10340 |
AMIT HAGAR |
TuTh 9:35am-12:05 pm (First Eight Weeks) |
EP 256 |
The purpose of this course is to provide a gentle, non-expert, introduction to
Neuropharmacology with a historical perspective of psychedelic drug research, their use in
psychiatric disorders, research restricting regulatory controls, and their recent emergence
as potential breakthrough therapies for several brain-related disorders. In addition, we will
explore the cultural and religious connotations of alter-state of consciousness derived from
natural hallucinogens, and in particular the speculative Biblical Entheogens
Hypothesis, that has recently gained traction in cognitive science.
The material will serve as a foil for discussing the scientific method in psychology
and cognitive science, drug discovery and the role of society in regulating it, and the ethical
and cultural issues surrounding alter-state of consciousness.
Evaluation will be based on class discussion and presentation, on 5 bi-weekly
essay, and on a final research project (in pairs).