Why do some people have a keen memory for names or faces, a great sense of direction, or a remarkable ability to do two things at once? And why are some people only average (or even below average) in these areas? We will critically evaluate a broad range of perceptual and cognitive abilities (and disabilities) by drawing upon the fields of cognitive neuroscience, behavioral genetics, development, and human variation. We will address three kinds of questions: What broad combination of nature and nurture, and what specific genes and experiences, contribute to differing abilities? What are the neural and cognitive bases of such abilities? And how can we or should we apply such knowledge to ourselves, our families, our communities, and our countries?

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: Two 200-level units, (excluding PSYC 205, PSYC 250, and PSYC 299), one of which should be PSYC 215, PSYC 216, PSYC 217, PSYC 218, PSYC 219, or NEUR 200, or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Wilmer

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis; EC - Epistemology and Cognition

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: Ann E. Maurer '51 Speaking Intensive Course.