Advanced Seminar in Cognition or Neuroscience (391-0-1)
Topic
Research in Infant Language & Cognition
Instructors
Sandra R Waxman
Meeting Info
Annenberg Hall G32: Wed 3:00PM - 5:50PM
Overview of class
In recent years, a field known as Developmental Science has inspired new disciplinary and interdisciplinary ventures. As result, there has been a blossoming of new research ideas and experimental techniques, all aimed at discovering what infants really know. The very best work in Developmental Science draws upon strong theoretical traditions to consider how adopting a developmental perspective enriches our understanding of development broadly, including language, cognitive and social development. This seminar is designed to introduce students to classic theoretical issues, consider evidence from diverse methodological approaches, and to spark new ideas for research.
In this project-based seminar, students will identify new research questions and develop experimental designs to address them. In the first weeks, the professor will cover background information and lead discussion to set students on a path to success in developing their new projects. Then, working collaboratively in small teams and with hands-on support from the professor, students will develop proposals for a new research project in three different topical areas in language, cognitive and social development.
For each selected topical area, students will be introduced to a curated set of readings These will feature an outstanding recent review, along with related primary source materials. Students are expected to be prepared to discuss the readings and to make connections among them.
Students will work with groups throughout the quarter to complete their projects. This will require careful planning from the group on how to divide up the work and make steady progress. These are not projects that can be completed at the last minute. The professor will help to facilitate progress by providing time during class on several occasions for groups to meet and work on different elements of the project. Groups are also expected to meet outside of class time to complete the projects (about once a week). I also strongly recommend you meet with the me outside of class at least once throughout the quarter to talk about your projects. Please alert me early on if you foresee any roadblocks or challenges in the group dynamics. This project-based seminar really is designed to be a fun and fulfilling experience- so enjoy it!
This seminar is writing-intensive, participation-intensive and presentation-intensive.
Registration Requirements
Prerequisite: Psychology 205 and at least one of the following courses: Psych 244, 228, 330, 370, 364, or Cog Sci 210.
Teaching Method
• Format: Each seminar meeting will begin with introductory comments by Prof Waxman, followed by student-led discussion and small, project-based working sessions.
• Project presentations: One or two students from each working group will present the group project to the full seminar group. All students must engage in discussion to make the proposal even better.
Evaluation Method
Weekly class participation: 25 points
Project 1: 25 points
Project 2: 25 points
Project 3: 25 points
There is no final paper
Class Materials (Required)
All readings will be available (hyperlinks) on Canvas.
Class Attributes
Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Prerequisites apply, see description
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Students must complete Psych 205-0 before taking this course.