Cognitive Science 0247 - Foundations of Knowledge

Where does human knowledge come from, and how does it change over the human lifespan? What aspects of knowledge are unique to our species, and what aspects are shared with other animals? How variable is human knowledge across different cultures? In this course we will explore the origins and development of human knowledge across three different time scales: evolutionary development, ontological development (the development of the individual child), and historical and cultural change. We will focus on several domains of knowledge including the representation of physical objects, numerical reasoning, and understanding others' minds. For each domain we will examine evidence from multiple disciplines including developmental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, linguistics, the history of science, and cultural anthropology. Students will read, analyze, and present primary-source empirical articles, lead regular class discussions in groups, and complete a final research project involving a group-led class presentation and individually written final paper.

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.