Embodied Cognition and Cultural Practices

About this programme

Cultural practices such as reading fiction, making art, and taking part in a dance performance, contribute fundamentally to human self-reflection, and connect us with our cultural heritage. Rather than supplementary activities, these practices are core to the health and well-being of both individuals and societies. The field of embodied cognitive science studies how our skilful engagement with a material environment shapes human thinking, affectivity, perception and action. Recent years have witnessed a flurry of interest in applying embodied cognition to the skills of craftspeople, artists, architects, writers, dancers and performers, investigating how engaging with these practices might be essential for human flourishing and well-being. The course aims to equip students with knowledge of core concepts in embodied cognitive science, and how these concepts are applied to empirically investigate skills for participating in cultural practices of making art, literature, theatre and performance, music and how these practices might foster well-being and thriving. Level: Master | Offered in Odense | Offered by: Faculty of Health Science