Subject: COGS

Term: Spring 2026

COGS 102: Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (100/4910)

MW 08:00-09:15 AM Jan 12-Apr 27

Turner, M

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: Cognition and Culture (100/6013)

MW 12:45-02:00 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Oakley, T

The human mind gives rise to complex cultural products (language, literature, film, music, etc.) and practices (religion, education, monetary and political systems, etc.). In this class, we'll engage with the following kinds of questions: What can we learn about cultural products and practices by studying them as cognitive scientists? What can we learn about human cognition by studying cultural products and practices? What differences and commonalities emerge when we use the lens of cognitive science to understand culture? By bringing the theoretical and methodological tools of cognitive science to bear on culture, students will develop new understandings of what culture is; of how cultural variation, similarity, and change are central to human cognition; and how culture shapes the impact of our actions on different peoples.

COGS 251: Cognition and Immersion: From Gaming to AR/VR (100/7166)

TR 05:30-06:45 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Bendis, J

Since the dawn of civilization, people have used tools and technologies to manipulate their senses, crafting experiences (perceived by the brain as real) to inform, amuse, educate and entertain. From board games to video games, from Virtual Reality to Augmented Reality and emerging innovations in Artificial Intelligence, one shared thread is immersion. This course aims to provide a critical vocabulary and historical context for immersion and immersive experiences by exploring the cognitive operations that underlie this phenomenon. Using tools and theories from neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, computer science, anthropology, narratology, education, and others, we'll examine how brain, mind, and body give rise to the experience of immersion in various platforms (gaming, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Haptics, Immersive Audio, immersive fiction and others). We'll also consider how these tools and experiences can shape and are shaped by human difference and commonality. Immersion is experienced in different ways by different people. These tools have the potential to expand our understanding of human difference and commonality, and also to both reduce and amplify disparate treatment of different peoples. This is a communication intensive course. Students will use writing and oral/multimodal communication to explore immersion and build communication skills. The course has a significant focus on refining writing processes and composing research-based arguments, fostered through writing and communication instruction.

COGS 301: Jokes: The Social Cognitive Dimensions of Mirth (100/7140)

M 02:30-05:00 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Oakley, T

Special Topics in Cognitive Science. Topics vary. Offered as COGS 301 and COGS 401.

COGS 316: Decision-Making (100/10043)

MW 12:45-02:00 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

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, artificial intelligence, 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, especially AI systems that model decision-making and AI systems that serve as copilots or even agents in decision-making. The course also includes an introduction to the design of empirical behavioral research and a minor introduction to software for statistical work. Offered as COGS 316 and COGS 416.

COGS 319: Elements of Surprise (100/9745)

TR 01:00-02:15 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Tobin, V

This course will connect research into the cognitive experiences of surprise and suspense with the ways people can create those experiences for each other--cooperatively and uncooperatively--in everyday interaction and in cultural products like jokes, architecture, music, written narratives, films, and games. Topics include predictions and expectations involved in perceiving and navigating the physical world, cognitive biases, timing in conversation, language processing, attention, perspective-taking, counterfactual thinking, the psychological structure of explanations, and the psychology of "fair play." Offered as COGS 319 and COGS 419.

COGS 325: Cognitive Approaches to Literature (100/6977)

TR 02:30-03:45 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Tobin, V

This course approaches literature as a window into language, in which cognition is characterized by the same imaging and imaginary properties as artistic literature. It is an attempt to identify and analyze procedures as aesthetically interesting and generally relevant forms of human thinking, feeling, imagining, fantasizing, and conceptualizing. The course introduces current theories of literature in relation to language and mind, and it presents and discusses practical applications in critical reading and text analysis, using examples from modern literature in the main genres. Recommended preparation: COGS 101 and COGS 202. Offered as COGS 325 and COGS 425.

COGS 330: Cognition and Computation (100/6978)

MW 03:20-04:35 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Turner, M

An introduction to (1) theories of the relationship between cognition and computation; (2) computational models of human cognition (e.g. models of decision-making or concept creation); and (3) computational tools for the study of human cognition. All three dimensions involve AI and data science: theories compare natural and artificial intelligence and are tested against archives of data from brain imagining to linguistic corpora; models are derived from and tested against datasets of e.g., financial decisions (markets), legal rulings and findings (juries, judges, courts), legislative actions, and healthcare decisions, and moreover are often constructed via AI; computational tools aggregate data and operate upon it analytically, for search, recognition, tagging, machine learning, statistical description, and hypothesis testing, employing the full range of computational powers. Offered as COGS 330, COGS 430, DSCI 330 and DSCI 430.

COGS 343: Music Cognition (100/10254)

M 04:00-06:30 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Helton, B

Why do you like the music you like? How does one learn music without direct instruction? How are music and language processing both similar and different? What about music's predictability makes it euphoric? Music operates as a tangled web of biological, cognitive, behavioral, and sociocultural processes that have captivated philosophers, scientists, and artists for centuries. This interdisciplinary course presents a survey and critical review of scholarly literature and methodologies related to the multiple ways of "knowing" music. Specific topics will include: neuroanatomical reactions related to music perception, cognitive organization and processing of music, psychological measures in music research, and enculturated effects on musical interactions. Students will become familiar with multiple bodies of literature in order to explore their own interests in musical processing and produce theories to help solve musical problems based on those interests and develop potential research strategies for future inquiries. Offered as COGS 343 and COGS 443 and MUED 343 and MUED 443 and PSCL 343 and PSCL 443.

