Course listings | Case Western Reserve University

Term: Spring 2013

COGS 102: Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (100/1926)

TR 02:45-04:00 PM Jan 14-Apr 29

Jack, A

A survey of the fundamental methods, findings, and theories that attempt to understand the human mind from a neuroscientific standpoint. The course provides the student with background knowledge of brain processes underlying such psychological phenomena as consciousness, sensation, perception, thought, language, and voluntary action. Since many fields of neuroscience have contributed to cognitive neuroscience, the approach of this course is cross-disciplinary. It introduces theories and data from clinical and experimental neuropsychology, brain imaging, neuroelectric and neuromagnetic brain activity, the neuroscience of language, and behavioral neuroscience, among other fields.

COGS 202: Human Cognition Viewed from a Cultural Perspective (100/1181)

TR 10:00-11:15 AM Jan 14-Apr 29

Popova, Y

PLEASE NOTE: THE CLASS TIME HAS CHANGED to TR 10:00-11:15. While waiting for system changes, please contact yanna,popova@case.edu.

COGS 302: SAGES Departmental Seminar: Methods and Theories in Cognitive Science (100/3080)

TR 02:45-04:00 PM Jan 14-Apr 29

Parrill, F

This course takes a look at the discipline of cognitive science by exploring the methods that cognitive scientists use in their research. We'll discuss how different methods reflect different approaches and traditions of thought and how they provide different answers to particular questions. We'll also discuss the process of translating research into writing and talk about how different kinds of writing reflect the many different methods used in cognitive science. Recommended preparation: COGS 101, COGS 102, COGS 201, and COGS 202.

COGS 316: Decision-Making (1/9501)

MW 12:30-01:45 PM Jan 14-Apr 29

Turner, M

This course is a topical introduction to decision-making, a major area of cognitive social science, with connections to economics, law, political science, business, policy, and related fields. Topics include game theory and rational calculation, equilibria, kinds of choice, heuristics, the role of affect in decision, framing, bounded rationality, mechanisms of choice such as heuristics, the role of social cognition in choice, concepts of self and other, and computer modeling of choice. The course also includes an introduction to the design of empirical behavioral research. Offered as COGS 316 and COGS 416.

COGS 327: Gesture in Cognition and Communication (100/2501)

TR 01:15-02:30 PM Jan 14-Apr 29

Parrill, F

Most people never notice that when they are talking, they're also gesturing. Why do we produce these gestures? What can studying them tell us about the human mind? This course surveys scientific research on gesture, exploring topics such as the role of gesture in communication, cross-cultural differences in gesture, and the relationship between gesture and signed languages. The course will focus on gestures produced with speech, but will cover symbolic and ritualized gesture in the visual arts and in dance. Offered as COGS 327 and COGS 427 and MLIT 327.

COGS 365: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience (1/10282)

TR 04:30-05:45 PM Jan 14-Apr 29

Jack, A

This course focuses on specific areas of research in cognitive neuroscience in some depth. The first half of the semester covers basics and fundamental research areas (e.g., perception, attention) and examines the (sometimes controversial) theoretical issue of what cognitive neuroscience techniques tell us about the mind. The second half of the semester is dedicated to examining selected research topics of interest to students. Students research and write 'grant proposals' for cognitive neuroscience experiments. The class culminates with students and invited faculty simulating a funding panel, and deciding which grants to 'fund' from a limited budget.

COGS 378: Computational Neuroscience (100/3200)

MW 02:00-02:50 PM Jan 14-Apr 29, F 02:00-02:50 PM Jan 14-Apr 29

Thomas, P

Computer simulations and mathematical analysis of neurons and neural circuits, and the computational properties of nervous systems. Students are taught a range of models for neurons and neural circuits, and are asked to implement and explore the computational and dynamic properties of these models. The course introduces students to dynamical systems theory for the analysis of neurons and neural learning, models of brain systems, and their relationship to artificial and neural networks. Term project required. Students enrolled in MATH 478 will make arrangements with the instructor to attend additional lectures and complete additional assignments addressing mathematical topics related to the course. Recommended preparation: MATH 223 and MATH 224 or BIOL 300 and BIOL 306. Offered as BIOL 378, COGS 378, MATH 378, BIOL 478, EBME 478, EECS 478, MATH 478 and NEUR 478.

COGS 391: Introduction to Text Semiotics (100/2310)

MW 02:00-03:15 PM Jan 14-Apr 29

Berindeanu, F

This introduction to Text Semiotics has a counterpart in the Introduction to General Semiotics (COGS 390).

COGS 397: SAGES Capstone in Cognitive Science (100/1182)

Tobin, V

Consult with Todd Oakley, chair of the department.

COGS 397: SAGES Capstone in Cognitive Science (200/2196)

Jack, A

Supervised original research on a topic in cognitive science, culminating in a public presentation. The research may be in the form of an independent research project, a literature review, or some other form approved by the department.

COGS 397: SAGES Capstone in Cognitive Science (300/2297)

Popova, Y

COGS 397: SAGES Capstone in Cognitive Science (400/2303)

Parrill, F

COGS 397: SAGES Capstone in Cognitive Science (500/2572)

Turner, M

COGS 397: SAGES Capstone in Cognitive Science (600/11023)

Deal, W

COGS 399: Independent Studies in Cognitive Science (100/1183)

Tobin, V