Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - COGS 200 D100

Foundations in Cognitive Science (3)

Class Number: 7647

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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 important empirical 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. Students learn a variety of tools for analyzing data in diverse domains, such as language, learning, object processing, concepts, and reasoning and human thought.

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

  • Two Mid-Term Exams: 60%
  • Tutorial Assignments: 10%
  • Participation: 10%
  • Term Paper/Project: 20%

NOTES:

Office Hours:  Thursday 11:30-12:30 
Office:  RCB 8117

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Supplemental material provided by instructor on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING:

José Luis Bermúdez.  Cognitive science: An introduction to the science of the mind 2nd edition.  Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107653355

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS