Language and the Brain (210-0-1)

Instructors

Mark Beeman
847/491-4617
104 Cresap Hall
Office Hours: Office Hours: M 11:00am-noon, by appt

Meeting Info

Tech Institute Lecture Room 4: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This course examines the cognitive neuroscience of language, from language acquisition to language loss following brain injury. Students will learn about the many processes of language and the array of cognitive neuroscience methods and theoretical approaches employed to study it. Besides lectures and supplemental videos, we will integrate student activities such as in class and assigned demonstration experiments, and student discussions or debates, depending in part on course enrollment (class size). Class will meet and lectures will be presented in person.

Registration Requirements

None. Mutually exclusive with Psych 330 from 2024 or 2023 (i.e., can't take both for credit). But no overlap with Winter 2025 Psych 330 (offered this same quarter)

Learning Objectives

Students will understand how evidence from multiple methods converge - or don't - on conclusions about separable cognitive and neural processes that support normal language function; how normal language function can be disrupted and/or recovered; and the complementary pros, cons, and constraints of many different methods of cognitive neuroscience.

Teaching Method

Lecture: Tests & quizzes heavily draw from lectures & homework
Readings: No textbook; occasional PDF readings (on Canvas)
Class participation
Writing assignments
Films / videos: Posted online lectures mostly substitute for readings
Demonstrations
Discussion

Evaluation Method

Exam, final: (Last day of class) 35% of grade
Exam, mid-term: 30% of grade
Class participation: e.g., in student debates or discussions
Homework: Weekly (most weeks); 20% of grade
Quizzes: Online; Weekly (most weeks); 15% of grade

Class Materials (Required)

Readings, videos, other materials provided via Canvas. No textbook to purchase.

Class Attributes

Natural Sciences Foundational Discipline
Natural Sciences Distro Area
Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Prerequisites apply, see description

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Students who took PSYCH 330 in Winter 2022 are not allowed to enroll in COG SCI 210 in a future quarter.