We survey the state of the art concerning animal and human
learning. Topics include evolution and learning, reflexes, habituation,
classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement and punishment,
stimulus control, choice behavior, and self-control.  We study the
issues that have informed the work of generations of learning
psychologists, their research methods, and the theories developed
to date.  At the end of the course the student will know some of the
basic principles of learning, understand a few applications of
learning theory, and be able to undertake more advanced courses
on the subject matter.
Text:  Mazur, Learning and Behavior, 1998.
Exams and Grades: Students will be assigned homework at the end
of each topic.  The assignments are designed to help students
understand particular concepts, relate concepts to one another, and
generalize their knowledge to new situations.  They consist of writing
essays, drawing and interpreting graphs, criticizing a section of the
book, or predicting the outcome of an experiment.  There will also be
short, in-class quizzes. Writing is a major component of this course.
Be prepared to write extensively!
Office hours: Will be available twice a week (to be announced in
class). Can also be reached by e-mail amachado@indiana.edu The
teaching assistant will also be available to answer questions.