This course will grapple with fundamental questions about the nature of emotion. What constitutes an emotion? What causes an emotion? Are there basic emotions that exist across culture and history? If so, how many are there and which make the cut? What is the purpose of emotion? How do scientists measure emotion? How is emotion represented in the brain? What role does emotion play in mental illness, moral judgment, communication, and other important human phenomena. In answering these questions, we will draw on a variety of psychological subfields as well as disciplines outside of psychology. Readings will be journal articles and book chapters. Writing assignments will apply emotion theory to personal experience and case material.
Prerequisite Courses