Advanced Seminar in Psychology (392-0-2)

Topic

Psychoneuroimmunology

Instructors

Gregory Evan Miller
847/467-5755
Swift 104b
www.foundationsofhealth.org

Meeting Info

Swift Hall 210: Mon 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

The goals of this course are to introduce students to the field of psychoneuroimmunology, We will:

1. Explore the conceptualization of major psychological constructs in the field, including stress, coping, social relationships, and sickness behavior
2. Explore the basic principles that govern the immune system, and the issues involved in accurately measuring its function
3. Identify behavioral and biological pathways that might link psychological processes with alterations in the immune system's functioning
4. Understand the empirical evidence linking psychological constructs to health outcomes in the domains of infectious disease, cancer, and inflammatory disease

The course will meet for a 3-hour seminar each week. At each session, we'll spend the first half of our time discussing readings, and during the remainder students will present their research proposals.

Grades in the course will be assigned on the basis of participation in discussions (10%), an oral research proposal (25%), performance in one of the class debates (25%), and a written research proposal (40%). Because the course is heavily oriented towards interactive discussions and student presentations, attendance is mandatory.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: Students must complete Psych 205-0 before taking this course.

Teaching Method

Lectures, class participation, discussion, group work, presentations, readings, seminar, and writing assignments

Evaluation Method

Mandatory attendance, class participation (10%), final paper (40%), presentations (50%)

Class Materials (Required)

No required textbook. Class readings will be posted on Canvas.

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Prerequisites apply, see description

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Students must complete Psych 205-0 before taking this course.