PY178 - Topics in Psychology:

Introduction to a problem of classic or contemporary interest covering source material in depth, and stressing history, theory and method.

1 unit — Driscoll, Martin

Previously Featured Offering

World War II presented a unique set of social and identity-based challenges for Japanese Americans. This course will examine the manner in which the events of WWII influenced Japanese American identity and culture. Additionally, this class will take a 3 day trip to the Amache incarceration site.
Granada Relocation Center, Amache, CO
Photo from National Archives at College Park
Gazing: Gender, Faces, Bodies and Emotions explores how genders are depicted differently in Renaissance artwork, and how socio-cultural norms, values and beliefs about gender influence how we see the faces, bodies and emotions of others portrayed in art.
Statue of Judith and Holofernes (Giuditta e Oloferne), Piazza della Signoria, Florence [detail] by Donatello, 1453-1457
Photo by Flickr user .
What does it mean to “gaze?” What can psychological theories and research about emotion expression, rooted in Darwin’s observations, tell us about what we see in works of art such as frescoes, paintings, portraiture and sculpture? How is our appreciation of art embodied? How do expressive features in art works of the Renaissance tell a story about the emergence of individuality? How are the genders depicted differently in such art works, and how do socio-cultural norms, values and beliefs about gender influence how we see the faces, bodies and emotions of others portrayed in art? How does our “gazing” itself proscribe and police the faces, bodies and emotions of the genders? In both a classroom and in the “laboratory” of the museums, chapels, galleries, gardens and squares of Florence Italy, this course will examine:
- how we “see,” “look,” “gaze,” “behold” works of art
- theories and research on facial and bodily expression and embodiment, and how these are reflected in Renaissance works of art
- notions of individualism and identity and ways in which expression in art allows us to identify with it
- gender and sexuality, objectification, "the male gaze"

Offerings

Term Block Title Instructor Location Student Limit/Available Updated
Spring 2025 Block 7 Topics in Psychology: Designing a Brain Topic Details Lori Driscoll TBA 25 / 0 12/23/2024
Spring 2025 Block 8 Topics in Psychology: Contextual Influences Topic Details Carole Martin TBA 25 / 17 12/23/2024
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