Psychology and social processes

Social Neuroscience is an emerging field of study that combines a variety of disciplines ranging from social psychology to cognitive neuroscience. This course aims at offering a broad overview of the relationships between brain and social behavior, through the study of the main topic and techniques pertaining the field of Social Neuroscience. Knowledge and understanding The analysis of theoretical and empirical contributions of current literature will allow students to acquire knowledge about the functional mechanisms and neural bases of social cognition and social behavior and their alteration in individuals with brain damage. Moreover, the students will acquire knowledge about the main neuroscientific techniques and their integration in cognitive and social neuroscience. Applying knowledge and understanding Students will be able to develop general skills in deepening knowledge related to the same topic explored by different scientific disciplines (e.g. The link between social action and cognitive neuroscience studies of motor cognition.) Making judgements Each class will include a collegial discussion on a different topic so that the students will be able to critically evaluate the methodological approach of consolidated theories and experimental data. The students will be able to comment and give explanations and alternative interpretations of theoretical and empirical contributions of current literature. Communication skills The course will include collegial discussion of scientific articles conducted by groups of students recruited on a voluntarily basis. Learning skills Students will be able to read and critically discuss scientific papers as well as will acquire the theoretical and methodological knowledge in order to perform research on a variety of affective and social processes within a large variety of contexts.