PSY 3621: Cognition

Uncover the philosophical origins of nerve pathways and reflexes. Discover how René Descartes shaped our understanding of the body's automatic responses. Differentiate his contributions from other famous thinkers.

Explore the essential role of the primary visual cortex, Area V1, in processing our visual world. Understand its location in the occipital lobe and its interactions with structures like the thalamus. Uncover the intricate stages that make vision possible.

Explore the rich tapestry of psychotherapy, rooted in Biological, Cognitive, and Behavioral perspectives. From Biomedical therapy's drug-based approach to Behavioral Modification's learning techniques, uncover the multifaceted ways therapy promotes mental wellbeing.

Explore the importance of the DSM-5 in psychology and psychiatry, serving as a comprehensive diagnostic tool. Understand its role in ensuring consistent diagnoses, guiding treatments, and its impact on research and insurance. Witness the DSM-5's evolving nature and its role in reducing stigma.

Explore the life and work of Abraham Harold Maslow, a pivotal figure in American psychology. Delve into Maslow's groundbreaking Hierarchy of Needs, a model prioritizing human needs from basic physiological necessities to self-actualization. Understand the significance of satisfying lower-level needs before addressing higher ones.

Discover various psychological interpretations of dreams, from Freud's repressed desires to cognitive processes. Learn about the activation-synthesis model that attributes dreams to random neural activity. Understand how the mind crafts narratives from seemingly random dream sequences.