Subject: COGS
Term: Fall 2025
COGS 101: Introduction to Cognitive Science (100/7562)
TR 01:00-02:15 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Parrill, F
This course introduces students to the field of cognitive science. Cognitive scientists are interested in how humans think. This huge question has been addressed by many academic fields, including computer science, neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, and philosophy. Cognitive science tries to unite these different fields. In this course, you'll get an introduction to topics that are central to the study of human cognition, such as memory, categorization, language, the anatomy and functioning of the brain, artificial intelligence and problem solving.
COGS 201: Human Cognition in Evolution and Development (100/7563)
TR 10:00-11:15 AM Aug 25-Dec 05
Oakley, T
COGS 201 covers mind unfolding in time, including the fundamental methods, findings, and theories of human mental phylo- and onto-genesis. It provides the student with background knowledge about the unfolding of cognitive structures and functions over time, in both the deep temporal perspective of evolution (measured across many lifetimes) and the shorter one of development (measured within single lifetimes). The approach of the course is cross-disciplinary, including approaches that come from anthropology, archaeology, philosophy, computing science, comparative psychology, primatology, and comparative linguistics, among others.
COGS 205: Cognition and Design (100/12243)
TR 01:00-02:15 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Oakley, T
Urbanism is design; architecture is design; of course, the aesthetic shaping of artifacts (such as computers, cars, and coffee machines) is design. Configuring surfaces, volumes, and portions of space in special ways, creating and changing formats for things and places that allow cultural practices to unfold while delimiting them, are essential 'designing' endeavors of human civilization and are, necessarily, activities based on the cognitive capacities and constraints of our species. We 'cognize' the human world in terms and frames of 'designed' surroundings. Design is a basic expressive activity, by which we interact with our artificial and natural surroundings and create 'interfaces' between mind and reality, thus upholding and interpretable world. Landscapes and cityscapes, work spaces of all sorts, buildings and parks, exteriors and interiors of homes, factories, institutions, and temples; furniture, artifacts such as machines, tools, weapons, symbolic objects, even the configuration ('building') of our own bodies, are design. An inquiry into cultural cognition, aiming to understand how humans as socio-cultural beings think and feel, therefore needs to explore this dimension of spatial expressivity and to acknowledge it as a constitutive fact of human meaning production; it needs to study the aesthetic and pragmatic, political and historical, philosophical and religious, and simply everyday practical, semiotic aspects of this basic form of human creativity. This course will focus on spatial expressivity--design--in several primary keys and scales, including design for learning; design for verbal and technical communication, interaction, and commerce; design for expressions of authority and deliberation; and design for emotional display.
COGS 215: Words and Mind (100/11685)
TR 01:00-02:15 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Tobin, V
There is something fascinating and special about words. They are the aspect of language that everyone knows about and pays attention to--and every academic discipline with an interest in language has something to say about them! The sheer number of words known by every speaker of any human language is quite vast (and the exact number is a mystery). In this class we will learn about words in all their aspects, and see what the wide weirdness of words can help us understand about the human mind. Subjects covered include the question of what makes a word (is "ouch" a word? "ain't"?); word origins; taboo words; words and memory; word boundaries; and word games, puns, and puzzles.
COGS 305: Social Cognition and the Brain (100/8578)
MW 12:45-02:00 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Hunter, W; Croom, A
Human beings develop intricate means of presenting themselves to others; of representing others as friends, enemies, or strangers; of making quick assessments of any situation based on the attribution of intentions; of sizing up the Other via symbols and other shibboleths; and of the disposition and ability to empathize and sympathize with the emotional states of others for specific purposes. In recent years, the role of culture and cultural diversity has come to play a significant role in thinking about social cognition and the evolution of sociality. It is likewise an unfortunate fact that many human beings lack many of the means, abilities, and dispositions to connect with one another easily and without extensive and explicit tutelage. Such clinical populations (e.g., autistics, schizophrenics, etc.) are of considerable interest because of their promise as a contrastive model of typicality.
This course will focus on these aspects of sociality both at the level of the interpersonal and personal (cognitive and phenomenological) and the sub-personal (neuronscientific).
By term's end, students in this class will develop a deep understanding of several dimensions of social cognition research and its implications for the next generation of cognitive neuroscience. Each student will articulate a research problem and develop a method for investigating it through independent and collaborative means of practicing their research, critical thinking, writing and communication skills.
Offered as COGS 305 and COGS 405.
