COG 166 - 3 Semester Hours

Introduction to Cognitive Science

This course will introduce the fundamental questions, findings, and methods of cognitive science. The computational approach to cognition and the notion of abstract mental representation are introduced within the interdisciplinary framework of the field. Basic knowledge of cognition, computation, and evolution is surveyed. Symbols systems are described and their role in standard representations is discussed. Artificial neural networks are proposed as a model of both the brain and the mind. Linguistic, visual and musicological questions that cut to the core of cognition are exposed. Well-known challenges to cognitive science are raised. Whenever possible, the course will strive to bring diverse disciplinary perspectives to bear on fundamental issues.

None.

There is a generally acknowledged need to give Cognitive Science majors a common experience in an introductory course. This couse will be a required foundational course in the core of our Cognitive Science programs. Additionally, an introductory Cognitive Science course contributes richly to the objectives of general education. This course is intended to serve as a "knowledge foundation" course in SUNY Oswego's formulation of general education. The course will be offered once or twice each year to 30 students who may be considering the Cognitive Science Major.

As a result of this course, students will:

1. Understand the computational assumption which underlies the field of cognitive science.
2. Understand the concept of a mental representation and become acquainted with several of the standard representations.
3. Understand the interdisciplinary nature of studying fundamental issues.
4. Acquire some knowledge of cognition, computation, neuroscience, and evolution.
5. Understand aspects of symbol systems and artificial neural networks.
6. Understand selected theories of linguistic, visual, and musical processing articulated by scientists in these fields.
7. Become aware of the many challenges to cognitive science.
8. Possess a shared experience of introduction to the field of Cognitive Science.

1. Historical perspective
   1. Preliminary Definitions
   2. Cognitive currents
   3. Founding figures
2. Fundamental assumptions and influential disciplines
   1. The Computational Assumption
   2. The Representational Assumption
   3. The contributing disciplines
3. Symbol systems
   1. Fundamental concepts
   2. A computational experience
   3. Conjectures and controversies
4. Aspects of cognition
   1. Types of knowledge
   2. Associative networks
   3. Schemas
   4. Processes
   5. Memory
   6. Concepts and classification
   7. Problem solving
   8. Learning
5. Standard representations
   1. Logic
   2. Rules
   3. Concepts
   4. Analogies
   5. Images
6. Naturally intelligent systems and neural nets
   1. Elementary Neuroscience
   2. Artificial Neural Nets
   3. Cognitive Neuroscience
7. Evolutionary systems
   1. Basics of biological evolution
   2. Memetics
   3. Genetic algorithms
8. Topics in Cognitive Science
   1. Language
   2. Vision
   3. Music
9. Challenges to Cognitive Science
   1. Emotions and consciousness
   2. Physical and social environments
   3. Dynamic systems and mathematical knowledge
10. The future of Cognitive Science
    1. Present state of the field
    2. Goals and aspirations

The method of instruction will be an integration of lecture, discussion, reading, writing, and Web interaction.

Students will attend lectures, participate in discussions, read materials, write papers, and complete projects (group and individual).

Student evaluation will be based on examinations, papers, projects and class participation.

No significant additional resources are necessary.

Churchland, Patricia. Neurophilosophy: Toward a Unified Science of the Mind/Brain. Cambridge, Massachusetts: A Bradford Book, The MIT Press, 1986.

Clark, Andy. Being There: Putting Brain, Body, and World Together Again. Cambridge, Massachusetts: A Bradford Book, The MIT Press, 1997.

Dennett, Daniel. Darwin's Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life. New York: Touchstone, Simon and Schuster, 1995.

Gardner, Howard. The Mind's New Science. New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1985.

Gardner, Howard. Art, Mind & Brain: A Cognitive Approach to Creativity. New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1982.

Garfield, Jay. Foundations of Cognitive Science: The Essential Readings. New York: Paragon House, 1990.

Gazzaniga, Michael, Richard Ivry, George Mangun. Cognitive Neuroscience. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1998.

Hofstadter, Douglas. Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid. New York: Vintage Books, Inc., 1989.

Hofstadter, Douglas. Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies. New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1995.

Jackendoff, Ray. Consciousness and the Computational Mind. Cambridge, Massachusetts: A Bradford Book, The MIT Press, 1992.

Levy, Steven. Artificial Life: The Quest for a New Creation. New York: Pantheon Books, Inc., 1992.

Minsky, Marvin. Society of Mind. New York: Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1982.

Pinker, Steven. How the Mind Works. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1997.

Stillings, Neil, Mark Feinstein, Jay Garfield, Edwina Rissland, David Rosenbaum, Steven Weisler, Lynne Baker-Ward. Cognitive Science: An Introduction. Cambridge, Massachusetts: A Bradford Book, The MIT Press, 1995.

Thagard, Paul. Mind: Introduction to Cognitive Science. Cambridge, Massachusetts: A Bradford Book, The MIT Press, 1996.

Von Eckardt, Barbara. What Is Cognitive Science?. Cambridge, Massachusetts: A Bradford Book, The MIT Press, 1996.

Winston, Patrick Henry. Artificial Intelligence. Reading, Massachusetts, 1977.

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Doug Lea / Provisional Cog Sci Cur Com Chair        Date

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Doug Lea / Cog Sci Formation Committee Chair        Date

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Fred Barber / Undergraduate Cur Com Chair           Date