NEUROTHEOLOGY - THE SCIENCE OF BELIEFS

Service Description

The course will offer an interactive learning experience. Participation is expected and important. The course will draw from contemporary scholarship and popular culture. Classes will challenge students to think critically and creatively about the influence of Science and beliefs to thought, feeling, behavior and experience. Various instructional methodologies will assist students throughout the course to achieve learning outcomes. Students will demonstrate understanding of course materials through the following: • Weekly homework assignments • Short instructor lectures and discussion • Small group assignments • Midterm examination • Student class presentations • Student book review THE COURSE WILL TEACH THE FOLLOWING: • Scientific (biology, genetics, neuroscience, psychology, etc) proposals for belief formation. • Contemporary connections on human physiology and beliefs to emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being. *Demonstrate an appreciation of a variety of expression and ethical issues from diverse scientific fields in the study of beliefs . *Explain the nature and societal implications of global relationships among diverse cultures and beliefs. Course Objectives • Students will learn about historical controversies between science and religion. • Students will gain an understanding of the purpose and aim of the discipline Neurotheology. • Students will gain an understanding of different dimensions of beliefs (E.g., cultural, political, religious/spiritual, social, etc). • Students will learn scientific proposals (biology, genetics, neuroscience, psychology, etc) for belief formation and utility. • Students will be encouraged to apply critical thinking skills in the interpretation of brain, mind, and belief proposals. • Students will learn about human neuroanatomy and its connections to mind and beliefs. • Students will learn brain (physiology), mind and belief connections to emotional, mental, and physical well-being. • Students will discuss the relevance of Neurotheology to their own personal and social experience and understanding of the world. • Students will be encouraged to move beyond simplistic, either-or answers, and begin to develop an integrated understanding of how belief, the human brain, and mind relate to human experience.