Danish Institute for Study-Abroad (DIS) – Mix & Match Program

Summer 2023 Session 1 - Social Brain: Neuropsychology of Social Behaviors

  • Human beings are inherently social creatures, yet relatively little attention has been paid to social influences on the brain. The primary goal of this course will be to begin to explore the neural basis of social interaction, and the neural basis of beliefs about our social world.  Contributions from social cognitive neuroscience and social psychology will be addressed and emphasis will be placed on analysis of primary literature investigating social, environmental, and cultural influences on human brain processes.  

Final Paper

For this final project, I conducted a critical analysis of the mirror neuron system and its dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The paper examines the brain regions involved in social interaction, exploring how impairments in these areas contribute to the social difficulties observed in individuals with ASD. Using social, cognitive, and neural levels of explanation, the analysis provides insights into the neural mechanisms underlying social cognition and their implications for understanding autism.

  • This course explores radicalization processes by examining the psychological factors of motivation, ideology, and identity, alongside the risk factors that contribute to violent extremism. It covers both radicalization and deradicalization, with a focus on intervention and prevention strategies developed in Sweden, and includes case studies from right-wing and Islamic extremism. The course also offers students practical insights from frontline practitioners.

Group Project 1

In this group project, we explored how social neuroscience can be applied to everyday social interactions, specifically focusing on the social perception of homelessness. We selected a peer-reviewed study that compared traditional perspective-taking methods with virtual reality (VR) perspective-taking to build long-term empathy towards homeless individuals. Our project involved analyzing the study's methodology and findings, and then discussing how VR can be used as a powerful tool to foster empathy and challenge biases in real-world social contexts.

Group Project 2

We conducted an in-depth exploration of the predictive mechanisms within social neuroscience, particularly examining how Bayesian inference and the mirror neuron system contribute to social interaction and decision-making processes. Our presentation critically analyzed the methodologies employed in key studies, discussed the implications of predictive errors on social cognition, and provided examples of how disruptions in these mechanisms can lead to social cognitive deficits. We concluded by highlighting potential future research directions, emphasizing the importance of understanding these predictive processes for advancing the field of social neuroscience.

Summer 2023 Session 2 - Psychology of Violence and Hate

Case Study Analysis Group

In this case analysis project, my group and I investigated the radicalization process of Kujtim Fejzulai, a lone actor involved in a terrorist attack in Vienna. We examined his background, influences, and vulnerabilities through the 3N's model of radicalization—Needs, Networks, and Narratives—while also analyzing the failure of rehabilitation and deradicalization efforts in his case. The project provided a detailed exploration of the mechanisms behind his radicalization, the social and psychological factors involved, and potential intervention strategies to prevent similar cases in the future.

Study Tour Group Presentation: The Social Psychology of the Holocaust - Dehumanization

In this group project titled "Dehumanization: Its Functions and Manifestations in Nazi Ideology," we explored the psychological and social mechanisms that lead to dehumanization, focusing on Nazi propaganda during the Holocaust. Our analysis delved into how the Nazis dehumanized Jewish people through various forms of media, such as film, literature, and public messaging, portraying them as subhuman or animalistic. We examined the historical examples of dehumanization and its devastating effects, offering insights into how these ideologies were disseminated and the role they played in facilitating the Holocaust.

Reflective Essay

In this reflective essay, I explore my key learning experiences from the course on Violence and Hate, focusing on the concept of the “3N of radicalization” and its impact on my understanding of radicalization processes. I discuss how this framework deepened my perspective during a study tour in Germany, particularly in analyzing the social and personal contexts of historical figures like Hitler. Additionally, I reflect on the influence of cultural institutions such as Fryshuset on my interest in volunteering and the importance of communication skills learned through role-playing as an exit worker. This essay encapsulates my academic and personal growth throughout the course.