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Chapter 8 - Incorporating Culture into Biological Psychology Courses

from Biological Connections

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 March 2018

By
Afshin Gharib
Edited by
Kenneth D. Keith
Kenneth D. Keith
Affiliation:
University of San Diego
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Summary

The role of culture in shaping our biology and physiology could be an organizing theme for a biological psychology class. One of the most important developments in our modern conception of brain function is an appreciation of the plasticity of the nervous system and its sensitivity to experience. There are compelling reasons for integration of culture in the biological psychology course, and research has illuminated numerous cases of cultural influence on evolution and selection for alleles of genes that confer an advantage to individuals in particular cultures. The author presents a variety of topics illustrating the gene-culture intersection, and suggests a number of class projects and activities to aid in teaching.
Type
Chapter
Information
Culture across the Curriculum
A Psychology Teacher's Handbook
 , pp. 179 - 205
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2018

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