harvard-sp2017

IMPORTANT DATES

March 24
applications submission
April 30
admissions decisions 

Program Structure

The program's multifaceted offerings are designed to give students a broad understanding of the mind and brain. Cognitive neuroscience is learnt through research by participating in experiments, as well as attending talks and presentations at the research center.

Depending on the demand, the program may also include a noncredit Italian language class. Students enroll in two four-week courses. Instruction is in English. Courses generally run Monday through Thursday with Fridays dedicated to program outings. During the program, students receive housing in San Bartolameo dorms and a meal plan at the University of Trento’s cafeteria.

Program outings and trips are designed to immerse students in Italian culture and tradition: hikes in the Italian Alps, a weekend getaway on Lake Garda (Italy’s largest lake), day and overnight trips to nearby cities such as Verona, Torino, Mantova, Cremona and Florence. On other weekends, students are free to organize additional trips to popular destinations in Italy (e.g. Milan, Rome, Tuscany, Cinque Terre).

 

Courses

During the Summer Program students obtain credits eligible to be recognized by the Faculty Council of their University: it is the student's duty to request that these credits be recognized at his/her own University. Students can choose to follow the whole program: an introductory course (MBB S-101), and an in-depth course of study which constitutes the second part of the program (MBB S-100). The option of attending half of the program by following one of the two courses is also available. All courses are in English and all classes are held at Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, Trento Mattarello, Italy.

MBB S-101 Study Abroad in Trento, Italy: Windows into the Structure of the Mind and Brain, Alfonso Caramazza & John A. Assad

UN Limited enrollment.

The mind/brain can be studied at multiple levels of description and with various methodologies. The course reviews methods from psycholinguistics perception and language processing to neuroimaging, and from computational modeling to cellular and clinical neuroscience. Each method is illustrated through laboratory demonstrations. This course is mandatory for all program participants, and it is meant to provide the neuroscience and cognitive science foundation necessary to explore specific topics in the field.

Prerequisite: none

MBB S-100 Study Abroad in Trento, Italy: Magic and the Mind, Gustav Kuhn

UN Limited enrollment.

Magic is one of the most enduring forms of entertainment, and the ease by which magicians trick us highlights our mind's limitations. This course explores the psychological illusions magicians use to trick our mind and as well as the unique emotional experiences that these illusions elicit. Among the question we address are: What is magic? What role does magic play in our day-to-day lives (such as superstitions)? Can you trust your eyes? Can you trust your memories? How can we unconsciously influence your behavior? What is hypnosis? Can you detect lies and deception? The main objectives of this course are to use magical illusions as a vehicle to discuss advances in our understanding of the mind and thus bring cognitive psychology/neuroscience to life. While you learn about some of the secrets in magic, the main emphasis lies in understanding the brain mechanisms involved in our everyday illusions and the fascinating and unexpected reality of our internal world.

Prerequisite: none.

CONTACTS:

Harvard Summer School
CIMeC, University of Trento
via delle Regole, 101
38123 Mattarello (TN) - Italy

hss@cimec.unitn.it

Harvard Summer School webpage