Neuroscience of Belonging

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

When do we consider ourselves ‘in’ any given group? How do we treat others inside and outside of our chosen groups? How are we wired to display the most noble human characteristics, such as love, trust, altruism, and empathy? Alternately, what is going on in the brain when we are cruel, deceitful, or violent towards those we feel are ‘other’? We will explore these questions by reading primary literature within social neuroscience. These scientific endeavors will be expanded by outings that highlight the Middle East’s unique historical, social, and religious context to the idea of ‘belonging.’