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Hollywood's Images of Men, Women, and Sexuality
How does Hollywood influence our views on how men and women should act and interact? Does what we see on TV and film subconsciously alter our opinions of ourselves and others? When people watch movies and TV shows, they are often convinced what they see on screen is 'normal.' However, gender and sex are sometimes portrayed in specific and unrealistic ways. This course aims to make everyone more conscious of the messages films and shows send so they can recognize in what ways they are being influenced. Classes will incorporate viewing films such as Old School, Good Will Hunting, and The O.C. and class discussions that help us analyze what we see.

The Psychological Consequences of Diet and Exercise
There is growing evidence that both nutrition and exercise can have profound effects on our psychological well-being. As but a few examples, recent work has demonstrated that intake of specific foods can alter cognitive behavior and thus, can help or hinder the performance of everyday mental tasks. Additionally, research in our laboratory and others has shown that both diet and exercise can alter behavioral responses to a variety of psychopharmacological substances. In this Windows on Research course, we will examine research methods used to study the relationships between nutrition, exercise and behavior. Additionally, students will actively participate in experiments assessing the effects of diet and exercise on behavior in human participants and/or experimental animals. This research experience will also allow students to better evaluate the plethora of information on nutrition and behavior that appears regularly in the popular media.

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