Topics in Cognitive Science
Psych/Ling/Phil/Educ 7775
CSCI 7772

Fall 2006


Time and Location: Friday, 12-2, ICS large conference room in Muenzinger
Course Credit: 1 credit hour
Office Hours: Thursday 3-4 and Friday 5-6, Hellems 295
Instructors: Martha Palmer and Tamara Sumner
Assessment:
  • Attendance: 30%
  • Written critical review of each session: 40%
  • Participation in session discussion: 10%
  • Contribution to the online class discussion 20%

  • Wiki: http://moodle.cs.colorado.edu/course/view.php?id=68 here

    Course Objectives

    The intent of this course is to expose students to the breadth and depth of current research issues in the field of Cognitive Science. They will attend presentations of innovative theories and methodologies of Cognitive Science that they will be expected to critically evaluate. Students participate in the ICS Distinguished Speakers series that hosts internationally recognized Cognitive Scientists who share and discuss their current research. Session discussions include analysis of leading edge and controversial new approaches in Cognitive Science

    Prerequisites

    There are no pre-required courses. This is a one-unit course that is required to be taken for two semesters as a core requirement in the Cognitive Science graduate certificate program and the joint Ph.D. program. Students who enroll in this class must be enrolled in one of the ICS Cognitive Science academic programs.

    Text

    Each speaker will provide appropriate background reading (e.g, journal articles, book chapters) and/or references to provide a grounding for what they will be talking about in their colloquium. These materials will be distributed to the students 1-2 weeks prior to the colloquium.

    Exam

    There is no formal exam for this course, but an end of semester student only discussion session will figure into the grade.

    Homework/Reports

    Students are required to submit a 2 page, double spaced, critical evaluation of each colloquium session. The content of this report should identify the main theoretical viewpoint/hypothesis presented by the speaker, discuss the degree to which that is presented in an interdisciplinary format, and discuss the degree to which the evidence presented provides support for the viewpoint provided. Students will submit their critical reviews to an online class wiki, to facilitate online group discussion of the sessions.

    Content

    There will be a minimum of 6, 2 hour colloquia per semester, and as many as 10. The agenda for a given semester changes each year. The scheduled ICS talks for this semester and for previous semesters can be found on the ICS web page, here.

    Syllabus Statements:

    If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, and Disability Services

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