The Brain Rewired

The brain is an amazing organ. In addition to creating our mind, imagination, and behavior, it has the unique capability to be plastic—to wire and rewire itself. The brain is flexible in infancy and early childhood, but plasticity can be seen in the mature brain as well. To provide a focus for our writing we will approach brain plasticity from several directions. First, we will examine how increased use—through practice (e.g., learning to play a musical instrument) or behavioral therapy—can result in cortical reorganization. Next, we will explore how recovery from injury can set off events in the brain that may or may not be beneficial. Finally, we will consider plasticity in brain development from a systems level and examine the effect of socioeconomic status on brain function. Readings will include current articles from journals such as Science as well as clinical case studies from writer-practitioners like Steven Pinker.. Students will draft and revise written work to create a final portfolio.