This course provides an overview of the human cognition via experimental studies. The focus of the course will be on the topics of pattern recognition, attention, memory, language, judgment making, and consciousness. We will also attempt to integrate some recent evidence from neuroscientific discoveries. By the end of this course, you should know a good deal about how cognition works, and also about the means to study it.

Global Citizenship 20%, Knowledge Research 40%, Creative Convergence 40%

No prior coursework is required for this class :) However, a basic understanding of introductory psychology can be beneficial.

Midterm exam: 30%
Final exam: 30%
Team project: 30%
Attendance: 10%

Exam  60%: The exam will consist of multiple‑choice questions and short written responses. Students who cannot take the exam due to personal circumstances must obtain prior approval from the instructor.

Team Project  30%:  Students will form teams to conduct an experimental study. Each team chooses one of the options below, design and run the research for the rest of the semester, and presents the results at the end of the term. Team members may serve as participants in one another’s studies if needed. Each team must submit a project paper by the end of the semester.

Option 1) Replicate a previously published study of interest
Option 2) Conduct a new study related to cognitive psychology

- Week 1 - 2: Cognitive Neuroscience
- Week 3: Perception
- Week 4: Attention
- Week 5: Short-term (working) memory
- Week 6: Long-term memory structure
- Week 7: Long-term memory encoding & retrieval
- Week 9: Everyday memory & memory errors
- Week10: Visual imagery
- Week 11: Conceptual Knowledge
- Week 12: Language
- Week 13: Problem solving
- Week 14: Reasoning & Decision making
- Week 15: Team project presentation

The course meets in person and will be taught in English.