Sem: Love & Death

This course examines two lines of inquiry, principally initiated in the 1950's and 60's by John Bowlby and Ernest Becker, respectively, which have subsequently developed into two influential contemporary theories in experimental social and personality psychology: attachment theory and terror management theory (TMT). These theories and the intellectual traditions that spawned them address two elements of life - love and death - that have far-reaching psychological consequences and philosophical implications. The course will start with discussion of Bowlby's and Becker's classic books, and as class progresses, class members will assume increased responsibility for leading discussions and examining contemporary research. Ultimately, each class member will develop his or her own questions, and tentative answers, relating to the course material, which will culminate in a significant paper.