1. Introduction

Summary

In this introductory psychology course, Professor Paul Bloom outlines a comprehensive exploration of the human mind, covering topics from brain science to social behavior. He emphasizes the importance of attending lectures and reading course materials, and introduces the course's structure, including exams and assignments. Bloom also highlights the interdisciplinary nature of psychology, touching on guest lectures from experts in various fields, and promises an engaging journey into understanding human nature and behavior.

Takeaways

• 📘 The course is an Introduction to Psychology, taught by Dr. Paul Bloom, covering a broad range of topics including the brain, children, language, and various aspects of human behavior.
• 🧠 The course will delve into the physical nature of mental life, beginning with the brain and its role in consciousness and mental processes.
• 👶 There will be a focus on child development, exploring questions of how children learn, the influence of nature versus nurture, and the predictability of adult traits from childhood.
• 💬 The study of language, particularly whether animals can learn language, will be discussed, highlighting cognitive aspects of psychology.
• 🤔 The course will address the psychological aspects of societal issues such as racism, love, and the reasons behind group behaviors like mass hysteria.
• 📚 Students are required to attend lectures and complete readings, with the lectures complementing but not entirely overlapping with the assigned texts.
• 🔍 The course materials include 'Peter Gray's Psychology' and 'The Norton Reader', both considered excellent resources for understanding the subject matter.
• 📝 Assessment includes a Midterm and a Final exam, with the latter held on the last day of class, as well as short answer and multiple-choice questions based on the course content.
• 👥 Dr. Bloom encourages students to form study groups and to engage with the teaching fellows and himself for a more interactive learning experience.
• 🧐 The course will explore the intersection of psychology with other disciplines such as economics, game theory, philosophy, computer science, anthropology, and theology to provide a holistic understanding of the human mind.
• 🌟 Guest lecturers from various fields will be invited to provide insights on specialized topics within psychology, enriching the course content with diverse perspectives.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Dr. Paul Bloom's Introduction to Psychology course?

The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of the human mind, covering a wide range of topics including brains, children, language, sex, memory, madness, disgust, racism, and love.

What is the importance of attending both lectures and doing the readings in Dr. Bloom's course?

Attending lectures and doing the readings are both essential for understanding the course material. Some content from the readings may not be covered in the lectures, and vice versa, so students must engage with both to succeed in the course.

How are the lectures in Dr. Bloom's course related to the course readings?

While there will be overlap between the lectures and the readings, not all parts of the readings will be discussed in the lectures, and some lectures may not be directly linked to the readings.

What resources will be made available to students for Dr. Bloom's course?

The slides from lectures will be made available online in a black and white, easy-to-print format. Additionally, students are encouraged to purchase Peter Gray's 'Psychology' 5th edition and 'The Norton Reader' edited by Gary Marcus.

How does Dr. Bloom plan to evaluate students in his Introduction to Psychology course?

Evaluation includes a Midterm and a Final exam, both of which will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. There will also be a book review and an experimental participation requirement.

What is the significance of the case of Terri Schiavo discussed in the script?

Terri Schiavo's case illustrates the physical nature of mental life, showing how damage to the brain can result in a loss of consciousness and the physical basis for mental experiences like free will, consciousness, and emotions.

What role do guest lecturers play in Dr. Bloom's course?

Guest lecturers, who are experts in their respective fields, will provide lectures on specific topics such as cognitive neuroscience, depression, the psychology of food, and the mysteries of love, enriching the course content.

How does Dr. Bloom suggest students prepare for the course?

Dr. Bloom suggests that students attend all classes, keep up with the readings, ideally before coming to class, and form study groups to discuss and review the material.

What is the relevance of studying mental disorders in Dr. Bloom's course?

Studying mental disorders helps students understand the profound social importance of these conditions, their prevalence among college students, and the current research on causes and treatments.

How does Dr. Bloom plan to engage students in the course material?

Dr. Bloom plans to engage students by starting each Monday with a set of questions that students must answer and send to their teaching fellow, encouraging active participation and keeping students on track with the material.

What is the significance of studying less common mental disorders in the course?

Studying less common mental disorders provides insight into the workings of the mind and helps understand normal life by examining the extremes, which can highlight aspects of cognition and behavior that are typically taken for granted.