Review and discussion of special topics or methods in one or more of the areas of contemporary psychology such as developmental, social, personality, cognitive. A general introduction. Review and discussion of special theoretical or methodological topics, or a novel or emerging research areas in contemporary psychology. Application of the theories, principles, and methods of psychology to understand and alleviate human problems. An introduction to the psychological analysis of response to art.
Consideration is both theoretical and empirical.
Illustrative materials are drawn from several arts, including painting, sculpture and literature. The contribution of aesthetic behavior to personality development is considered. Principles and development of perception, motivation, learning, and thinking and their relationship to the psychological functioning of the individual. An introduction to theoretical and experimental issues associated with sensory and perceptual experience. An introduction to brain mechanisms involved in sensation, perception, movement, motivation, learning, and cognition, as studied in both humans and lower animals.