Cultural Psychology (344-0-1)

Instructors

Almaz Mesghina

Meeting Info

Swift Hall 107: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Few of us would doubt the fact that our cultures shape who we are, what we think, and what we do. But what is less clear is precisely how and to what extent culture shapes our psychology. The broad aims of our class are to 1) read empirical research to help us uncover which human thoughts and behaviors are cross-culturally consistent or different, 2) understand the mechanisms and functions of culture in relation to our thoughts and behaviors, and 3) apply cultural psychology insights to uncover biased practices within the modern field of psychology and expose their historical precedents. Through course readings, discussions, and written assignments, we will develop and apply an understanding of how and why our cultures inform ourselves and our everyday behaviors. Our focus will extend beyond simple "East" vs. "West" dichotomies and decentralize Western perspectives as the norm. Course readings will include journal articles, podcasts, select chapters from popular press books, and a course textbook (TBD).

Registration Requirements

Recommended Prereq: Psych 110.

Class Attributes

Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area