Cognitive Studies Concentration (CGST)
Director: Professor Kathleen M. Galotti
Cognitive studies examines different approaches to questions concerning the nature of mind, the representation of knowledge, the acquisition, comprehension, and production of language, the development of learning and intelligence, the use of information to draw inferences and make decisions, and the assessment of "goodness of fit" between purportedly similar systems (e.g., the computer and the mind). Exploration of some or all of these questions and is undertaken in such disciplines as cognitive psychology, linguistics, philosophy, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, social cognition and others. The concentration in cognitive studies therefore represents a formal means of bringing together students and faculty in different disciplines who share common interests. We seek to enrich the view provided by any one discipline through an exploration of the contributions of others.
The concentration is designed for students majoring in psychology, philosophy, computer science or linguistics (as a special major), although all students are welcome. In recent years, special majors in Cognitive Studies have been approved by the Academic Standing Committee. Special majors (approved by petition through the Academic Standing Committee) typically require students to complete all of the "core" concentration courses, plus four elective courses and integrative exercise.
Requirements for the Concentration:
To encourage breadth within the concentration, no more than four courses taken from a single department may be counted toward the minimum eight required.
Core Courses: (24 credits-four six-credit courses)
CGST/PSYC 230 Introduction to Cognitive Science
CGST/PHIL/PSYC 300 level Special Topics in Cognitive Studies
(Note: This course would subsume some of the computer science, philosophy or psychology seminars listed below.)
Plus any two of the following courses:
LING 115 Introduction to Theory of Syntax
PSYC 232/233 Cognitive Processes and Laboratory
PHIL 210 Logic or
CS 117 Introduction to Computer Science
Elective Courses: (24 credits) from the following list. At least one must be a 300-level course. No more than four courses from any one department (or cross-listed with any one department) may be counted toward the concentration.
BIOL 386 Neurobiology
CGST 360 Artificial Intelligence
CS 327 Artificial Intelligence
LING 215 Syntax of an Unfamiliar Language (not offered in 2004-2005)
LING 217 Phonetics and Phonology
LING 270 Language, Speech and Evolution (not offered in 2004-2005)
LING 317 Topics in Phonology (not offered in 2004-2005)
PHIL 110 Mind and Knowledge (not offered in 2004-2005)
PHIL 110 Cartesian Meditations (not offered in 2004-2005)
PHIL 110 Evolution and Mind
PHIL 212 Epistemology
PHIL 253 Philosophy of Cognitive Studies
PHIL 281 Advanced Logic
PSYC 215 Memory and Amnesia (not offered in 2004-2005)
PSYC 216 Behavioral Neuroscience
PSYC 234/235 Psychology of Language
PSYC 236 Thinking, Reasoning and Decision-Making (not offered in 2004-2005)
PSYC 250 Developmental Psychology
PSYC 258 Social Cognition
PSYC 375 Language and Deception
PSYC 380 Cognitive Development During the Preschool Years (not offered in 2004-2005)
PSYC 386 Adolescent Cognitive Development (not offered in 2004-2005)
SOAN 260 Myth, Ritual, and Symbolism
Cognitive Studies Courses
CGST 360. Artificial Intelligence Intelligent agents, heuristic search, knowledge representation using logic, uncertain knowledge and reasoning, machine learning. Cognitive Studies 360 and Computer Science 327 occupy the same classroom, but the course requirements are different. Students taking Cognitive Studies 360 are expected to complete a series of analytical and mathematical problem assignments and exams (no computer programming). Prerequisite: Mathematics 111 and 121. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall—D. Musicant
The Triad Program in Cognitive Studies Evolution and Mind
A triad consists of three linked courses for entering students. For 2004-05, the Cognitive Studies program is offering such a triad, the theme of which is "Evolution and Mind." Students will enroll concurrently in a specified section of Biology 125 (Professor Susan Singer) Psychology 110 (Professor Kathleen Galotti), and Philosophy 110 (Professor Roy Elveton). Students will acquire a fundamental understanding of biology, philosophy, and psychology, and will explore the nature of the human mind and how it is shaped by genetic, evolutionary, and environmental influences through common themes and discussions with all three faculty.