Tentative Course Offerings

COGS ​2​60 (B00): Human Language Production and Large Language Models | Professor Ben Bergen

In this course, we will juxtapose human and machine language production. After introducing students to the basics of large language models and human language production, we will “delve” into a series of specific topics, guided by what we know of human language production, to see how that topic plays out in machine language production. Sometimes, we’ll veer away from language-production proper and toward language comprehension or thinking and cognition more generally.

Prerequisites: Enrolled students and non-credit participants are welcome regardless of background. Some expertise in language, psycholinguistics, machine learning, or philosophy of mind / cognitive science could be helpful.

Class meet Thursdays 2:00pm - 4:50pm in CSB 180

 COGS ​2​60 (A00): Scientific Writing Workshop | Professor Anastasia Kiyonaga

This course is a workshop and practical seminar to promote effective scientific writing. The main goal is to help students write more frequently—and to produce more writing in general—with the understanding that the practice will lead to better writing.

Class meet Monday 3:00pm - 5:50pm in CSB 272

COGS ​2​60 (C00): Neuroimaging and brain disorders | Professor Deanna Greene

This course surveys current “hot topics” in cognitive neuroscience with a focus on brain disorders and neuroimaging. In the field cognitive neuroscience, there are often certain questions of interest or methods that become at the forefront of discussion and the direction of many labs. Some of these topics cause a splash, some are controversial, and some are critical for moving the field forward. Students will read the literature on these topics and gain an understanding of the many moving parts in this evolving field.

Class meet Thursday 11:00am - 1:50pm in CSB 180

COGS ​2​60 (D00): Cognitive Science of Bilingualism | Professor Anne Beatty-Martinez

In this course we will examine the processes engaged by bilingualism and the ways that it
changes minds and brains. We will see that far from harming cognition or confusing development,
using two or more languages produces a range of positive consequences for bilingual speakers.
We will consider how the variation in the languages that are spoken and the social contexts in
which they are used may shape the way we communicate. We will also discuss the ways that the
newly emerging science of bilingualism might be better communicated to the public to benefit all
individuals, whether they are bilingual or not.

Class meet Tuesday 9:00am - 11:50pm in CSB 272

COGS ​2​60 (E00): Communicating Science | Professor Bradley Voytek

In this course, we’re going
to challenge ourselves to make our research relevant, interesting, and worthwhile. To do this,
we’ll think about what makes us care about our own work and hopefully rediscover our own joy
for what we do. From there, we can build toward inspiring others’ curiosity, wonder, and trust.

Class meet Monday 2:00pm - 3:50pm in CSB 180