<aside> 👋🏽 Description Nietzsche wrote that the forgetful are “blessed” because “they get the better even of their blunders.” In what ways does forgetfulness serve us well? Is it possible, or even desirable, to have perfect memory? Can traumatic memories be repressed? Can false memories of committing a crime be implanted? Are “collective” memories subject to the same processes as individual memories? How do museums, monuments and sites (re)construct and tell a version of the past based on changing cultural identities? In this student-led seminar, we will attempt to answer these questions and more in the context of a broad exploration of the foundational concepts of human memory. We will examine the theories and methods researchers use to study individual and collective memories across varied domains, including clinical practice, romantic relationships, the justice system, and education. In this course, you will gain an evidence-based understanding of the nature of human memory through critical examinations of popular press literature, films, books, podcasts, and cutting-edge scientific studies.

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<aside> 👋🏽 Prerequisite(s) Senior Psychology Majors Only

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<aside> 👋🏽 Format Student-led discussions

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Course Structure

💬 Seminar

This course is probably unlike any other course you have taken at Williams because you are in charge of your own learning. That is, for most days, groups of students will take on the role of professor and facilitate a discussion around that day’s topic. First, we read, listen to, and/or watch a number of popular source materials (e.g., short stories, news articles, podcast episodes, TV shows). Next, we will discuss and critically evaluate the claims of these source materials. Finally, we will consult the academic literature to learn what scholars and empirical science have to say about these claims.

<aside> ⚠️ Warning about sensitive material: At several points in the semester, we will discuss sensitive material. For example, we will discuss cases involving trauma as well as cases regarding allegations of child sexual abuse. If you are concerned about this material, please speak with me ahead of time so that I can alert you to days on which sensitive material might be presented or readings in which it might be encountered. If at any point you anticipate or are experiencing distress while interacting with the course material, you may choose not to read/watch/listen to that content with no penalty to your grades.

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📰 Science Communication Project (SciCommProj) Workshops

Additionally, throughout the semester, you will participate in Science Communication Project workshops. During workshop days, we will meet in a computer lab and work on skill-building activities designed to help you with your papers.

Course Material