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PHCRT-2000-4: States of Mind: Consciousness, Connection, and Mental Health

Fall 2025

Subject: Philosophy and Critical Theory
Type: Seminar
Delivery Mode: In-Person
Level: Undergraduate

Course Dates: September 02, 2025 — December 15, 2025
Meetings: Thu 9:00-11:30AM, Main Bldg - E2
Instructor: Julian Carter

Units: 3.0
Enrolled: 18/18 Waitlist

Description:

This addresses the interfaces of mind, body, and spirit, asking questions about what (if anything) makes human different from other animals; the relation of mind to body to heart to spirit; and the distinction between "normal" and "pathological" experiences of reality. We start with the neurological/evolutionary foundations of consciousness before turning to three major topic areas: identity and diagnosis; the ethics of care; and "alternative realities," including imaginary friendships, religious belief, and psychotic experience. Please note that this course is not a therapy group and does not offer medical advice or clinical treatment. Instead, we'll explore how psych professionals make sense of the contemporary cultures to which they contribute, and how other approaches can nuance (or just plain contradict) psychology's claims to describe our human minds and hearts.Philosophy and Critical Theory (PHCRT) courses focus on developing critical reading and thinking skills, with an emphasis on learning to frame and explore meaningful questions. Students consider multiple perspectives and claims in the process of formulating independent, well-founded opinions.

Pre-Requisites and Co-Requisites:

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