Psychology of Beauty (343-0-1)
Instructors
Renee Suzanne Engeln
Meeting Info
University Hall 101: Tues 5:00PM - 7:50PM
Overview of class
The purpose of this course is to consider psychological theory, methodology, and empirical data relating to questions such as the following: What is it that makes us find beautiful people beautiful? How can evolutionary psychology explain why we find certain features beautiful? Where does evolutionary theory fail in terms of predicting perceptions of beauty? Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder? How are gender roles and sexual orientation related to beauty and its pursuit? How do racism and classism shape our beauty ideals and ideas? Why is beauty associated with femininity? What cultural biases help those perceived as beautiful and hurt those perceived as lacking in beauty? Are beautiful people happier or more successful? How do cultural standards of beauty affect disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and body dysmorphic disorder?
Registration Requirements
The only pre-requisite for this class is Introduction to Psychology (Psych 110).
Teaching Method
The teaching method will be a combination of lecture, class discussions, student presentations, and in-class activities/demonstrations.
Evaluation Method
Grading will be based on take-home exams and a multi-step (group) research project and presentation.
Class Materials (Required)
There is no textbook required for this course. All readings can be downloaded from Canvas at no charge. You must be present for the final exam (as that will be the date of student presentations of research projects).
Class Attributes
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
Attendance at 1st class mandatory