COGS 377: Ecopsychology: Reconnecting Mind, Body, Community (100/6975)

W 02:30-05:00 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Parrill, F

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 (102/5062)

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 (101/6127)

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 (103/6813)

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 (100/7262)

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 399: Independent Studies in Cognitive Science (102/5233)

Oakley, T

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 (101/6128)

Parrill, F

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 (100/6129)

Tobin, V

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 (103/6795)

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 399H: Honors Independent Study (100/10130)

Parrill, F

Students propose topics for independent reading and research, and produce a written product. COGS 399H is distinct from COGS 399 in that students are expected to do more advanced, intensive work. Only students with a serious interest in research in cognitive science should consider this course. The course also provides an introduction to disciplinary forms of communication, a focus on discipline-specific skills/genres and entering disciplinary conversations. The course involves intentional writing/communication instruction.

COGS 399H: Honors Independent Study (101/10131)

Oakley, T

Students propose topics for independent reading and research, and produce a written product. COGS 399H is distinct from COGS 399 in that students are expected to do more advanced, intensive work. Only students with a serious interest in research in cognitive science should consider this course. The course also provides an introduction to disciplinary forms of communication, a focus on discipline-specific skills/genres and entering disciplinary conversations. The course involves intentional writing/communication instruction.

COGS 399H: Honors Independent Study (104/10134)

Turner, M

Students propose topics for independent reading and research, and produce a written product. COGS 399H is distinct from COGS 399 in that students are expected to do more advanced, intensive work. Only students with a serious interest in research in cognitive science should consider this course. The course also provides an introduction to disciplinary forms of communication, a focus on discipline-specific skills/genres and entering disciplinary conversations. The course involves intentional writing/communication instruction.

COGS 401: Sarcasm and Irony (100/7141)

M 02:30-05:00 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Oakley, T

Special Topics in Cognitive Science. Topics vary. Offered as COGS 301 and COGS 401.

COGS 416: Decision-Making (100/10044)

MW 12:45-02:00 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

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, artificial intelligence, 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, especially AI systems that model decision-making and AI systems that serve as copilots or even agents in decision-making. The course also includes an introduction to the design of empirical behavioral research and a minor introduction to software for statistical work. Offered as COGS 316 and COGS 416.

COGS 419: Elements of Surprise (100/9746)

TR 01:00-02:15 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Tobin, V

This course will connect research into the cognitive experiences of surprise and suspense with the ways people can create those experiences for each other--cooperatively and uncooperatively--in everyday interaction and in cultural products like jokes, architecture, music, written narratives, films, and games. Topics include predictions and expectations involved in perceiving and navigating the physical world, cognitive biases, timing in conversation, language processing, attention, perspective-taking, counterfactual thinking, the psychological structure of explanations, and the psychology of "fair play." Offered as COGS 319 and COGS 419.

COGS 425: Cognitive Approaches to Literature (100/6993)

TR 02:30-03:45 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Tobin, V

This course approaches literature as a window into language, in which cognition is characterized by the same imaging and imaginary properties as artistic literature. It is an attempt to identify and analyze procedures as aesthetically interesting and generally relevant forms of human thinking, feeling, imagining, fantasizing, and conceptualizing. The course introduces current theories of literature in relation to language and mind, and it presents and discusses practical applications in critical reading and text analysis, using examples from modern literature in the main genres. Recommended preparation: COGS 101 and COGS 202. Offered as COGS 325 and COGS 425.

COGS 430: Cognition and Computation (100/6991)

MW 03:20-04:35 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Turner, M

An introduction to (1) theories of the relationship between cognition and computation; (2) computational models of human cognition (e.g. models of decision-making or concept creation); and (3) computational tools for the study of human cognition. All three dimensions involve AI and data science: theories compare natural and artificial intelligence and are tested against archives of data from brain imagining to linguistic corpora; models are derived from and tested against datasets of e.g., financial decisions (markets), legal rulings and findings (juries, judges, courts), legislative actions, and healthcare decisions, and moreover are often constructed via AI; computational tools aggregate data and operate upon it analytically, for search, recognition, tagging, machine learning, statistical description, and hypothesis testing, employing the full range of computational powers. Offered as COGS 330, COGS 430, DSCI 330 and DSCI 430.

COGS 443: Music Cognition (100/10255)

M 04:00-06:30 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Helton, B

Why do you like the music you like? How does one learn music without direct instruction? How are music and language processing both similar and different? What about music's predictability makes it euphoric? Music operates as a tangled web of biological, cognitive, behavioral, and sociocultural processes that have captivated philosophers, scientists, and artists for centuries. This interdisciplinary course presents a survey and critical review of scholarly literature and methodologies related to the multiple ways of "knowing" music. Specific topics will include: neuroanatomical reactions related to music perception, cognitive organization and processing of music, psychological measures in music research, and enculturated effects on musical interactions. Students will become familiar with multiple bodies of literature in order to explore their own interests in musical processing and produce theories to help solve musical problems based on those interests and develop potential research strategies for future inquiries. Offered as COGS 343 and COGS 443 and MUED 343 and MUED 443 and PSCL 343 and PSCL 443.

COGS 477: Ecopsychology: Reconnecting Mind, Body, Community (100/6997)

W 02:30-05:00 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Parrill, F

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 (100/5063)

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 (102/5407)

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 (103/5672)

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 (101/6130)

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. (100/5122)

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.

COGS 651: Thesis M.A. (103/5336)

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. (102/5671)

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. (104/6992)

Turner, M

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.