Interdisciplinary Concentration in Cognitive
Science
Cognitive science is the empirical exploration of intelligent
systems. It is, by its very nature, an interdisciplinary science
combining results from anthropology, biology, computer science,
linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology. It challenges
students to be knowledgeable in a wide variety of fields and
techniques.
Cognitive science explores human, animal, and mental processes
at the level of the neuron, the central nervous system, the
behavior of individuals, the evolution and structure of communication
and culture, as well as artificial intelligence computation,
and the theory of knowledge. It is the most rapidly growing
interdisciplinary arena in colleges and universities.
At the end of their program of focused liberal learning, students
with an Interdisciplinary Concentration in Cognitive Studies
should have a fundamental understanding of current theories
concerning:
- The nature and justification of claims to knowledge including
justification of beliefs and theories, and forms of rationalism,
empiricism, and skepticism;
- The structure of language, symbols, and images for representing,
manipulating, and communicating knowledge;
- How brains and computational systems establish memory, solve
problems, form concepts, and develop understandings of the
world;
- Core ideas in biology including molecular and cellular neurobiology,
and receptor biochemistry.
In addition, students should demonstrate proficiency in quantitative
methods for gathering empirical evidence and analyzing data,
and understand the powers and limits of various representations
within the controlled situations of the laboratory, or the natural
situations of the everyday world.
Faculty Sponsors
Co-Sponsors- Jeff Erickson (Biology), Andrew Leynes (Psychology), Miroslav Martinovic (Computer Science), Regina Morin (Modern Languages), Pierre Le Morvan (Philosophy & Religion), Consuelo Pretri (Philosophy & Religion), Felicia Steele (English), Ursula Wolz (Computer Science)
Curriculum
A total of seven courses plus prerequisites where necessary
Arts and Humanities
Two of the following
- PHL 410 Theory of Knowledge (Prerequisite: two course
in philosophy or permission of instructor)
- PHL 421 Philosophy of Language (Prerequisite: one course
in philosophy or permission of instructor)
- PHL 422 Philosophy of Mind ( Prerequisite: one course
in philosophy or permission of instructor)
- LNG 201 Introduction to the English Language*
Social Sciences and History
Two of the following
- ANT 205 - Human Evolution*
- PSY 214 - Cognitive Psychology (Prerequisite: PSY 101
or permission of instructor)
- PSY 311 - Sensation and Perception (Prerequisite: PSY
214 or permission of instructor)
- PSY 346 - Cognitive Neuroscience Prerequisite: PSY 212
or permission of instructor)
Natural Science and Quantitative Reasoning
One course from each of the following categories
Special Focus Courses
One course from the following
- BIO 480/Neurobiology (Prerequisite: BIO 211)
- CSC 280/Artificial Intelligence for Non-Computer Science
Majors (Prerequisites: PHL 120 or CSC 230 or
MAT 200)
- CSC 380/Artificial Intelligence (Prerequisites: CSC
230 and 310 with grade of C or better)
- PSY 371/Cognitive Seminar (Prerequisite: PSY 214 or
permission of the instructor)
- WGS 230/Gendered Technoculture*
*No listed prerequisites.
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