Classes Offered

COGS 201. Foundations of Cognitive Science

Every other semester

This course combines insights from the disciplines centrally concerned with the study of mind---e.g., Philosophy, Anthropology, Linguistics, Computer Science, Communication Science, Neurobiology, and Psychology. It reviews the mid-20^th century emergence of a common framework for understanding mental phenomena and traces the recent influence of neural insights on the field. Reviews many interesting phenomena. Ties many strands together.

Anth 244 Culture, Language and Thought

Either semester. Three credits. Boster

Anthropological contributions to the study of language, culture, and their relationship.  Topics include the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and the application of cognitive anthropological methods and theory to the study of folk classification systems.  (Note:  See INTD 222-10 for Optional Spanish Language Component [Linkage Through Language.]  Study of selected topics in Spanish.)

CSE 282. Artificial Intelligence

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: CSE 254. Required preparation: CSE 230. McCartney

Design and implementation of intelligent systems, in areas such as natural language processing, expert reasoning, planning, robotics, problem solving and learning.

Students will design their own versions of "classic" AI problems, and complete one substantial design project. Programming will be done primarily in Lisp, which will be covered briefly at the beginning of the course.

Ling 202. Principles of Linguistics

Either semester. Three credits. Open to sophomores.

A survey of theory, methods and findings of linguistic research: the relation between sound and meaning in human languages; social variation in language; language change over time; universals of language; the mental representation of linguistic knowledge.

Phil 250. Philosophy of Mind

Either semester. Three credits. Required preparation: At least one 200-level, three-credit philosophy course or consent of instructor.

Contemporary issues in the philosophy of mind. Topics may include the nature of the mental; the relation of the mental to the physical; specific phenomena such as emotions, beliefs, or sensations, and relevant scientific developments.

Psych 256. Cognitive Psychology

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 135 or 133. Open to sophomores. Rickards, Rueckl

Different views of mental representation and processes involved in memory, language comprehension, perception, attention, and problem solving. Historical development of models in cognitive psychology.

Psych 202Q. Principles of Research in Psychology

Either semester. Four credits. Three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour laboratory/discussion. Prerequisite: PSYC 135 or 133 and STAT 100 or 110 (or Statistics Q 100 level). Open to sophomores.

Design and analysis of psychological research. Experimental and quasi-experimental designs, laboratory and correlational techniques, research ethics.

Stat 201Q. Introduction to Statistics II

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: STAT 100 or 110. Open to sophomores.

Analysis of variance, multiple regression, chi-square tests, and non-parametric procedures.

Stat 220Q-221Q. Statistical Methods (Calculus Level)

Either semester. Three credits each semester. Required preparation: MATH 114 or 116 or 121.

Basic probability distributions, point and interval estimation, tests of hypotheses, correlation and regression, analysis of variance, experimental design, non-parametric procedures.

Ling 215C. Experimental Linguistics

Semester by arrangement. Three credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 132; and required preparation: LING 101 or 202. Lillo-Martin, Snyder

Research methods and laboratory techniques for the study of language acquisition and/or sentence processing. Students design and conduct a study using a computer database of child speech.

Psych 210W. Laboratory in Cognition

Semester by arrangement. Three credits. One 3-hour laboratory period and additional hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: PSYC 202Q, and PSYC 220 or 256, which may be taken concurrently. Rueckl

Selected experiments from the following topics: memory processes, categorization, language comprehension and problem solving.

Psych 211W. Psycholinguistics Laboratory

Either semester. Three credits. Two 3-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: PSYC 202Q. Required preparation: PSYC 221 or PSYC 256 or LING 202. May be taken concurrently. Tabor

Introduction to the experimental study of language understanding and use. Topics selected from among speech perception, word recognition, sentence processing, language production, and corpus phenomena.

Psych 215W. Laboratory in Sensation and Perception

Semester by arrangement. Three credits. Two 3-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: PSYC 201Q or 202Q, and PSYC 254, which may be taken concurrently. Carello, Growney

Techniques for the study of sensory capacities and perceptual processes.

