches beginning with ancient concerns and theories and ending with contemporary developments. We will consider thinkers and theories, beginning in ancient Greece, that have addressed human concerns which now fall under the disciplines of academic and clinical psychology, and philosophy of mind. Readings may include some thinking as old as Plato, Aristotle, and Descartes and other philosophers, and as new as contemporary theories in cognitive science and artificial intelligence. Requirements for Credit: participation in class discussions through weekly essays responding to the readings, and/or brief in-class discussions based on the readings. A mid-term and a final paper will be required. The final paper is expected to be an expanded and re-written final draft of the mid term paper.'