Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - COGS 100 D900

Exploring the Mind (3)

Class Number: 2206

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Instructor:

    Shawn Tan
    sta146@sfu.ca
    Office: TBA
    Office Hours: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    Open to all students.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course provides a basic integrative overview of how cognitive science aspires to integrate the empirical findings, theories, and methods of psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computing science and philosophy. Students with credit for COGS 200 may not take COGS 100 for further credit. Breadth-Hum/Social Sci/Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

What is the mind? What does the mind do? How can we apply knowledge of the mind to situations in everyday life. This introductory course introduces the study of the mind from diverse disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, computer science, neuroscience, linguistics and evolutionary psychology, the methods that researchers in these disciplines use to
study the mind. The course than introduces special topics of interest to researchers that study the mind such as language, consciousness and problem solving

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

To introduce terms used by researchers to study the mind. Students are expected to (1): know the definitions for these terms (2): understand how to use these terms appropriately (3): understand the principles that are used to study the mind (4): reason using the principles introduced in the course (5): apply what is learned in the course to situations that might be encountered in daily life

Grading

  • six out of seven quizzes: 60%
  • integrated test 1: 20%
  • integrated test 2: 20%

NOTES:

There will be NO tutorials during Week 1

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Friedenberg, J., Silverman, G & Spivey, M. J. (2020). Cognitive Science: An Introduction to the Study of Mind (4th Edition). Sage Publishing.
ISBN: 9781544380155

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.