Human Intelligence

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course will cover the concept of human intelligence. Although the course will primarily examine intelligence through the lens of cognitive psychology, we will also discuss some of the societal and cultural impacts of intelligence testing. Topics will include how intelligence been measured historically, the current state of the art in intelligence measurement, the use and abuse of intelligence testing, the division/unity of “types” of intelligence, the development of intelligence from infancy to old age, some potential causes of intelligence including development, environmental influences, neurological derivations, and heritability, the Flynn effect, and modern attempts to improve intelligence (e.g., “brain training”). Coursework will include a mixture of seminar-style discussions of course readings, student-led presentations, and written assignments.