Main Field of Study and progress level:
Computing Science: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Cognitive Science: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Department of Computing Science
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2016-09-27
Contents
The course provides students with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of some of the cognitive science basic theoretical issues or problems, and to begin to develop their own position or opinion on them. The course is organised through seminars. Prior to each seminar, the students study a number of scientific articles, with the support of a book on general theoretical issues and problems in cognitive science. During the seminars, a number of shared issues that are based on this literature are then discussed in groups. The course also includes writing a short essay in which the field of study is selected from a given list of topics, directly related to the literature, in consultation with teachers.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing the course, students are to be able to:
independently familiarize themselves in selected cognitive science issues and with their own formulations account for different starting points, theories and methodologies,
follow, critically analyze and critically compare different arguments and positions, in selected cognitive science issues,
communicate and argue with others at a comparable level of knowledge in selected cognitive science issues, and
in written form, develop and articulate their own well-founded position in selected cognitive science issues.
Required Knowledge
To be admitted you need at least 2 years of completed studies inside an educational program (120 ECTS) including 45 ECTS in Computing Science, Informatics, or in Cognitive Science.
Included in these studies, there must be at least 15 ECTS-credits within Cognitive Science or equivalent.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper Secondary course English A.Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Form of instruction
Teaching is mainly in the form of seminars in small groups with compulsory attendance and requirements of active participation, with some supplementation of clarification or preparatory classes, and in connection with essay writing. In addition to scheduled activities individual work with the material is required to a high degree.
The literature and language during lectures and seminar supervision are normally in English.
Examination modes
The course is examined through active participation in the seminars and an essay that critically discusses the course matter, refer the relevant literature and reports the author's position and the position adequately. In addition, the course is also assed by a written exam which ensures that the student has acquired the necessary breadth of knowledge regarding the chosen issue. The written exam is graded Fail (U) or pass (G).
On the whole course the grades Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG) is given. To pass the course, all examinations and mandatory assignments must be approved. The final grade of the course is a summary assessment of the results and decided only after all mandatory parts are passed. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.
For all students who do not pass the regular examination there is another opportunity to do the examination. A student who has taken two tests for a course or segment of a course, without passing, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there exist special reasons (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 6, section 22). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the Department of Computing Science.
TRANSFER OF CREDITS Students have the right to examine whether previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application for transfer if credits is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. Further information regarding accreditation available at Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed (Higher Education Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as part of the application for accreditation is rejected.
Other regulations
This course may not be used towards a degree, in whole or in part, simultaneously with another course of similar content. If in doubt, consult the student counselors at the Department of Computing Science and / or program director of your program.
Literature
Valid from:
2017 week 52
Clark Andy Mindware : an introduction to the philosophy of cognitive science Second edition. : New York : Oxford University Press : 2014 : 319 s. : ISBN: 9780199828159 (pbk.) : Search the University Library catalogue
In addition to the textbook, the student will also read a number of articles. What articles are determined for each course offering. The decision is based on the reseach topics currently chosen for the course.