COGS 306: Theory of Cognitive Linguistics I (100/7924)
TR 11:30-12:45 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Tobin, V
This course will introduce you to theories and methods that have been developed in cognitive linguistics and usage-based linguistics for the study of grammar, semantics, and their relations to cognition. Through a combination of readings, discussion, and hands-on exploration of puzzling data and problem sets, you will get a solid foundation in the foundational concepts and methodologies of cognitive/usage-based linguistics, and learn how to use cognitive linguistic principles and concepts to analyze new data and examples.
Offered as COGS 306 and COGS 406.
COGS 312: Second Language Acquisition (100/11979)
TR 01:00-02:15 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Shirai, Y
This course is an introduction to the growing field of second language acquisition (SLA). SLA seeks to understand the linguistic, psychological and social processes that underlie the learning and use of second language(s). The goal of research is to identify the principles and processes that govern second language learning and use. SLA is approached from three perspectives in the course: 1) as linguistic knowledge;2) as a cognitive skill; and 3) as a socially and personality-meditated process. Important factors in second language learning will be identified and discussed. These include: age-related differences, the influence of the first language, the role played by innate (universal) principles, the role of memory processes, attitudes, motivation, personality and cognitive styles, and formal versus naturalistic learning contexts. The objective of this course is to survey the principal research in second language acquisition. Students will become familiar with the major research issues through their reading of both primary and secondary sources, as well as through lectures and class discussions.
Offered as COGS 312, LING 301, and LING 401.
COGS 315: Artificial and Natural Intelligence (100/11683)
M 05:30-08:00 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Turner, M
An introduction to Artificial Intelligence and its relation to Natural Intelligence, with consideration of their interactive cooperation. Interactive cooperation is especially important for teams that include both human and synthetic agents. Under guidance, each student shall select an existing AI method or methods for the purpose of designing and scoping a tractable hands-on individual project, and pursue the goal of building a working, minimum viable AI product. Lectures and readings will introduce such methods. The field of AI advances quickly; students will be trained in how to stay abreast of developments in the field. It is in the nature of the field that different students will enter with different strengths and weaknesses. Guidance on selecting an individual project will accordingly be personalized. Assignments also emphasize reflection upon the relation of the AI to its counterparts (or analogues or opposites) in Human, or more generally Natural, cognition. Emphasis is placed on the cooperation and interaction between AI and human agents in co-intelligent teams.
Offered as COGS 315 and COGS 415.
COGS 317: Cognitive Diversity and Commonality (100/8580)
MW 03:20-04:35 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Hunter, W; Croom, A
This course focuses on the ways in which cognition is shaped by experience. We'll consider dimensions such as sex, gender, race/ethnicity, bodily differences, cultural differences, and effects of speaking different languages. Through reading and discussing primary research in the cognitive sciences, we will reflect on how human diversity leads to both differences and parallels in cognition, and how these impact our actions, interactions, perspectives and experiences.
Offered as COGS 317 and COGS 417.
COGS 331: Introduction to Applied Linguistics (100/12049)
TR 02:30-03:45 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Shirai, Y
This course provides students with answers to the question, "Linguistics? What can you do with that?" We will survey the ways that linguistics has been used (i.e. applied) to solve 'real world' problems. Some of these, like computational linguistics and the teaching of language, are intimately involved in language, even though they do not necessarily concern themselves with linguistic theory. Others, such as language and the law, use linguistics as a tool to do their work. We will be concerned with understanding the various ways that linguistic inquiries have been used or neglected, and also with the implications of applied fields for linguistic theories.
Offered as LING 309, LING 409, COGS 331 and COGS 431.
COGS 377: Ecopsychology: Reconnecting Mind, Body, Community (100/11686)
W 02:30-05:00 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
McKim, A
Evidence from psychology, biology, ecology, and other disciplines converges around the finding that humans need a close connection to the natural world in order to be psychologically healthy. This course introduces students to a branch of psychology that considers the mind to be fundamentally connected to the planet on which it evolved and exists, Ecopsychology. Ecopsychology's goal is to support the pursuit of ecological justice by transforming people's psychological orientations toward the natural world and the ecological crisis. In this class, we'll consider the relationship between the mechanistic thinking of mainstream cognitive science and historical and ongoing environmental and racial injustice. We'll consider the consequences of disconnection from our planet for our physical, mental, and social health. You will read, write, reflect, and get to know places and people in our community. These class activities will 1) allow you to develop and apply wellness-related knowledge in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life for yourself and your community, 2) develop civic and societal responsibility and a deeper understanding of communities in Cleveland. Some classes are held outside and off campus.
Offered as COGS 377 and COGS 477 and HUMN 377 and HUMN 477.
