Cognitive Science 0232 - Perception

We are constantly encountering stimuli from our environment. The astonishing amounts of visual, auditory, somatosensory, gustatory, and olfactory sensations from these stimuli need to be filtered and processed, under the general mechanism of perception. These perceptual processes allow us to make sense of the world, but there are instances of perception that may be counterintuitive. For example, most people are susceptible to perceptual illusions, such as the McGurk effect or perceiving motion from certain still images, and there are some who experience disordered perception, such as phantom limb or prosopagnosia. This class will explore both typical and atypical perception. Students will read primary literature, present and participate in discussions in class, and complete written assignments both in and outside of class, including a final research proposal 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.