Courses:

Syllabus (PDF)

Subject examines the brain as a cultural object in contemporary media, science, and society. Explores cultural assumptions about neuroscience by drawing on anthropology, history, semiotics, and the cognitive sciences. Topics include historical views of the brain; digital images of the brain; psychopharmacology; mental illness; neurotransmitters; and the culture of brain science. Class assignments include three brief analytical papers and one oral presentation.

Papers are due on the first day of the week--there will be a grade reduction for lateness.

• Analysis Paper 1 (5-7 pages)
  Of scientific or popular science article.
• Term Paper (in middle, using concepts)
  
  1. Mapping a subfield in neuroscience/psychiatry etc.
  2. Journals, players, concepts.
  3. Interview and/or fieldwork.
     
• Analysis Paper 2 (5-7 pages)
  Comparing popular and academic papers or create teaching tool (webpages or applet, etc.)

Participation

1. Questions everyday from readings.
2. A sentence from each text that inspired you--be prepared to discuss.
3. Two questions from different readings
   • be prepared to describe context in the text, author's argument.
   • be prepared to provide your answer (as to why a smart person would have done it)
   • be prepared to answer another person's question.

Attendance

You must attend all classes and sections--each class is an entire week.