COGS 397: Capstone in Cognitive Science (100/11974)
Parrill, F
Supervised original research on a topic in cognitive science, culminating in a public presentation and a polished, substantial final capstone paper. The research may be in the form of an independent research project, a literature review, or some other form approved by the department. Students work independently in consultation with their faculty supervisor, who will provide guidance and regularly review their progress.
COGS 397: Capstone in Cognitive Science (101/11975)
Turner, M
Supervised original research on a topic in cognitive science, culminating in a public presentation and a polished, substantial final capstone paper. The research may be in the form of an independent research project, a literature review, or some other form approved by the department. Students work independently in consultation with their faculty supervisor, who will provide guidance and regularly review their progress.
COGS 397: Capstone in Cognitive Science (102/11976)
Tobin, V
Supervised original research on a topic in cognitive science, culminating in a public presentation and a polished, substantial final capstone paper. The research may be in the form of an independent research project, a literature review, or some other form approved by the department. Students work independently in consultation with their faculty supervisor, who will provide guidance and regularly review their progress.
COGS 397: Capstone in Cognitive Science (103/11977)
Oakley, T
Supervised original research on a topic in cognitive science, culminating in a public presentation and a polished, substantial final capstone paper. The research may be in the form of an independent research project, a literature review, or some other form approved by the department. Students work independently in consultation with their faculty supervisor, who will provide guidance and regularly review their progress.
COGS 397: Capstone in Cognitive Science (104/11978)
Shirai, Y
Supervised original research on a topic in cognitive science, culminating in a public presentation and a polished, substantial final capstone paper. The research may be in the form of an independent research project, a literature review, or some other form approved by the department. Students work independently in consultation with their faculty supervisor, who will provide guidance and regularly review their progress.
COGS 399: Independent Studies in Cognitive Science (101/6715)
Parrill, F
Meeting time and location to be scheduled as needed.
COGS 399: Independent Studies in Cognitive Science (100/7178)
Oakley, T
Meeting time and location to be scheduled as needed.
COGS 399: Independent Studies in Cognitive Science (102/7431)
Tobin, V
Meeting time and location to be scheduled as needed.
COGS 399: Independent Studies in Cognitive Science (103/8897)
Turner, M
This course is for students with special interests and commitments that are not fully addressed in regular courses, and who wish to work independently.
COGS 399: Independent Studies in Cognitive Science (104/11973)
Shirai, Y
This course is for students with special interests and commitments that are not fully addressed in regular courses, and who wish to work independently.
COGS 405: Social Cognition and the Brain (100/8579)
MW 12:45-02:00 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Hunter, W; Croom, A
Human beings develop intricate means of presenting themselves to others; of representing others as friends, enemies, or strangers; of making quick assessments of any situation based on the attribution of intentions; of sizing up the Other via symbols and other shibboleths; and of the disposition and ability to empathize and sympathize with the emotional states of others for specific purposes. In recent years, the role of culture and cultural diversity has come to play a significant role in thinking about social cognition and the evolution of sociality. It is likewise an unfortunate fact that many human beings lack many of the means, abilities, and dispositions to connect with one another easily and without extensive and explicit tutelage. Such clinical populations (e.g., autistics, schizophrenics, etc.) are of considerable interest because of their promise as a contrastive model of typicality.
This course will focus on these aspects of sociality both at the level of the interpersonal and personal (cognitive and phenomenological) and the sub-personal (neuronscientific).
By term's end, students in this class will develop a deep understanding of several dimensions of social cognition research and its implications for the next generation of cognitive neuroscience. Each student will articulate a research problem and develop a method for investigating it through independent and collaborative means of practicing their research, critical thinking, writing and communication skills.
Offered as COGS 305 and COGS 405.
COGS 406: Theory of Cognitive Linguistics I (100/7954)
TR 11:30-12:45 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Tobin, V
This course will introduce you to theories and methods that have been developed in cognitive linguistics and usage-based linguistics for the study of grammar, semantics, and their relations to cognition. Through a combination of readings, discussion, and hands-on exploration of puzzling data and problem sets, you will get a solid foundation in the foundational concepts and methodologies of cognitive/usage-based linguistics, and learn how to use cognitive linguistic principles and concepts to analyze new data and examples.
Offered as COGS 306 and COGS 406.