Psych 232W. Laboratory in Development Psychology

Either semester. Four credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 236 and PSYC 202Q. Naigles

The techniques necessary for performing psychological research on young children; advanced topics.

Psych 267. Laboratory in Physiological Psychology

Semester by arrangement. Three credits. One 3-hour laboratory period and additional hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: PSYC 202Q, and PSYC 257, which may be taken concurrently.

Techniques employed in experimental investi-gation of the anatomical and physiological bases of behavior.

Psych 267W. Laboratory in Physiological Psychology

CSE 254. Introduction to Discrete Systems

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: CSE 111 or 124C or 130C. Not open for credit to students who have passed MATH 214Q. Open to sophomores. Selfridge

Mathematical methods for characterizing and analyzing discrete systems. Modern algebraic concepts, logic theory, set theory, grammars and formal languages, and graph theory. Application to the analysis of computer systems and computational structures.

CSE 257. Numerical Methods in Scientific Computation

(Also offered as EE 257.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Either CSE 110C, 123C or 130C or ENGR 150C, and MATH 210Q and 211Q. Not open for credit to students who have passed EE 257. Peters, Roulier

Introduction to the numerical algorithms fundamental to scientific computation. Equation solving, function approximation, integration, difference and differential equations, special computer techniques. Emphasis is placed on efficient use of computers to optimize speed and accuracy in numerical computations. Extensive digital computer usage for algorithm verification.

CSE 259. Algorithms and Complexity

Either semester. Three credits. Two class periods and two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: CSE 111, or 124C or 130C. Recommended preparation: CSE 254 or MATH 214. Peters, Selfridge

Theoretical aspects of computer science. Equivalent models of computation, the role of mathematical induction, graph algorithms, complexity theory, computability, use of standard algorithmic techniques - such as divide-and-conquer. Investigation of novel examples from fields such as graphics, computational geometry, and artificial intelligence. Emphasis in lab will be on analysis of supplied software examples, although some original software development will also occur.

Math 211Q. Elementary Differential Equations

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MATH 114, 116, or 121. Not open for credit to students who have passed MATH 221. Open to sophomores.

Introduction to ordinary differential equations and their applications, linear differential equations, systems of first order linear equations, numerical methods.

Math 215Q. Linear Algebra

Either semester. Three credits. (Two credits for students who have passed MATH 227.) Required preparation: MATH 213 or 214.

Linear algebra and its applications; systems of equations, matrices, linear transformations, vector spaces, determinants, canonical forms, applications.

Math 216Q. Abstract Algebra I

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MATH 213 or 214. Recommended preparation: MATH 215 or 227.

The fundamental topics of modern algebra including elementary number theory, groups, rings, polynomials and fields.

Math 227Q. Applied Linear Algebra

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MATH 114, 116, or 121. Not open for credit to students who have passed MATH 215. Open to sophomores.

Systems of equations, matrices, determinants, linear transformations on vector spaces, characteristic values and vectors, from a computational point of view. The course is an introduction to the techniques of linear algebra with elementary applications.

Math 231Q. Probability

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MATH 210 or 220, which may be taken concurrently with the consent of the instructor.

Introduction to the theory of probability. Discussion of some of the probability problems encountered in scientific and business fields.

Math 237Q. Theory of Computability

Either semester, alternate years. Three credits. Prerequisite: MATH 213 or 214 or CS 254.

Finite automata and regular languages, pushdown automata and context-free languages and grammars. Turing machines, recursively enumerable sets and grammars, Church's thesis, the halting problem, and other undecidable problems. Computational complexity and NP-completeness.

Math 279Q. Introduction to Field Theory

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MATH 210 and 211. Not open for credit to students who have passed MATH 272.

Vector analysis in rectangular, circular-cylindrical and spherical coordinates, postulational derivation of the partial differential equations of classical physics, Fourier series, Bessel and Legendre functions, solutions of Laplace, Poisson, diffusion and scalar and vector wave equations.

