CGSC 100: Evolution and Mind

An introduction to issues in cognitive science and philosophy of mind focusing upon the importance of evolution theory for understanding the nature of the human mind. Central questions to be discussed include: the nature of Darwinian theory; the structure and function of human language; the evolution of human culture; modularity theories of human cognition; the evolution of morality. 6 credit; Argument and Inquiry Seminar, Writing Requirement; offered Fall 2012 -- R. Elveton

CGSC 130: Intuition, Reflection, and the Nature of Mind: An Introduction to Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science is a multidisciplinary field involving biology, computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology whose aim is to understand the nature of the human mind. This course will provide an overview of the field, focusing on the claim that there are two kinds of mental processes: relatively fast, automatic, intuitive processes, and relatively slow, controlled, reflective processes. We will examine this model of the mind within several domains, including numerical cognition, moral cognition, and person perception. We will then ask how such processes are likely to be implemented in the human mind, taking into account biological and computational constraints. 6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry; offered Fall 2012 -- J. Paxton

CGSC 130: Learning Science: An Introduction to Cognitive Science

Cognitive science is a multidisciplinary field of inquiry involving biology, computer science, linguistics, philosophy and psychology whose aim is to understand the nature of the human mind. This course will explore ways cognitive science informs our understanding of how people learn science. Specific topics will include problem solving, conceptual change, expert-novice differences, metacognition, motivation, and visualization in the context of learning and teaching science 6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry; offered Spring 2013 -- S. Singer

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 credit; Social Sciences, Writing Requirement, Science with Lab, Writing Requirement; offered Fall 2012 -- 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 Psychology/Cognitive Science 232 and 233 to satisfy the LS requirement. 2 credit; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Science with Lab; offered Fall 2012 -- K. Galotti

CGSC 236: Thinking, Reasoning, and Decision Making: Experimental Approaches

In this course, we will learn about the cognitive science of high-level mental processes, viz., thinking, reasoning, and decision making, with a special focus on reasoning within the context of moral decision making. In addition to learning about what is already known concerning the operation of high-level mental processes, students will have the opportunity to take part in the design and implementation of one or more experimental studies that may add to our knowledge of such processes. Prerequisites: Any Cognitive Science 100-level course or permission of the instructor. 6 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry, Quantitative Reasoning Encounter; offered Winter 2013 -- J. Paxton

CGSC 336: The Moral Brain and How to Use It

In this course, we will take a critical look at a forthcoming book in Cognitive Science by the cognitive neuroscientist / philosopher Joshua Greene, currently titled "The Moral Brain and How to Use It." Course meetings will be conducted largely as seminars rather than lectures, with a focus on intensive discussion of the book. The course will have a significant writing component, involving weekly response papers (1-2 pages) and a longer final paper (10-15 pages). Prerequisites: 200-level Cognitive Science course or permission of the instructor. 6 credit; Social Sciences, Writing Requirement, Social Inquiry, Writing Requirement; offered Winter 2013 -- J. Paxton

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 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry; not offered 2012-2013

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 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry; not offered 2012-2013

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 credit; Social Sciences, Social Inquiry; not offered 2012-2013

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 credit; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Fall 2012 -- R. Elveton