The Mind-Body Connection: What Makes Us and Moves Us

Fall Semester

The Mind: What Makes Us and Other Perspectives on Consciousness

This course explores how consciousness is created in the brain and body. This course will integrate biological, psychological, and philosophical perspectives to investigate the nature of the mind. Utilizing an experiential approach, we will study how perception-action links give rise to consciousness and shape our subjective understanding of the world. Concepts will include sensory-motor integration, spatial and temporal awareness, sense of self and sense of agency. Students will gain a broad understanding of both historical milestones in the development of “enactivism” and current experimental techniques enabling research into perception, embodiment, presence, virtual and augmented reality, and the neural correlates of consciousness. 

Spring Semester

The Body: What Moves Us and Other Perspectives on Movement

This course introduces students to the complex neural processes that allow the coordination and integration of thought, action, and perception. We will explore fundamental concepts of motor control including how our central nervous system integrates information to allow us to maintain posture and balance, to coordinate our limbs to external rhythms, and to move our bodies efficiently and expressively through space and time. We will explore theoretical frameworks of motor learning as they pertain to movement. We will delve into the neuromechanisms underlying common tools that skilled movers use to improve motor performance and how induces neuroplasticity in brain structure and function. Students will gain broad understanding of neurophysiological investigative techniques that allow us to glimpse the complex neural processes that allow the coordination and integration of thought, action, and perception.