Spring 2023 - COGS 200 D100

Foundations in Cognitive Science (3)

Class Number: 6108

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Mon, Wed, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    John Alderete
    alderete@sfu.ca
    Office: RCB 8117
    Office Hours: Wednesday, 2 - 3pm
  • Prerequisites:

    COGS 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to major empirical methods and theoretical frameworks for exploring the mind that examines some of the foundational debates that have fueled investigations over the past fifty years. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the course illustrates how a convergence of ideas from psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and computer science has led to deep explanations of a range of cognitive science topics.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an in-depth introduction to the methods and theoretical frameworks for exploring the mind. It introduces students to some of the major results in cognitive science and fleshes out several of the foundational debates that have fueled investigations in the past fifty years. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the course illustrates how a convergence of ideas from psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and computer science has led to deep explanations of human cognitive capacities, as well as clarified some research questions that are being actively investigated today. Though the field is broad, we will build foundations by focusing on two theoretical perspectives, namely symbolic-computational and connectionist theories, and five core areas: learning, language, rationality, object processing, and concepts.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learn the facts surrounding cognitive capacities for language, objects, concepts, and thought.
Analyze cognitive processes using symbolic computational and connectionist architectures.
Critically assess theoretical accounts of human cognition.

Grading

  • Participation: 10%
  • Quizzes on Canvas: 10%
  • Article summary: 20%
  • Article critique: 20%
  • Article presentation: 20%
  • Take home final: 20%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Supplemental material provided by instructor on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING:

Bermudez, J. L. (2022). Cognitive Science: An Introduction to the Science of the Mind (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
ISBN: 9781009073677

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html