Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers

Instructor: Sabrina Weiss

Days and Times Fridays, 1:30 pm, 12 weeks, starting Jan. 15th.

Plus a one day add on for projects

Course Description

This is a rigorous reading course for Dr. Robert Sapolsky's book on stress, Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: the Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping.  This book connects to many college-preparatory topics, such as the biochemistry and neuroscience of stress, how we cope and manage stress, and reflects on how evolutionary adaptive biological systems can be pushed into unhealthy statuses in today's world.

All students should obtain a copy of this book and read the sections listed BEFORE the live meeting.  So by 1/15, you should read the Introduction and Ch. 1 and come ready to discuss. 

Optional add-on includes a final project like an essay or video. There will be an extra live meeting for optional add-on students to present and discuss projects.

Texts: 

Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping (Third Edition) - Robert M. Sapolsky

Outline: 

NOTE: Listed chapters should be read BEFORE the indicated class.  We will DISCUSS the chapter so you should have read or at least skimmed the chapter ahead of time. Please have read Chapter 1 and some of Chapter 2 before the first class!

1/15 Introduction, Discuss Ch 1, Overview

1/22 Ch 2 + Ch3: Glands, Gooseflesh, and Hormones

1/29 No class

2/5 Ch 4 + Ch 5: Metabolism and Ulcers

2/12 Ch 6 + Ch 7: Dwarfism and Reproduction

2/19 Ch 8: Immunity 

2/26 No class

3/5  Ch 9 + 10: Pain, Memory

3/12 Ch 11 + 12: Sleep, Aging

3/19 Ch 13 + 14: Psychological Stress, Depression

3/26 No Class

4/2 Ch 15 + 16: Personality, Junkies

4/9 Ch 17: View from the Bottom

4/16 Ch 18:  Managing Stress

4/23 Review and Wrap-up

4/30 No Class

Note: No classes on 1/29, 2/26, 3/26, or 4/30.