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Affect: Neurobiological, Psychological and Sociocultural Counterparts of "Feelings"

Undergraduate · Historical course

Spring 2013

Topics

  • Introduction & Overview “How do you feel?” What is “affect?” Why study it? How to go about it? Attitudes and actions at the point of entry; “Positive and negative thoughts and feelings” in personal and social situations. Affective universals and particulars. What is going on here? Who is addressing whom? Who knows? Who is to say? Says who?; A definition of the situation; Conduct and administration of the subject: Study groups formed and begin weekly meetings.
  • Human Systems
  • MFA Field Trip
  • Quality in Arts, Technology and Life
  • Problematique du changement I: What is a “Scientific Revolution?” Paradigms Lost and Regained in science and in society; The interplay of meaning and power in human systems: Beliefs, values and practices associated with the rise of monopoly capitalism and the degradation of work since the 19 th century.
  • What is Quality in (my MIT) Education?
  • Wrapping Up Phase One (Inquiring into values; What has been learned?)
  • The Neuropsychology of Affect Debriefing on Spring Break assignments and experiences. The emotional brain; perceptions of beauty and beholders’ eyes; physiological and anatomical “embodiments” of human “mental life” and behavior; biological roots and social projections of concurrently prevailing beliefs, values and practices. Recognizing and coping with stress.
  • Neurosurgery: The Science of Violence and Vice-Versa
  • Field Trip: A Walk Around the Block
  • Fathering the Unthinkable?
  • Humanecological Sustainability: Toward a Quality Worldview, Valuesystem and Lifestyle
  • Final Presentations and Closure Discussion

Readings

Sources