Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - COGS 200 D100

Foundations in Cognitive Science (3)

Class Number: 6819

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Margaret Grant
    magrant@sfu.ca
    Office: RCB 8115
    Office Hours: TBA

  • 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.

Grading

  • Participation: 10%
  • Presentation: 20%
  • Writing Assignments: 25%
  • Term Tests (3 X 15%) 45%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings will be available to students via Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

(Recommended but optional, a copy will be on library reserve)
José Luis Bermúdez, (2022), Cognitive Science: An Introduction to the Science of the Mind (4th edition), 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.