Phil 211Q. Symbolic Logic I

Either semester. Three credits. Required preparation: At least one of LING 101, POLS 106, PHIL 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106. Open to sophomores. Lehmann, Wheeler

Systematic analysis of deductive validity; formal languages which mirror the logical structure of portions of English; semantic and syntactic methods of verifying relations of logical consequence for these languages.

Phil 211V. Symbolic Logic I (Q,C)

Emphasis on computer-related material.

Phil 214Q. Symbolic Logic II

Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PHIL 211. Lehmann

Logical concepts developed in Philosophy 211 applied to the study of philosophical issues in the foundations of mathematics.

Anth 232: Cognitive Anthropology

Either semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: ANTH 244. Boster

The study of how the content of thought or knowledge is created, organized, and distributed in human communities.  Topics include cultural models of the mind, emotions, personality, and relationships. 

CDIS 202. Speech and Language Acquisition

Both semesters. Three credits.
How children learn their first language; the effects of language on their thinking and behavior.

CDIS 202W. Speech and Language Acquisition

Prerequisite: ENGL 110 or 111 or 250.

CDIS 244. Introduction to Neurogenic Communication Disorders

(Formerly offered as COMS 244.) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisites: CDIS 201 and 202.
Acquired and developmental neurogenic communication disorders. Brain mechanisms that underlie speech and language and their disorders.

CDIS 244W. Introduction to Neurogenic Communication Disorders

Prerequisites: CDIS 201 and 202; ENGL 110 or 111 or 250.

CDIS 253. Introduction to Language Pathology in Children

(Formerly offered as COMS 253.) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: CDIS 202.
Development, measurement, and function of language in children. Emphasis on child language disorders and their causes. Introduction to assessment and management strategies in settings including public schools and private clinics.

CSE 237. Theory of Computation

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: CSE 134 and 254.
Formal models of computation, such as finite state automata, pushdown automata, and Turing machines, and their corresponding elements in formal languages (regular, context-free, recursively enumerable). The complexity hierarchy. Church's thesis and undecidability. NP completeness. Theoretical basis of design and compiler construction.

CSE 298. Special Topics in Computer Science and Engineering

Semester and credits by arrangement. Prerequisite: Announced separately for each course. With a change in content, this course may be repeated for credit.
Classroom course in special topics as announced in advance for each semester.

Ling 205Q. Phonology

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: LING 202. Calabrese

The analysis of sound patterns in language within a generative framework: distinctive features, segmental and prosodic analysis, word formation, the theory of markedness.

Ling 206Q. Syntax and Semantics

Second semester. Three credits. Required preparation: LING 101 or 202. Beck, Boskovic, Lasnik

The analysis of form and meaning in natural languages in a Chomskyan framework: surface structures, deep structures, transformational rules, and principles of semantic interpretation.

Ling 208W. The Linguistic Basis of Reading and Writing

Semester by arrangement. Three credits. Prerequisite: LING 202. Open to sophomores.

The relationship between writing systems and linguistic structures; the psycholinguistic basis of reading

LING 244W. Language and Culture

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 110 or 111 or 250. Not open for credit to students who have passed ANTH 244 prior to Fall 1998. Anderson, Bar-Shalom
The study of language, culture, and their relationship. Topics include the evolution of the human language capacity; the principles of historical language change including reconstruction of Indo-European and Native American language families; writing systems; linguistic forms such as Pidgins and Creoles arising from languages in contact; the interaction between language and political systems, the struggle for human rights, gender, ethnicity, and ethnobiology. CA 2. CA 4-INT.

PNB 251. Biology of the Brain

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods. Prerequisites: One 200-level course in PNB or consent of instructor. LoTurco
Brain functions, from molecular and cellular to overall central nervous system organization. Topics of current scientific interest.

Phil 210. Metaphysics and Epistemology

Either semester. Three credits. Required preparation: At least one of PHIL 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, or 106. Open to sophomores.

Topics may include time, personal identity, free-will, the mind-body problem, skepticism, induction, perception, a priori knowledge.

