AP/PHIL2160 3.0 A: Minds, Brains and Machines
Offered by: PHIL
(Cross-listed to: AP/COGS2160 3.0A )
Session
Fall 2021
Term
F
Format
LECT
Instructor
Calendar Description / Prerequisite / Co-Requisite
An introduction to the study of human cognition and the interdisciplinary field of cognitive science. Questions covered include: What is artificial intelligence? Is it possible that we will someday build computers that think? Does language affect thought? Do we think in language or pictures? How is conscious experience related to the brain?
Course Start Up
Course Websites hosted on York's "eClass" are accessible to students during the first week of the term. It takes two business days from the time of your enrolment to access your course website. Course materials begin to be released on the course website during the first week. To log in to your eClass course visit the York U eClass Portal and login with your Student Passport York Account. If you are creating and participating in Zoom meetings you may also go directly to the York U Zoom Portal.
For further course Start Up details, review the Getting Started webpage.
For IT support, students may contact University Information Technology Client Services via askit@yorku.ca or (416) 736-5800. Please also visit Students Getting Started UIT or the Getting Help - UIT webpages.
Dr. Jill Cumby
jcumby1@yorku.ca
This course will introduce students to the interdisciplinary study of the mind that is cognitive science. We will draw on research in areas including philosophy, psychology, computer science, linguistics, and neuroscience to address questions such as:
How does the mind represent the world?
How is the mind similar to a computer?
How do we understand other people’s minds?
Can consciousness be studied scientifically?
Technical requirements for taking the course:
Full participation in this course will require a stable, higher speed Internet connection, and a computer with webcam and microphone for those registered for remote tutorials and for those who wish to participate in weekly office hours, and/or a smart device with these features.
Here are some useful links for student computing information, resources and help:
Zoom@YorkU User Reference Guide
Computing for Students Website
Student Guide to eLearning at York University
To determine Internet connection and speed, there are online tests, such as Speedtest, that can be run.
Times and locations: Scheduled meeting times can be found on the Registrar’s Office’s website.
Virtual office hours: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 via Zoom
José Luis Bermúdez. (2019). Cognitive Science: An Introduction to the Science of the Mind (3rd Edition). ISBN: 9781108440349.
Additional readings posted to eclass
Weekly quizzes: 30% (10 quizzes, 2 lowest grades dropped)
Papers: 30% (2 papers, equally weighted)
Final: 30%
Tutorial Participation: 10%
The class includes lectures and tutorials. Lectures will run asynchronously. Tutorials will run synchronously. Lectures will be pre-recorded and posted on eclass prior to the scheduled lecture times. Some tutorials will meet live in person at the scheduled time and location and some will meet virtually through Zoom at the scheduled time. Please carefully check which type of tutorial you are registered for and act accordingly. Scheduled meeting times can be found on the Registrar’s Office’s website.
After completing this course students will have:
- an understanding of historical landmarks as well as contemporary debates in cognitive science
- an improved ability to analyse and discuss philosophical and scientific writings
- an appreciation of interdisciplinarity and an improved ability to think across academic boundaries
- Academic Honesty
- Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Religious Observance
- Grading Scheme and Feedback
- 20% Rule
No examinations or tests collectively worth more than 20% of the final grade in a course will be given during the final 14 calendar days of classes in a term. The exceptions to the rule are classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or on Saturday and/or Sunday at any time, and courses offered in the compressed summer terms. - Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
