Psychology 316 - Development of Social Cognition

Are humans innately compassionate? Innately fair? Innately prejudiced? This course will explore these questions by investigating the development of social cognition (how we perceive, interpret, and use information about ourselves and others to navigate our world) from infancy to early childhood. Using existing empirical research, we will examine the debate as to whether the foundations of social cognition are innate or the result of lived experiences. Each week, students will be expected to engage in discussion and also practice translating theoretical claims into testable hypotheses and empirical study designs. Through reading, discussion, short writing assignments, group projects, and more in-depth independent projects, this course aims to help students immerse themselves in the debates surrounding the development of social cognition and to better understand what is innately human. 

Requisite: Psychology 227, Developmental Psychology.   Limited to 18 students.  Fall semester. Professor Palmquist.

How to handle overenrollment: This is an upper-level seminar for psychology juniors and seniors

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: emphasis on written work, readings, independent research, oral presentations, in-class participation, and group work.