Finding Connections: Perspectives on Psychological Development and Mental Illness
FYSEMR 25N
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
The seminar's goal is to deepen our understanding of human development and how individuals cope with serious emotional or social difficulties (neglect, bipolar disorder, autism, depression, schizophrenia). We will use multiple perspectives: medical observations and texts that provide practical knowledge (e.g., medical journal articles), narrative readings to understand how patients experience the meaning of illness from the inside out (e.g. The Center Cannot Hold), visitors who will discuss their experience with mental illness, and media articles that portray mental illness (e.g. New Yorker's articles).
We will start with babies and how scientists interpret infants - nonverbal ways of finding safety and security. Our journey continues via exploring mental illness through the lens of humans' fundamental needs for connection and making meaning. Understanding how conditions such as autism, depression, and schizophrenia are described in clinical research and literature will help us to appreciate the biological vulnerabilities and relational patterns that may disrupt the human connection. We will examine the resourcefulness required for remaining resilient when challenged. Throughout the seminar, the instructor, as a practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist, will bridge the gap between clinical applications and research findings.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
