Brain Stories

Brain Stories

What kind of person explores the brain, that 3 lb. piece of meat that creates the mind? They’re more like you than you might think. They have passions and inspirations, hopes and dreams. But they’ve also had setbacks and insecurities, and hardships that they’ve had to fight to overcome. They’ve had success, but they’ve also had failure along the way. Just like you.

In this FIG, we’ll learn about and interview people who study the brain and mind, creating opportunities for them to tell their stories, talk about their inspirations, and share advice. From neuroscientists who study how neurons interact, to psychologists who study how people communicate, to communicators who help convey deep scientific concepts to the public, we’ll ask individuals about their most memorable experience in science and about the things they would do differently if they had another chance at their career. Along the way, we’ll discuss the techniques of interviewing and of science communication, as well as the benefits of hearing diverse voices. And we’ll think about how we would tell our stories, in an effort to become better communicators ourselves.

Combining science and storytelling? It’s a no-brainer.

Students explore the intersection of topics by taking the following course package:

UGST 109 First-Year Experience Seminar - 1-credit

PSY 201 Mind and Brain - CoreEd or major satisfying course, 4-credits

Mind & Brain is part of a two-course sequence (with Mind & Society, PSY202) that provides an overview of introductory psychology. This course covers experimental approaches to the study of the human mind and brain, including such topics as the history and methods of psychological research, the organization of the nervous system, sensation, perception, attention, learning, memory, cognition and consciousness.

J 201 Media and Society - CoreEd or major satisfying course, 4-credits

What is the relationship between media industry and media content? How does popular culture articulate cultural beliefs and practices? How do we analyze and interpret the media industries? This course is designed to equip students with the key concepts, theories, and methods to undertake their own critical analyses of media and the industries that make them. It will examine how media emerge within specific social and historical contexts and how they participate in ideological practices with wide-reaching cultural consequences.