Motivation, Action, Choice: Neural and Behavioral Mechanisms

Behavioral analysis and neural mechanisms underlying goal-directed and voluntary actions, how they are driven by needs and desires of the organism and controlled by cognitive processes that provide a rich representation of self and world. Discussion of models of behavioral and cognitive control and their neural mechanisms and implications of such models for psychiatric disorders, consciousness, free will, and responsibility. Participation in class discussion and short weekly writing assignments required. Prerequisites: Exploring the Mind courses or Prerequisite: Neuroscience 101/Psychology 106 or Neuroscience 102/Psychology 107 and at least one other psychology or neuroscience class.