Academic Programs Catalog

College of Arts and Letters

Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures

Undergraduate Programs
Minor in Cognitive Science

The Minor in Cognitive Science introduces students to one of the most important remaining mysteries in science: the nature of the mind and how biological systems process complex information to produce thought and adaptive behavior, and how artificial systems can be endowed with the same capabilities. The scientific study of the nature of mind requires familiarity with many different theoretical perspectives and empirical traditions, and an appreciation for the concerns of several different academic disciplines. Students enrolled in this minor will gain understanding from a variety of disciplinary viewpoints, of problems in cognitive science.

The Minor in Cognitive Science is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the Minor in Cognitive Science should consult the undergraduate advisor for cognitive science.

Requirements for the Minor in Cognitive Science

Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits from the courses listed below. Independent study and special topics courses must be approved in advance by the advisor for the minor, to ensure that the content of the course is specifically related to cognitive science. Students are encouraged to take advantage of research opportunities with specific faculty members through independent study. The students program of study must be approved by the advisor for the minor.

1. Complete the following course (3 credits):
LIN 463 Introduction to Cognitive Science 3
2. Complete at least 6 credits from one of the following disciplinary areas. Additional courses in the focus area may be approved by the advisor.
Communicative Sciences and Disorders
CSD 203 Introduction to Communicative Sciences and Disorders 3
CSD 213 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms 3
CSD 232 Descriptive Phonetics 2
CSD 333 Language Development 3
CSD 364 Evaluation Procedures in Speech-Language Pathology 3
Computer Science and Engineering
CSE 404 Introduction to Machine Learning 3
CSE 440 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 3
CSE 460 Computability and Formal Language Theory 3
Integrative Biology
IBIO 313 Animal Behavior 3
IBIO 405 Neural Basis of Animal Behavior 3
IBIO 415 Ecological Aspects of Animal Behavior (W) 3
Kinesiology
KIN 365 Sensorimotor Control 3
KIN 443 Psychophysiological Aspects of Kinesiology 3
Linguistics
LIN 226 Language and the Animals 3
LIN 401 Introduction to Linguistics 4
LIN 424 Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology 3
LIN 427 Laboratory Phonetics 3
LIN 431 Introduction to Morphology 3
LIN 434 Introduction to Syntax 3
LIN 437 Semantics and Pragmatics 3
LIN 450 Child Language Acquisition 3
LIN 455 Neurolinguistics 3
LIN 471 Sociolinguistics 3
Neuroscience
NEU 300 Neurobiology 3
NEU 301 Introduction to Neuroscience I 3
NEU 302 Introduction to Neuroscience II 3
Philosophy
PHL 330 Formal Reasoning 4
PHL 361 Knowledge and Reality 3
PHL 431 Topics in Philosophy of Logic and Language 3
PHL 462 Philosophy of Mind 3
Psychology
PSY 200 Cognitive Psychology 3
PSY 301 Cognitive Neuroscience 3
PSY 302 Sensation and Perception 3
PSY 401 Expertise and Skill (W) 3
PSY 410 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (W) 3
PSY 413 Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience (W) 4
3. Complete at least 9 additional credits in course work from at least two additional areas as approved by the advisor for the minor. If you are taking the minor to fulfill the College of Social Science minor requirement, you must take PSY 302 or 401, or 410 as the capstone and at least one additional course from Psychology.