Advanced Seminar in Cognition or Neuroscience (391-0-1)

Topic

Across the Developmental and Cognitive Sciences

Instructors

Sandra Waxman

Meeting Info

Swift Hall 210: Thurs 3:30PM - 6:20PM

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 and developmental scientists, students will develop literature reviews and proposals for a new research project in three different topical areas in infant development in the first two years of life.

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. During the seminar meeting times, we will facilitate your group's progress by providing time 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, as needed (typically, 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 challenge, but also to be a creative and fulfilling experience. It is writing-intensive, participation-intensive and presentation-intensive.
We are here to pave a way for you to enjoy it!

Registration Requirements

Prereqs: Psych 244 (Developmental Psychology), Psych 301 (Research Methods) and another 200 or 300 level course in either Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology or Language Acquisition.

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: 50 points. Presentation: 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

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Students must complete Psych 301-0 before taking this course.