SEMESTER COURSES

3 credits
45 hours

Human Cognitive Processes

Dr. Mohita Junnarkar

There is more general interest than ever in understanding the mysteries of the human brain and the mind. Cognitive psychology is concerned with the processes that allow us to make sense of the world around us and to make reasonably sensible decisions about how to cope with everyday life. The cognitive encompasses processes such as perception, attention, memory, problem solving, decision making, language etc. the recent developments in the field have permeated most of the rest of psychology – developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. The understanding of these processes has led to transformation of emotion, cognition, motivation and decision making research arena.

3 credits
45 hours

The ‘Online Brain’: Internet and Cognition

Dr. Divya Bhatia

Humans, being the most advanced species, have a remarkable ability to adapt and flourish across a wide range of living conditions. Central to such behaviour is a highly specialized set of mental operations, collectively known as “cognition”, which enables us to process environmental information and produce adaptive behaviours. Our cognitive capacities are further extended by technological advancements, which include any tool, software, method or skill designed to facilitate our daily functions. Barely thirty years ago, the Internet surfaced as the latest technological invention of all times. It first served as an information exchange network between scientists and academics around the globe, but later on was officially released for public use. Since then, the Internet had been an integral part of our lives. From highly efficient search engines providing immediate access to any information we require, to social networking and entertainment platform, the internet has been evolving ever since its inception. The advent of portable and multifunctional smart devices which allows us to stay connected at all times and access to any information at our fingertips makes our generation “online”. This unprecedented integration of Internet has profoundly transformed our thoughts, actions and behaviours. Such vast pool of available information and our limited cognitive capacities allow us to think and investigate deeper the potential effects of Internet on our cognitive structures. This course is designed to provide an understanding of the impacts of Internet on our cognitive systems i.e. the information processing systems. Recent research has suggested that the intensive use of Internet has enabled a ‘shallow’ mode of information processing characterized by rapid shifts in attention i.e. increasing distractibility and poor executive control. Moreover, recent studies have also shown a link between Internet-related cognitive impact and structural changes in the brain. In this course, we learn about how the Internet has altered the cognitive behaviours and brain structures involved in information processing, executive control and reward processing will be discussed.

1.5 Credits
22.5 Hours

Human Memory System: Understanding and Strengthening It

Dr. Divya Bhatia & Rakhi Gupta

Human memory is certainly one of the most valued abstract qualities, which enables us to function properly in space and time. From celebrating the birthdays and anniversaries, learning to drive a car, learning to bake a cake, or to navigate properly in the surroundings, memory is one of the many cognitive functions which allow us to adapt ourselves in a dynamic world. But the most important question is how we remember some events so effortlessly and some are almost forgotten. Perhaps, our memories allow us to go back in time and re-live the moments with similar feelings and emotions but wonder what would happen if we started to forget important things from daily lives or would have a poorer recall of past events. In such cases, the ability to survive and adjust with our surroundings would significantly suffer. The current course is therefore designed to provide the students with an understanding of the structures and functions of the memory system in humans and the tools and techniques to aid its functioning. the current course will focus on an understanding of mental representations, cognitive maps and how these processes contribute to form a strong lasting memory. Most importantly, the students will learn several techniques to aid the memory functioning such as mind mapping, spaced repetition, memory palaces, and chunking etc. The students will also be enriched with an understanding of the role of distraction and interference while information acquisition which further give rise to the distorted memories which are therefore difficult to recollect. Also, the course will guide the students on how different factors such as speed-reading and sleeping affect our ability to retain the information. The course will be beneficial to students irrespective of their background who are interested in understanding and learning the methods and techniques to further aid in the functioning of their memory systems.

3 credits
45 hours

Introduction to Life Span Development

Dr. Manjushree Palit

The course asks how and why human minds and behaviors develop, examining the theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence on the nature of developmental change. Developmental milestones in early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence and adulthood will be discussed. The course objective is to introduce basic and influential theories of life span development. The theories provide a scientific understanding of basic principles of development in general (child development, adult development and aging). In this course, the basic theories of development will be discussed: Freud’s Psychosexual Developmental, Erikson’s Psychosocial Developmental Stages, Behaviorism and Social Learning Theory, Piaget’s Cognitive- Developmental Theory, Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development, Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, Attachment Theory, and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model. These theories explain the multiple constructs that exist within individuals and around them as they move from one stage of their life to the next. In addition, the course will focus on understanding the process of human development in late adulthood. Explore the social, emotional, cognitive influences during this stage of development, and the concerns and issues with an aging adult and the field of gerontology.

3 Credits
45 Hours

Understanding Human Behaviour

Dr. Kulpreet Kaur

Psychology is “the study of the mind and behavior" and the aim of the course is to familiarize students with a wide range of theories and research investigating human behavior. The course examines both theoretical and practical aspects of psychology. Core areas of study introduce you to the scientific bases of psychology including research methods, perception, cognitive processes and intelligence. The objective is to explore how psychology has contributed to an understanding of individual, business, social and cultural diversity.

3 credits
45 hours

Religion and Environment

Neha Khetrapal

In this course, students will explore the intersections and entanglements of religion and ecology and will critically reflect upon the role of religion in solving environmental challenges and deepening environmental concerns. Classes will be focused on discussing how religion informs human relationships with nature and in what ways Western forms of religious conceptions may have contributed to our current environmental crisis. At the same time, students will also get a chance to explore how faith communities increasingly address environmental challenges and through which channels religion and environment facilitate (or prevent) transformative efforts toward more environmentally sustainable societies. Focusing on traditional “world religions”, students will finally explore new forms of spirituality within environmental movements.

3 Credits
45 Hours

Spiritual Brain

Neha Khetrapal

'Spiritual brain' is a course for students interested in keeping science and the humanities in conversation with one another. Here, the relationship between religion and science will be critically examined. Simultaneously, students will study the basic principles of brain science. Further, students will gain knowledge about recent attempts to use brain science to explain religion, particularly religious rituals and practices as a set of human behaviours shaping human lives. Reversing the relationship, students will also study how religious groups adapt to, and/or resist, developments in science. Students will thus become more adept at discerning the ongoing negotiations performed by people of faith as they situate themselves in societies where the authority of science holds sway. Framing “religion” in this way affords students an opportunity to query the place of religion within society while also considering the commonalities that religious rituals, practices, and ideas share with other basic everyday activities, which are often presumed to be outside the purview of religion.

3 credits
45 hours

Psychology and Media

Rashbha Dochania

To familiarize students with critical concepts of media and its effects on the larger society. Understanding notions of effective advertising and the manner in which we become its consumers. To appreciate and critique the notions of such concepts and develop understanding that retains a pragmatic view of such concepts.

3 Credits
45 Hours

Social Psychology of Collective Action

Rashbha Dochania

The objective of the course “Social Psychology of Collective Action” is to introduce a social psychological understanding of protest. It is of the belief of numerous scholars that social psychology has a lot to offer to students who desire to learn more about social movements. Social movements has always been a relevant topic for sociologists and political scientists. We have seen or heard numerous social movements not just in our country but also worldwide. Now, even social psychologists have begun to take interest in understanding the functioning of collective action. Therefore, this course includes topics such as principles of movement participation, motivation to participate, theories of social movements etc.