Phil 210W. Metaphysics and Epistemology

Phil 212. Philosophy of Science

Either semester. Three credits. Required preparation: At least one of PHIL 101, 102, 103, 104, 104, 105, or 106. Open to sophomores.

Issues concerning the nature and foundations of scientific knowledge, including, for example, issues about scientific objectivity and progress.

Phil 212W. Philosophy of Science

Psych 220. Learning

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 135 or 133. Open to sophomores.

Learning and memory principles found in animal research and their relationship to human behavior. Human and other species' specific types of unique learning abilities.

Psych 221. The Psychology of Language

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 135 or 133. Shankweiler

Those aspects of language that make it a uniquely efficient vehicle for communication and thought.

Psych 236. Developmental Psychology

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 135 or 133. Open to sophomores. Naigles, Gustafson, Sanders

Social behavior, personality, perception, cognition, language, intelligence, learning, biobehavioral processes, and research methodology in developmental perspective.

Psych 239. Current Topics in Developmental Psychology

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 236 or consent of instructor. With change of topic, may be repeated for credit.

Selected topics (e.g., infant development, peer relations, cognitive development, and developmental psychobiology) that may vary with each offering.

Psych 239W. Current Topics in Developmental Psychology

Phil 241. Language: Meaning and Truth

Either semester. Three credits. Required preparation: PHIL 102 or 211, and at least one of PHIL 210, 221, 222, 227,

An analysis of the concepts used in thinking about language.

PHIL 247. Philosophy of Psychology

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Any one of PSYC 210W, 211W, 215, 220, or 221; and at least one three-credit philosophy course or instructor consent.
Conceptual issues in theoretical psychology. Topics may include computational models of mind, the language of thought, connectionism, neuropsychological deficits, and relations between psychological models and the brain.

PHIL 247W. Philosophy of Psychology

Prerequisite: Any one of Any one of PSYC 210W, 211W, 215, 220, or 221; and at least one three-credit philosophy course or instructor consent; ENGL 110 or 111 or 250.

PHIL 249. Philosophy and Neuroscience

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: At least one 200-level, three-credit course in Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB), and at least one three-credit course in philosophy or consent of instructor.
Philosophical issues in neuroscience. Topics may include theories of brain function, localization of function, reductionism, neuropsychological deficits, computational models in neuroscience, connectionism, and evolution.

PHIL 249W. Philosophy and Neuroscience

Prerequisite: At least one 200-level, three-credit course in Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB), and at least one three-credit course in philosophy or consent of instructor; ENGL 110 or 111 or 250.

PHIL 256. Philosophy of Perception

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Any one of PSYC 210W, 215, 254, or 256; or at least one 200-level, three-credit course in philosophy.
Conceptual problems in contemporary models of perception. Topics may include the nature of color perception, direct perception and its alternatives, computation and representation in perception, and the connections between perception and awareness.

PHIL 256W. Philosophy of Perception

Prerequisite: Any one of PSYC 210W, 215, 254, or 256; or at least one 200-level, three-credit course in philosophy. ENGL 110 or 111 or 250.

PSYC 206. Psychology of Consciousness

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 132
The role of consciousness in human cognition is examined by comparing the conscious and unconscious operation of mental faculties including perception, memory, learning, and thought.

Psych 254. Sensation and Perception

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 135 or 133.

Sensory and perceptual processes in vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

Psych 257. Physiological Psychology

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 100 or 102 or 107 PNB 264-265, and PSYC 132. Open to sophomores. Salamone, Swadlow

Physiological processes related to motivation, emotion, sensory processes, motor skills, learning, and psychiatric conditions.

Psych 257W. Physiological Psychology

Psych 260. Computer Modelling of Cognitive Processes

Semester by arrangement. Three credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 254 or 256. Dickerson

Symbolic and connectionist approaches to model-ling vision, problem solving, planning, deduction, language understanding, learning, and memory.

Psych 291. The History and Systems of Psychology

Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Psych 135 or 133 Not open for credit to students who have passed PSYC 291W.

Philosophical and scientific origins and major schools, including structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, gestalt, and psychoanalysis.