Consciousness is one of the most colourful concepts in science. Even though it is still difficult to say what consciousness actually is (the philosophical question), there is quite some progress regarding the issue of how consciousness works (the psychological question). This course will discuss theories and findings on the function and malfunction of consciousness and address issues such as whether free will is an illusion, whether animals and robots are conscious, how conscious processes are neurally generated, and how drugs, dreams, and meditation affect conscious experience
Coördinator
Prof.dr. B. Hommel
Room 2B05
Tel: 071 5273714, (0629023062)
E-mailaddress: hommel@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
Aim(s)
The student has gained a broad overview of classical and modern theories on consciousness, and a deeper insight into how theoretical concepts and hypotheses in this area can be applied to empirical phenomena and practical problems.
Literature
Blackmore, S. (2003). Consciousness: An introduction. Hodder & Stoughton.
Examination
Final exam. 40 multiple-choice questions will be in Englisch, dictionaries are allowed.
From January 1th 2006, the Faculty of Social Sciences has instituted the Ephorus system to be used by instructors for the systematic detection of plagiarism in students’ written work. Please take a look at the Additional Rules and Regulations, section 6.
Requirement(s) for application or advice
Only BSc Psychology-students can participate in this course.
Education method(s)
8 lectures and final examination
Application
Enrollment for courses of the first semester will take place July 7th 2008 10hr, via U-TWIST. Enrollment for courses of the second semester will take place in January 2009.
NB: Exam registration will take place via U-Twist, and will be open between a month and a week before the (re)exam. Students who don’t register, cannot participate in the exam.
Blackboard
Information on blackboard.leidenuniv.nl
Timetable
Roosters post-propedeuse: verdiepingsvakken – voltijd (pdf)
Courses in English (pdf)