CGSC 100: How We Make Important Decisions

This Argument and Inquiry seminar will focus on how individuals and groups of people make important decisions, both personal and professional, and how teams of people make policy decisions. We'll look at reasoning and decision-making from a variety of frameworks, including those of formal logic, cognitive psychology, social psychology, scientific hypothesis testing, business management. Case studies of major political, economic, or technology policy decisions will be examined and discussed. Students will also analyze and reflect on their own academic and career decisions, learning to describe and explore different decision-making styles and approaches. 6 credit; AI, WR1; offered Fall 2011 -- K. Galotti

CGSC 130: How to Build A Mind: 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 current models of human cognition, including artificial intelligence, connectionism, modularity theory, dynamical systems, robotics and embodied cognition. Specific topics to be explored from these perspectives include the nature of mental representation. consciousness, reasoning, language and vision. 6 credit; Humanities, HI; offered Winter 2012 -- R. Elveton

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, WR, LS, WR2; offered Spring 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, LS; offered Spring 2012 -- K. Galotti

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, SI; not offered 2011-2012

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, SI; offered Fall 2011 -- K. Galotti

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, SI; not offered 2011-2012

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, NE; offered Fall 2011 -- R. Elveton, K. Galotti