Psychology & Brain Sciences 591NP - S-Neurobiology of Parenting

This seminar course examines the fundamental cognitive, motivational, and affective processes that underlie parenting behavior. Primary emphasis will be placed on (i) understanding how endocrine, sensory and experiential information is integrated within the relevant neural circuitry that yields this complex behavior under healthy conditions, and (ii) how neuropsychological dysfunction, as with maternal psychiatric disorders, leads to disturbances in parenting and in the mother-infant relationship.

Open to Seniors, Juniors and Graduate students only. Pre Req: PSYCH 241 & 330 Psych 335 is a recommended prerequisite. Students with equivalent coursework in neurobiology can seek permission from the instructor to enroll. Course structure will consist of overview lectures, student presentations and class discussions related to assigned readings. Students will be evaluated on their written commentaries to readings and active involvement in class discussions, quality of oral presentations, and a final essay.