Seminar in Cognitive Science

Course title

6M010800

Course content

Cognitive science draws on many disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and computer science. The course will first provide basic knowledge of standard theoretical approaches and methodologies in cognitive science for those with very different backgrounds, and then will draw a larger picture in the application of the field. Students will be expected to examine various discoveries in the field of cognitive science.

Purpose of class

The ultimate goal of the class is to integrate ideas, concepts, constructs, methodologies, and theories from across different disciplines and different perspectives on cognitive and intelligent systems and apply their knowledge to a potential technical system that creates new products and services.

Goals and objectives

Students will be able to understand standard theoretical approaches and methodologies in cognitive science.
Students will be able to evaluate and discuss issues in cognitive science.
Students will be able to synthesize ideas and to develop a new and deeper understanding.
Students will be able to choose and apply appropriate theoretical framework given a certain problem related to human behavior.

Language

English

Class schedule

	Class schedule	HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.)	Amount of Time Required
1．	Course overview/Representation and Computation	Reading Chapter 1 before the class meeting	80minutes
1．	Course overview/Representation and Computation	Submit a short report on a discussion question at the next class meeting	80minutes
2．	Logic	Reading Chapter 2 and supplemental material before the class meeting	80minutes
2．	Logic	Submit a short report on a discussion question at the next class meeting	80minutes
3．	Rules	Reading Chapter 3 and supplemental material before the class meeting	80minutes
3．	Rules	Submit a short report on a discussion question at the next class meeting	80minutes
4．	Concepts	Reading Chapter 4 and supplemental material before the class meeting	80minutes
4．	Concepts	Submit a short report on a discussion question at the next class meeting	80minutes
5．	Analogies	Reading Chapter 5 and supplemental material before the class meeting	80minutes
5．	Analogies	Submit a short report on a discussion question at the next class meeting	80minutes
6．	Images	Reading Chapter 6 and supplemental material before the class meeting	80minutes
6．	Images	Submit a short report on a discussion question at the next class meeting	80minutes
7．	Connections / Review and Evaluation	Reading Chapter 7 & 8 and supplemental material before the class meeting	120minutes
7．	Connections / Review and Evaluation	Submit short reports on discussion questions at the next class meeting	120minutes
8．	Brains	Reading Chapter 9 and supplemental material before the class meeting	80minutes
8．	Brains	Submit a short report on a discussion question at the next class meeting	80minutes
9．	Emotions / Invited Lecture (Introduction)	Reading Chapter 10 and supplemental material before the class meeting	80minutes
9．	Emotions / Invited Lecture (Introduction)	Partial preparation for final report at the end of the term	80minutes
10．	Invited Lecture (Discussion)	Preparation for discussion before the class meeting	80minutes
10．	Invited Lecture (Discussion)	Partial preparation for final report at the end of the term	80minutes
11．	Consciousness	Reading Chapter 11 and supplemental material before the class meeting	80minutes
11．	Consciousness	Submit a short report on a discussion question at the next class meeting	80minutes
12．	Bodies, the World, and Dynamic Systems	Reading Chapter 12 and supplemental material before the class meeting	80minutes
12．	Bodies, the World, and Dynamic Systems	Submit a short report on a discussion question at the next class meeting	80minutes
13．	Societies	Reading Chapter 13 and supplemental material before the class meeting	80minutes
13．	Societies	Submit a short report on a discussion question at the next class meeting	80minutes
14．	The Future of Cognitive Science /Reviewing/Course feedback	Reading Chapter 14 and supplemental material before the class meeting	80minutes
14．	The Future of Cognitive Science /Reviewing/Course feedback	Submit a short report on a discussion question and a final report before due date	200minutes
Total.	-	-	2440minutes

Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

	Class participation	Short reports on discussion questions	Final report	Total.
1.	28%			28%
2.		28%		28%
3.			22%	22%
4.			22%	22%
Total.	28%	28%	44%	-

Evaluation method and criteria

The final grade will be determined as follows:
Class participation (Regular attendance is presupposed; Active participation in class activities will be highly evaluated.) 28% (for 14 classes)
Short reports on discussion questions 28%
Final report 44%

Feedback on exams, assignments, etc.

ways of feedback	specific contents about "Other"
The Others	To be notified in the class.

Textbooks and reference materials

<Textbook>
Thagard, Paul R. (2005). Mind: Introduction to Cognitive Science, 2nd Edition. The MIT Press. Available in paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0262701099) or "Rent eTextbook" at https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/mind-second-edition.
<Reference and supplemental materials>
To be mentioned by the lecturer during the course.

Prerequisites

None

Office hours and How to contact professors for questions