2Wed-1B-10: Human Intelligence: Controversies
Class | Registration opens 7/28/25 10:00 AM
What are the most important mental abilities for success in school, in the workplace, and in creative endeavor? This course will present three quite different perspectives based on psychological research: (1) research on IQ, general intelligence and discrete mental abilities; (2) Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, and (3) Daniel Goleman’s theory of emotional intelligence. Here are some of the questions we will consider:
- What do IQ tests measure – a general mental ability or a set of separate skills?
- How important is IQ for success in school and in the workplace?
- To what extent can IQ be increased?
- To what extent is IQ determined by genes and by various environmental factors?
- What differences are there in mental abilities by sex, social class, and ethnicity, and what are the possible reasons for the differences?
- Besides IQ, what other mental abilities are there, and what could we do to nurture them in educational settings?
- What is meant by emotional intelligence, and what is its importance to success in the workplace and in relationships?
- How might we try to increase emotional intelligence in elementary and secondary school students?
The class format will include short lectures to present the key concepts and research findings supporting each approach, along with extensive discussion of issues and implications raised by each perspective. Weekly preparation time will be 1-1.5 hours.
Books and Other Resources:
Goldman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence. 25th Anniversary Edition. Bantam Books, 1995. With Introduction Copyright 2020. (Required)
Gardner, Howard. Multiple Intelligences. Basic Books, 2024 Printing. (Recommended)
Haier, Richard J. Colom, Roberto, and Hunt, Earl. The Science of Human Intelligence. Second Edition, 2024. (Recommended for those with a high interest and a strong background in social science research and statistics)
Richard Mansfield
Richard has taught many courses at LLAIC – including American Education; Hard Times, Contemporary Challenges; and The Case for Optimism. In his first career, Richard taught human development and educational psychology at Temple University. In his second career, in management consulting, he was a director of research at two consulting firms identifying and assessing the competencies needed for effectiveness in leadership and other senior positions in large organizations.