Also offered as AS.050.317. This is an introduction to the study of meaning in natural language. We address the conceptual and empirical issues in semantic theory and introduce some formal machinery that has been developed to deal with such problems. After discussing foundational questions, we turn to formal semantics and pragmatics, as well as their interfaces with syntax and the lexicon. Specific topics include presupposition, type-driven composition, quantification, lexical aspect, argument structure, and lexical representations of meaning.

• Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
• Instructor: Rawlins, Kyle
• Room: Krieger 111
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 9/10
• PosTag(s): COGS-LING

This course provides an introduction to the fields of first and bilingual language acquisition by looking at questions such as the following: Can the grammar of a native language be learned solely on the basis of noticing statistical correlations among words? How does native language acquisition explain — or is explained by — the universal properties, shared by all languages, of words and grammars? How does being exposed to multiple languages from birth affect language acquisition and what happens when a child is not exposed to any language early in life? This is the first part of a two-part course sequence on first and second language acquisition.

• Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
• Instructor: Yarmolinskaya, Julia S
• Room: Krieger 111
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): COGS-COGPSY, COGS-LING

This course is an advanced seminar and research practicum course. It will provide the opportunity to learn about fMRI methods used in the field of vision science and for students to have hands-on experience to develop, design and analyze a research study on topics in the cognitive neuroscience field of high-level vision. In the first part of the course students will read recent fMRI journal papers and learn about common fMRI designs and analysis methods; in the second part of the course students will conduct a research study to address a research question developed from readings. Students are expected to write a paper in a short journal article format at the end of the course and to present their results in front of the class. Research topics will vary but with special focus on topics in high-level visual processing. Cross-listed with Neuroscience and Psychology.

• Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
• Instructor: Staff
• Room: Krieger 111
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Co-taught with AS.050.321. Building on AS.050.320, this course addresses and compares conceptions of syntactic theory that have emerged since the 1990s. Discussion focuses on both the substantive and formal properties of the fundamental principles of syntactic theory, as well as the cross-linguistic evidence that motivates them. In particular, we will contrast the Principles and Parameters view where syntactic theory relies on a set of inviolable principles whose form admits a certain amount of cross-linguistic variation, and the Optimality Theory view whereby constraints are invariant though violable, and cross-linguistic variation is determined by the relative importance of satisfying the various principles. When possible, connections will be made to other areas of linguistic inquiry such as processing, acquisition, and computation.

• Days/Times: MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM
• Instructor: Koval, Pasha
• Room: Krieger 134A
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 9/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

Current topics in any area of cognitive science, including language and vision, with discussion of recent developments in theory, experimental study, and computational modeling.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Kocab, Annemarie
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

This course explores theories of speech sound generation in the human vocal system, in order to learn the relationships between discrete linguistic classes of sounds and their articulatory and acoustic manifestations. Foundations for these theories include an understanding of the anatomy employed during speech, as well as principles of airflow and pressure, which are united in the source-filter theory of speech production. As speech unfolds in time, the resulting acoustic signal is altered according to the vocal tract’s configuration, leading to characteristic acoustic manifestations for vowels and consonants. These phonetic cues, in turn, ground formal phonological representations via distinctive feature theory. The course includes a practical introduction to measurement of the acoustic correlates of speech sounds.

• Days/Times: MW 1:30PM - 2:45PM
• Instructor: Renwick, Margaret
• Room: Krieger 134A
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 5/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

This course examines the cognitive and neural mechanisms that allow us to use linguistic knowledge to produce and understand language in real time. You will learn about the key findings on language perception, production, and acquisition, while gaining hands-on, laboratory-style experience with some of the methods commonly used to study language performance. The focus of the class is on the relation between experimental findings and linguistic theory, addressing two core questions of psycholinguistics: How is language organized and implemented in the brain? How (if at all) does our mental machinery shape natural language? Also available as AS.050.333.

• Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
• Instructor: Koval, Pasha
• Room: Krieger 134A
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 4/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

This course provides an introductory survey of the cognitive neuroscience of language – a multidisciplinary field in the intersection of Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, and Neuroscience. We will explore current research on the neural bases of the perception, production, and acquisition or human language in neuro-typical and impaired individuals. Also listed as AS.050.236.

• Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
• Instructor: Yarmolinskaya, Julia S
• Room: Krieger 111
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

One of the most foundational concepts in neuroscience is the idea that neural activity encodes information about an animal’s sensory environment and internal mental states. This idea is closely connected to the concept of mental representation in cognitive science and philosophy, whereby the mind is proposed to contain internal symbols that represent things in the external world. There have been many fascinating discoveries about how neural signals encode information, but we are still far from a comprehensive theory of neural representation. Recent major developments in neuroscience and machine learning have opened up a new world of possibilities for investigating the underlying principles of information coding in the brains of humans and other animals. In this course, we will discuss primary research articles on neural representation and information processing, and students will implement computational analyses that address issues in these domains. We will mostly focus on vision as a system that illustrates broader principles of information processing in the human brain. The reading material will include work from philosophy, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and computational modeling. The topics covered include mental and neural representation, neural tuning, population coding, information theory, encoding and decoding models, dimensionality reduction, computational models, deep learning, and other applications of machine learning in neuroscience. Enrollment is limited to Juniors and Seniors. While this class does not have formal prerequisites, programming experience (e.g., AS.250.205 Introduction to Computing) and mathematical preparation (e.g., AS.110.107 Calculus II) are essential. It is also highly recommended that students have previously taken introductory courses in cognitive or systems neuroscience (e.g., AS.050.203 Neuroscience: Cognitive) and machine learning or neural network modeling (e.g., AS.050.372 Foundations of Neural Network Theory).

• Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
• Instructor: Bonner, Mick
• Room: Krieger 134A
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

The course gives an introduction to computational models of the mammalian visual cortex. It covers topics in low-, mid-, and high-level vision. It briefly discusses the relevant evidence from anatomy, electrophysiology, imaging (e.g., fMRI), and psychophysics. It concentrates on mathematical modeling of these phenomena taking into account recent progress in probabilistic models of computer vision and developments in machine learning, such as deep networks. Also offered as EN.601.685. Required Background: Calculus I and experience in a programming language (Python preferred).

• Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
• Instructor: Yuille, Alan L
• Room: Krieger 170
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 68/68
• PosTag(s): n/a

Directed readings on current topics in cognitive science. Instructor approval required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Landau, Barbara
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Directed readings on current topics in cognitive science. Instructor approval required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Legendre, Geraldine
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Directed readings on current topics in cognitive science. Instructor approval required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: McCloskey, Michael E
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Current topics in any area of cognitive science, including language and vision, with discussion of recent developments in theory, experimental study, and computational modeling.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Bonner, Mick
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 10/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

Directed readings on current topics in cognitive science. Instructor approval required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Yuille, Alan L
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Directed readings on current topics in cognitive science. Instructor approval required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Bonner, Mick
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 8/8
• PosTag(s): n/a

Directed readings on current topics in cognitive science. Instructor approval required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Rapp, Brenda C
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Introduces advanced research topics in cognitive science to graduate students through a series of speakers and discussions.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Bonner, Mick; Isik, Leyla
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 18/25
• PosTag(s): n/a

Directed readings on current topics in cognitive science. Instructor approval required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Kocab, Annemarie
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Permission required. Current issues and ongoing research on human cognition are discussed.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Rapp, Brenda C
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 8/8
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Hale, John
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Participants in this graduate seminar will read and discuss current research articles in cognitive neuropsychology of vision or language, and present their own research.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: McCloskey, Michael E
• Room:  
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 8/8
• PosTag(s): n/a

Participants in this seminar will read and discuss current research articles in the fields of cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The seminar will focus on research that provides insights into the representations and algorithms of the human brain, with an emphasis on vision and natural semantic understanding.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Bonner, Mick
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 10/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

A critical analysis of current issues and debates in natural language semantics. Discussion of on-going research. Permission required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Rawlins, Kyle
• Room:  
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 7/8
• PosTag(s): n/a

Directed readings on current topics in cognitive science. Instructor approval required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Isik, Leyla
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Current topics in any area of cognitive science, including language and vision, with discussion of recent developments in theory, experimental study, and computational modeling.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: McCloskey, Michael E
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Current topics in any area of cognitive science, including language and vision, with discussion of recent developments in theory, experimental study, and computational modeling.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Rawlins, Kyle
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 4/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Current topics in any area of cognitive science, including language and vision, with discussion of recent developments in theory, experimental study, and computational modeling.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Rapp, Brenda C
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: McCloskey, Michael E
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 4/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Current topics in any area of cognitive science, including language and vision, with discussion of recent developments in theory, experimental study, and computational modeling.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Hale, John
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 4/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Rapp, Brenda C
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Koval, Pasha
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 4/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Yuille, Alan L
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Yarmolinskaya, Julia S
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 4/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Directed readings on current topics in cognitive science. Instructor approval required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Wilson, Colin
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Rawlins, Kyle
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Readings and research presentations on varying topics in mathematics, computation, and formal linguistics with bearing on cognitive science.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Wilson, Colin
• Room:  
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 8/8
• PosTag(s): n/a

Current topics in any area of cognitive science, including language and vision, with discussion of recent developments in theory, experimental study, and computational modeling.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Landau, Barbara
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Current topics in any area of cognitive science, including language and vision, with discussion of recent developments in theory, experimental study, and computational modeling.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Legendre, Geraldine
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

This seminar will discuss papers and ongoing research in the areas of computational cognitive neuroscience, with a focus on different areas of visual and social perception.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Isik, Leyla
• Room:  
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 5/8
• PosTag(s): n/a

This seminar is based on topics in computational vision with the option of attending additional subgroup meetings on specific topics.

• Days/Times: F 11:00AM - 1:00PM
• Instructor: Yuille, Alan L
• Room: Malone 228
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 14/20
• PosTag(s): n/a

Directed readings on current topics in cognitive science. Instructor approval required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Rawlins, Kyle
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Landau, Barbara
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Current topics in any area of cognitive science, including language and vision, with discussion of recent developments in theory, experimental study, and computational modeling.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Isik, Leyla
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 6/7
• PosTag(s): n/a

Participants in this graduate seminar will read and discuss current research articles in language learning, creation, and evolution. To enroll, students must be actively carrying out empirical or theoretical research in these areas. Permission required.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Kocab, Annemarie
• Room: Krieger 131
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/8
• PosTag(s): n/a

Current topics in any area of cognitive science, including language and vision, with discussion of recent developments in theory, experimental study, and computational modeling.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Wilson, Colin
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Kocab, Annemarie
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Bonner, Mick
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Isik, Leyla
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 4/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Wilson, Colin
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Essential for Teaching Assistants to satisfy graduate degree TA requirements. Students must register to the appropriate instructor's section based on department assignments.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Li, Donald
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

Current topics in any area of cognitive science, including language and vision, with discussion of recent developments in theory, experimental study, and computational modeling.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Yuille, Alan L
• Room:  
• Status: Approval Required
• Seats Available: 5/5
• PosTag(s): n/a