Cognitive Science

Introduction to the field of Cognitive Science, the study of cognition and intelligent behavior in humans, animals, and machines. Focus on topics that integrate ideas and methods from multiple disciplines, including psychology, AI, philosophy, neuroscience, anthropology, and linguistics.

Introduction to key areas of linguistic research and their contributions to cognitive science. Emphasis on morphosyntax, phonetics/phonology, multilingualism, and psycholinguistics.

Supervised research experience focused on Cognitive Science. Supervised research experience focused on Cognitive Science. Director's Approval needed.

Introduction to phonetics as the study of how speech sounds are produced, perceived, and cognitively represented. Students examine the acoustic and physiological bases of speech, practice phonetic transcription using International Phonetic Alphabet, and apply phonetic principles to clinical/social contexts.

Examination of cognitive correlates of bilingualism and multilingualism through review of primary psycholinguistic research and hands-on linguistic experimentation. Focus on cross-language transfer, language coactivation, language mixing and immersion effects in language processing.

Interdisciplinary introduction to fairness and bias in artificial intelligence and core concepts in machine learning. Reflection on cases of societal harm from biased models. Comparison of artificial and human intelligence. Discussion and implementation of techniques to mitigate bias.

Interdisciplinary seminar focusing on theories, methods, and applications related to the study of intelligent systems.

Processes underlying use of language, including speech perception and production, comprehension of meaning and grammar, and conversational interaction. Draws upon research from psychology, linguistics, computer science, neuroscience, and speech pathology.

Supervised research project and report in a selected area of cognitive science. May be repeated for credit; however, only three hours of research can be applied toward the requirements of the concentration or minor in cognitive science. Prerequisite: Permission of the Director of the Cognitive Science Program.

Selected topics in Cognitive Science: attention, computational modeling, linguistics, deep learning, embodiment etc.