Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - COGS 310 D100

Consciousness (3)

Class Number: 6852

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    COGS 100 and 200 (or permission of the instructor).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the topic of consciousness, often called "the last great mystery of science," focusing on current scientific theories and empirical investigations from philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience.

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Consciousness

Prerequisites: Either one of: PHIL 201 or 203; or one of PHIL 100W or COGS 100, plus COGS 200; or permission of the instructor.

[Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with PHIL 332.]

This seminar offers a sustained study of consciousness from both philosophical and cognitive scientific perspectives. We will examine a selection of influential issues, theories, and debates at the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience. We begin by investigating classical philosophical challenges such as the hard problem, the explanatory gap, and the nature of phenomenal experience. We then consider how different research programs in cognitive science attempt to address these challenges. These include higher-order and representational theories, global workspace theory, predictive processing models, neurophenomenology, and integrated information theory.

This course will explore several key questions, including the following:

  • What is consciousness, and why does it pose such a deep explanatory puzzle?
  • Can physicalism account for the qualitative or phenomenal character of experience?
  • Are conceivability arguments, such as the knowledge argument and zombie argument, successful in showing limits on scientific explanation?
  • What forms of empirical and theoretical progress have been made in studying consciousness?
  • How do major contemporary models (e.g., global workspace theory, predictive processing, integrated information theory) attempt to explain conscious experience?
  • Should consciousness be understood as a fundamental feature of the world, as panpsychists claim?
  • What can breakdowns or alterations in consciousness reveal about its structure?

By the end of the course, students will be able to articulate the central problems surrounding consciousness, evaluate leading responses, and understand how interdisciplinary research is reshaping the contemporary study of the mind. Assignments are designed to help students critically assess the strengths and limitations of major theories, present these analyses clearly in writing and discussion, and connect philosophical debates to current research in cognitive science.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students may repeat PHIL 332 for further credit if the topic is different.

Grading

  • Participation and Discussion 25%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Exam 2 30%
  • Final Paper 25%

NOTES:

Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the readings for the week. Each student will be required to submit a guiding discussion question for two different readings throughout the term. In addition, participation in class discussion (including attending class, asking questions, responding to others, etc.) will count towards the participation grade.

For both exams, a list of possible questions will be given well in advance. We will take the exam in-person during a portion of our meeting time.

The final assignment for this course will be a term paper due during final exam time. A list of prompts will be given in advance. You may use additional resources excluding generative AI or LLMs. More information will be available during the term.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students must have access to internet and a computer/other in order to post their answers to weekly questions and to hand in assignments.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There will be no formal text for this class. All readings will be available on the course’s Canvas page.

 


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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.