COGS 415: Artificial and Natural Intelligence (100/11684)
M 05:30-08:00 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Turner, M
An introduction to Artificial Intelligence and its relation to Natural Intelligence, with consideration of their interactive cooperation. Interactive cooperation is especially important for teams that include both human and synthetic agents. Under guidance, each student shall select an existing AI method or methods for the purpose of designing and scoping a tractable hands-on individual project, and pursue the goal of building a working, minimum viable AI product. Lectures and readings will introduce such methods. The field of AI advances quickly; students will be trained in how to stay abreast of developments in the field. It is in the nature of the field that different students will enter with different strengths and weaknesses. Guidance on selecting an individual project will accordingly be personalized. Assignments also emphasize reflection upon the relation of the AI to its counterparts (or analogues or opposites) in Human, or more generally Natural, cognition. Emphasis is placed on the cooperation and interaction between AI and human agents in co-intelligent teams.
Offered as COGS 315 and COGS 415.
COGS 417: Cognitive Diversity and Commonality (100/8581)
MW 03:20-04:35 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Hunter, W; Croom, A
This course focuses on the ways in which cognition is shaped by experience. We'll consider dimensions such as sex, gender, race/ethnicity, bodily differences, cultural differences, and effects of speaking different languages. Through reading and discussing primary research in the cognitive sciences, we will reflect on how human diversity leads to both differences and parallels in cognition, and how these impact our actions, interactions, perspectives and experiences.
Offered as COGS 317 and COGS 417.
COGS 431: Introduction to Applied Linguistics (100/12050)
TR 02:30-03:45 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
Shirai, Y
This course provides students with answers to the question, "Linguistics? What can you do with that?" We will survey the ways that linguistics has been used (i.e. applied) to solve 'real world' problems. Some of these, like computational linguistics and the teaching of language, are intimately involved in language, even though they do not necessarily concern themselves with linguistic theory. Others, such as language and the law, use linguistics as a tool to do their work. We will be concerned with understanding the various ways that linguistic inquiries have been used or neglected, and also with the implications of applied fields for linguistic theories.
Offered as LING 309, LING 409, COGS 331 and COGS 431.
COGS 477: Ecopsychology: Reconnecting Mind, Body, Community (100/11846)
W 02:30-05:00 PM Aug 25-Dec 05
McKim, A
Evidence from psychology, biology, ecology, and other disciplines converges around the finding that humans need a close connection to the natural world in order to be psychologically healthy. This course introduces students to a branch of psychology that considers the mind to be fundamentally connected to the planet on which it evolved and exists, Ecopsychology. Ecopsychology's goal is to support the pursuit of ecological justice by transforming people's psychological orientations toward the natural world and the ecological crisis. In this class, we'll consider the relationship between the mechanistic thinking of mainstream cognitive science and historical and ongoing environmental and racial injustice. We'll consider the consequences of disconnection from our planet for our physical, mental, and social health. You will read, write, reflect, and get to know places and people in our community. These class activities will 1) allow you to develop and apply wellness-related knowledge in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life for yourself and your community, 2) develop civic and societal responsibility and a deeper understanding of communities in Cleveland. Some classes are held outside and off campus.
Offered as COGS 377 and COGS 477 and HUMN 377 and HUMN 477.
COGS 499: Independent Studies (100/6771)
Oakley, T
This course is a face-to-face seminar between students and instructor, aiming at letting and helping the students independently develop original research on well-defined topics in the field of cognitive linguistics. Themes can vary within the wide area of cognition and culture.
COGS 499: Independent Studies (101/6772)
Parrill, F
This course is a face-to-face seminar between students and instructor, aiming at letting and helping the students independently develop original research on well-defined topics in the field of cognitive linguistics. Themes can vary within the wide area of cognition and culture.
COGS 499: Independent Studies (102/7240)
Tobin, V
This course is a face-to-face seminar between students and instructor, aiming at letting and helping the students independently develop original research on well-defined topics in the field of cognitive linguistics. Themes can vary within the wide area of cognition and culture.
COGS 499: Independent Studies (103/11850)
Turner, M
This course is a face-to-face seminar between students and instructor, aiming at letting and helping the students independently develop original research on well-defined topics in the field of cognitive linguistics. Themes can vary within the wide area of cognition and culture.
COGS 651: Thesis M.A. (101/6892)
Oakley, T
Conduct independent research and writing in Cognitive Linguistics under the guidance of a faculty adviser from Cognitive Science. The precise requirements of the course are to be determined by the faculty advisor.
COGS 651: Thesis M.A. (102/6893)
Parrill, F
Conduct independent research and writing in Cognitive Linguistics under the guidance of a faculty adviser from Cognitive Science. The precise requirements of the course are to be determined by the faculty advisor.
COGS 651: Thesis M.A. (100/7313)
Tobin, V
Conduct independent research and writing in Cognitive Linguistics under the guidance of a faculty adviser from Cognitive Science. The precise requirements of the course are to be determined by the faculty advisor.