Course Description

We use vision as a means to illustrate that perception depends on the interaction of body and mind. The course will cover the following topics: (i) “Seeing is believing” – Our eye can be easily fooled and sometimes we see what we want to or expect to see. Under this topic, we will learn how we see and explore the nature of illusion, delusion and hallucination; (ii) “Can we trust our eyes?” – This looks at social media. We will examine how a picture tells a story and find out how our perception can be manipulated to influence our perception; and (iii) “Looking at you, looking at me” – Popular culture can objectify our bodies and endorse a value system that is based on self-image and physical attractiveness. The way we see ourselves and others affects the way we think, feel and behave. All of this is at play in the art and science of perception.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Compare the way pictures are captured by a camera with the perception we acquire through sight.
2. Analyze how misinformation is widespread to influence our perceptions.
3. Differentiate when it comes to beauty, the subjective from the objective.
4. Analyze the nature of conflicts between people and ways to resolve the disputes.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

Second semester (Wed)