Cognitive Science at Carleton
Cognitive Science examines different approaches to questions concerning:
- The nature of mind
- The representation of knowledge
- The acquisition, comprehension, and production of language
- The development of learning and intelligence
- The use of information to draw inferences and make decisions
- The assessment of “goodness of fit” between purportedly similar systems (e.g., the computer and the mind).
Exploration of some or all of these questions has been and is being undertaken in such disciplines as cognitive psychology, linguistics, philosophy, artificial intelligence, robotics, neuroscience, education, social cognition, cognitive anthropology, behavioral economics, and others.
The major and the minor in Cognitive Science therefore represent a formal means of bringing together students and faculty in different disciplines who share common interests. We seek to enrich the view provided by any one discipline through an exploration of the methodologies of others.
Info for First-Year Students
Can I major in Cognitive Science?
Topics explored
Cognition, artificial intelligence, language, logic, reasoning, and neuroscience.
How to get started
Interested students should take CGSC 100 or CGSC 130: Introduction to Cognitive Science.
Additionally, connect with our Student Department Advisors (SDAs), Current upper-classman majoring In Cognitive-Science that work with students and faculty to support the department. See current SDAs.
About Cognitive Science & Linguistics
Carleton’s Cognitive Science program and Linguistics department have merged to form a single department. The combined department shares a single chair and associate chair, but will continue to offer separate majors and minors.