Director: Professor Kathleen M. Galotti
Cognitive Science Concentration (CGSC)
Cognitive Science 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 has been and is being undertaken in such disciplines as cognitive psychology, linguistics, philosophy, intelligence, neuroscience, social cognition and others. The concentration in Cognitive Science 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 or the methodologies of others.
The concentration is designed for students majoring in psychology, philosophy, computer science, or linguistics, although all students are welcome.
Requirements for the Concentration
Common Experience: (6 credits)
To encourage breadth within the concentration, normally no more than four courses taken from a single department or program may be counted toward the minimum eight required.
Core Courses: (26 credits- four six-credit courses plus one two-credit lab course)
CGSC 130 Introduction to Cognitive Science: Rationality, Intuition, and the Nature of Mind
A second alternative entry point into the concentration is enrollment in the Biology-Philosphy DYAD--linked sections of Biology 125 and Philosophy 100. DYAD students may count successful completion as the equivalent of Cognitive Science 130.
CGSC/PSYC 232/233 Cognitive Processes and laboratory in Cognitive Processes (8 credits)
Plus any two of the following courses:
CS 111 Introduction to Computer Science
LING 115 Introduction to Theory of Syntax
PHIL 210 Logic
Elective Courses: 24 credits from the following list. At least one must be a 300-level course.
To ensure sufficient interdisciplinarity, no more than four courses may be taken from any one department or program. (For the purposes of counting, the DYAD will count as part of the CGSC program.)
BIOL 365 Topics in Neuroscience
BIOL 368 Developmental Neurobiology (not offered in 2010-2011)
BIOL 373 Behavioral Endocrinology (not offered in 2010-2011)
BIOL 379 Seminar: Behavioral Genetics (not offered in 2010-2011)
BIOL 386 Neurobiology
CGSC 380 Seminar in Developmental Psychology: Cognitive Development During the Preschool Years
CGSC 386 Adolescent Cognitive Development: Developing an Identity and Life Plans (not offered in 2010-2011)
CS 254 Automata and Computability
CS 321 Artificial Intelligence (not offered in 2010-2011)
CS 322 Natural Language Processing
CS 361 Evolutionary Computing and Artificial Life
EDUC 234 Educational Psychology
LING 216 Morpho-Syntax
LING 217 Phonetics and Phonology
LING 265 Language and Brain (not offered in 2010-2011)
LING 275 First Language Acquisition
LING 315 Topics in Syntax
LING 317 Topics in Phonology
LING 325 Syntax of an Unfamiliar Language (not offered in 2010-2011)
LING 340 Topics in Semantics
MUSC 227 Introduction to the Perception and Cognition of Music (not offered in 2010-2011)
PHIL 100 Evolution and Mind
PHIL 110 Mind, Matter, Consciousness
PHIL 212 Epistemology
PHIL 220 Philosophy of Mind
PHIL 253 Philosophy of Cognitive Science (not offered in 2010-2011)
PSYC 216 Behavioral Neuroscience
PSYC 220 Sensation and Perception (not offered in 2010-2011)
PSYC 234 Psychology of Language
PSYC 250 Developmental Psychology
PSYC 258 Social Cognition
PSYC 375 Language and Deception (not offered in 2010-2011)
SOAN 260 Myth, Ritual, and Symbolism
SOAN 274 Language, Culture and Society
Cognitive Science Courses
CGSC 130. Rationality, Intuition, and the Nature of Mind: An Introduction to Cognitive Science An interdisciplinary examination of issues involving thinking, reasoning, and decision-making; mental representation; language, perception, and the acquisition of new knowledge; and the development of learning and intelligence. The course will draw on relevant work from diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, philosophy, linguistics, anthropology, and neuroscience, and will provide an overview of the history and practice of the newly-emerging field of cognitive science. 6 cr., SS; SI, Offered in alternate years. Fall—K. Galotti
CGSC 232. Cognitive Processes Cross-listed with PSYC.232. An introduction to the study of mental activity. Topics include attention, pattern recognition and perception, memory, concept formation, categorization, and cognitive development. Some attention to gender and individual differences in cognition, as well as cultural settings for cognitive activities. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Cognitive Sciences 233. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Cognitive Science 232 and 233 to satisfy the LS requirement. 6 cr., SS, WR; LS, WR2, Spring—K. Galotti
CGSC 233. Laboratory Research Methods in Cognitive Science Cross-listed with PSYC.233. Students will participate in the replication and planning of empirical studies, collecting and analyzing data relevant to major cognitive phenomena. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: Psychology 232. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Cognitive Science 232 and 233 to satisfy the LS requirement. 2 cr., ND; LS, Spring—K. Galotti
CGSC 236. Thinking, Reasoning and Decision-Making An examination of the way people think and reason, both when given formal laboratory tasks and when facing problems and decisions of everyday life. Students consider their own reasoning and decision-making through course exercises. Topics covered include: models of formal reasoning, decision-making, heuristics and biases in thinking and problem-solving, the development of reasoning ability, moral reasoning, improving thinking, problem-solving and reasoning skills. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or consent of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; FSR, Not offered in 2010-2011.
CGSC 380. Seminar in Developmental Psychology: Cognitive Development During the Preschool Years We will consider the development of memory, perception, and attention, as well as concepts and categorization, problem-solving and thinking, during the years from two to six. We will focus particularly on how these developments are reflected in children's spontaneous behavior and play. Course requirements will include readings, class discussions, short papers, a final project, and regular observation of preschoolers or kindergarteners. Prerequisites: Psychology 250 or Educational Studies 234 or permission of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; SI, Winter—K. Galotti
CGSC 385. Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood We will consider the development of memory, perception, and attention, as well as concepts and categorization, problem-solving and thinking, during the years from six to 11. We will focus particularly on how these developments are reflected in children's academic learning and social relationships. Course requirements will include readings, class discussions, short papers, a final project, and regular observation of school-aged children. Prerequisite: Psychology 250 or Educational Studies 234 or permission of instructor. 6 cr., SS; SI, Not offered in 2010-2011.
CGSC 386. Adolescent Cognitive Development: Developing an Identity and Life Plans An examination of recent literature on how adolescents develop their value system, explore their goals, begin to make life-framing decision, establish new relationships, and discover answers to the question "Who am I?" Course readings will involve primary literature, and the course is discussion-based. Prerequisite: Psychology 250, Educational Studies 234 or consent of the instructor. 6 cr., SS; SI, Not offered in 2010-2011.
CGSC 396. Directed Research in Cognitive Studies Senior majors in cognitive studies will work with the director to develop a thesis proposal for their comps project. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. 3 cr., ND; NE, Fall—R. Elveton, K. Galotti