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. 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 understanding contribute to these abilities. Students will read textbook chapters and empirical research articles, complete in-class and out-of-class written activities, facilitate group-led class discussions, and write short papers on class topics. Prerequisite detail: Prerequisites: One prior course in the CS department in psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, or animal behavior.

Mind, Brain, and Information 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 reading, writing, research.