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Department of Philosophy

Minor in Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science is a pioneering interdisciplinary field which studies the nature of intelligent systems, both biological and artificial. Drawing from the fields of computer science, linguistics, philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology, with strong links to anthropology, education, physics, and engineering, this field of inquiry focuses on topics extending from accounts of human language and childhood mental development, to theories about how neurons in the brain process information; from attempts to model human thought in computer programs and to engineer robotic 'creatures' that live and learn, to studies of human vision and other forms of perception.

The minor in Cognitive Science at ISU is designed to enhance your program of study in Cognitive Science-related fields by allowing you to create the best minor for your individual needs. Study in Cognitive Science will strengthen your resume and help prepare you for graduate work in biology, computer science, philosophy, psychology, and other related disciplines. It is also good preparation for certain jobs in the industry, as Cognitive Science is at the forefront of much of the latest research and technology in artificial intelligence, computational applications, and knowledge representations.

—A minimum of 24 hours required for the minor, depending on the emphasis chosen and the level of preparation of student. Programs must be planned in consultation with an advisor. Students are required to seek an advisor through the Director of Cognitive Science Studies.
—Required courses: One course is required of all students, IDS 265: Introduction to Cognitive Science: Computers, Minds, Brains, and Robots. Other requirements will be met by developing a planned course of study approved by a Cognitive Science Studies advisor. In consultation with the advisor, the student will choose an emphasis that is outside the student’s major and will fulfill the requirements of that emphasis.

Course Groups

  • Group A (Quantitative Skills)

    • MAT 120 Finite Mathematics
    • MAT 145 Calculus I
    • MAT 146 Calculus II
    • MAT 175 Linear Algebra
    • MAT 250 Introduction to Probability & Statistics
    • MAT 260 Discrete Mathematics
    • PHI 112 Language, Logic & Mathematics OR PHI 210 Symbolic Logic I
    • PSY 138 Reasoning in Psychology Using Statistics (recommended) or ECO 138 Economic Reasoning Using Statistics

  • Group B (Computer Science)

    • IT 168 Structured Problem-Solving Using the Computer
    • IT 179 Introduction to Data Structures
    • IT 226 Advanced Practical Application Development
    • IT 261 Systems Development I
    • IT 279 Algorithms and Data Structures
    • IT 327 Concept of Programming Languages
    • IT 340 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
    • IT 367 Designing the User Interface
    • IT 388 Introduction to Parallel Processing

  • Group C (Linguistics)

    • ANT/ENG/LAN 143 Unity & Diversity in Language
    • ANT 277 Language & Culture
    • ANT/ENG 342 Sociolinguistics
    • COM 370 Psychology of Language
    • COM 372 Theory and Research in Intercultural Communication
    • CSD 175 Speech & Language Development
    • ENG 241 Growth & Structure of the English Language
    • ENG 243 Traditional & Non-Traditional Grammar
    • ENG 245 Semantics
    • ENG 310 History & Development of the English Language
    • ENG 341 Introduction to Descriptive Linguistics
    • ENG 344 Teaching English as a Second Language: Theoretical Foundations
    • FRE 209 French Phonetics
    • FRE 335 Advanced Comparative French/English Grammar & Style
    • FRE 340 Introduction to Applied French Linguistics
    • FRE 341 History of the French Language
    • GER 310 Advanced Study of the German Language
    • SPA 215 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics
    • SPA 310 Spanish Syntax
    • SPA 311 Spanish Phonetics & Phonology
    • SPA 360 Studies in Spanish Linguistics
    • SOC/ANT 338 Social Interaction

  • Group D (Philosophy)

    • PHI 250 Philosophy of Science
    • PHI 251 Visions of the Self
    • PHI 253 Philosophy & the Behavioral Sciences
    • PHI 255 Modern Philosophy
    • *PHI 305 Topics in 20th Century Philosophy
    • *PHI 310 Topics in Philosophy of Science
    • PHI 315 Topics in Philosophy, Science and the Mind
    • *PHI 363 Topics in Metaphysics and Epistemology

    Note: Starred courses (*) may be used only when the topic is approved by the student's Cog Sci advisor

  • Group E (Psychology)

    • PSY 231 Research Methods in Psychology
    • PSY 253 Cognition & Learning
    • PSY 263 Physiological Psychology
    • PSY 331.04 Laboratory in Research Methods for Psychology: Perceptual
    • PSY 331.07 Laboratory in Research Methods for Psychology: Cognitive Processes
    • PSY 360 Learning
    • PSY 361 Perception
    • PSY 367 Introduction to Behavioral Pharmacology
    • PSY 368 Human Memory
    • PSY 369 Psycholinguistics

  • Group F (Related Courses)

    • ANT 350 Principles Of Paleoanthropology
    • ANT 378 Human Variation and Adaptation
    • ANT 393 Primate Studies
    • BSC 286 Animal Behavior
    • BSC 297 Biological Evolution
    • BSC 343 Introduction to Neurobiology
    • CSD 210 Neurobasis Of Speech, Language and Hearing

Choosing an Emphasis

In order to take this minor, you will need to work closely with an advisor for Cognitive Science Studies to design a program which complements your major and special interests.

The object of this minor is to give you cross-disciplinary input into your studies. Therefore, the area of emphasis that you choose to concentrate on must be outside of your major.

For example, Information Technology majors may not choose the "computer science" emphasis; Psychology majors may not choose the "psychology" emphasis. The areas of emphasis now available are the following:

  • Computer Science Emphasis

    • IDS 265 Intro to Cognitive Science: Computers, Minds, Brains, and Robots
    • IT 168 Structured Problem-Solving Using the Computer
    • IT 179 Intro to Data Structures
    • 2 courses (6 hours) from Groups A and/or B
    • 1 course (3 hours) from Group B
    • 2 elective courses (6 hours) from Groups C, D, E, or F

  • Linguistics Emphasis

    • IDS 265 Intro to Cognitive Science: Computers, Minds, Brains, and Robots
    • PHI 112 Language, Logic and Math OR 210 Symbolic Logic
    • ENG 341 Intro to Descriptive Linquistics
    • 2 courses (6 hours) from Groups A and/or B
    • 1 course (3 hours) from Group C
    • 2 elective courses (6 hours) from Groups B, D, E, or F

  • Philosophy Emphasis

    • IDS 265 Intro to Cognitive Science: Computers, Minds, Brains, and Robots
    • PHI 112 Language, Logic and Math OR 210 Symbolic Logic
    • PHI 251 Visions of the Self OR PHI 253 Philosophy and the Behavioral Sciences OR 315 Topics in Philosophy, Science and the Mind
    • 2 courses (6 hours) from Groups A and/or B
    • 1 course (3 hours) from Group D
    • 2 elective courses (6 hours) from Groups B, C, E, or F

  • Psychology Emphasis

    • IDS 265 Intro to Cognitive Science: Computers, Minds, Brains, and Robots
    • PSY 138 (recommended) Reasoning in Psychology Using Statistics or ECO 138 (acceptable) Economic Reasoning Using Statistics
    • PSY 231 Research Methods in Psychology
    • 2 courses (6 hours) from Groups A and/or B
    • 1 course (3 hours) from Group E
    • 2 elective courses (6 hours) from Groups B, C, D, or F

    Note: Starred courses (*) may be used only when the topic is approved by the student's Cog Sci advisor

Contact Information

Director of Cognitive Science:

Lana Kuhle

Philosophy Department

323H Stevenson Hall
(309) 438-7094
cogsci@IllinoisState.edu

Cognitive Science Studies Advisors: