PSYC3931 - Learning to Read Minds – Discovering the Brain Through Improv

Research has shown that improvisational theater can enhance cognitive processes like creativity and flexibility. This upper-level seminar explores cognitive neuroscience topics through the experiential lens of improvisational theater. Students will learn about the brain – particularly how we understand others’ minds – and apply improv exercises to illustrate and deepen that understanding. The course balances academic rigor with hands-on practice, maintaining an accessible approach to complex concepts. Classes meet twice weekly: the first meeting introduces a neuroscience concept with discussion of research, and the second meeting engages students in applied improv theater exercises related to that concept. Part of this class happens "on stage".
By the end of the seminar, students should be able to explain key principles of social and cognitive neuroscience (e.g. theory of mind, empathy, creativity, communication) and demonstrate them through improv activities. The course is experiential and will be graded through a combination of participation, written reflexion and science based conceptualization of new improv excercises.