Introduces students to the science of brain health and supporting emotional wellbeing during the transition to college. Critically examines the evidence supporting wellness behaviors such as mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, relationships, music, and other practices.

Review of literature, film, art, television, music, podcasts, etc. to understand presentations of mental illness and their treatments. Themes such as stigma, stereotyping, vulnerability, psychiatric nosology, the doctor-patient relationship and celebrity culture will be examined. Presentations of neurodiversity will be compared and contrasted with the Western medical worldview and through the lens of entertainment.

Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory-level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.