Cognitive Science 0238 - Cognitive Development

In this course we will discuss the processes by which children come to acquire, recall, and use knowledge. This course will focus on development from infancy to middle childhood. By reading primary literature, we will examine the emergence and refinement of children's ability to form concepts, recall the past, and extend knowledge to new situations. We will consider methodological challenges and approaches to studying children's abilities, including naturalistic observations, and controlled laboratory studies. We will review literature on findings and theories of development in each area and discuss how changes in children's representational abilities contribute to these abilities. Students will make class presentations based on research articles, write short papers in response to class topics, and develop a research proposal on a topic of interest discussed in the course.

Mind, Brain, and Information Quantitative Skills Writing and Research In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes completing course readings and written work, designing a research proposal, and possibly completing an observation of children's behavior in a naturalistic setting.