MA in Cognitive Studies (Contact: Mr George Botterill, g.botterill@sheffield.ac.uk)
An advanced programme available over one-year (full-time) or two years (part-time)
Cognitive studies is an arena for interdisciplinary discussion of how the human mind develops and functions - issues that lie at the heart of understanding our humanity:
- How much of human knowledge and ability is innate and how much is acquired through learning?
- Is human learning domain-specific and, if it is, what are those domains and their boundaries?
- To what extent can the human mind be viewed as a suite of modules with ways of processing information of which we are not consciously aware?
- What makes some parts of cognition available to conscious awareness?
- What is the role of natural language in cognition?
- To what extent is human cognition moulded by the cultural environment in which a child grows up?
- How do humans acquire a moral sense and a feeling of being obligated by moral norms?
This programme1 is designed to appeal to all those who want to further their knowledge of how the human mind developed and functions. However, it will be of particular value to students who wish to acquire the skills necessary to undertake doctoral research in the field.
In recent decades developmental psychology, computational modelling of cognitive processes, studies of language acquisition, and studies of developmental and acquired deficits in language and other cognitive competences, have greatly enhanced systematic knowledge of human cognition. Using these advances to achieve an understanding of the mechanisms and functions of cognitive processing requires the integration of findings from across the disciplines that deal with the human mind. We have, therefore, called upon the expertise of our researchers across the University, to create this interdisciplinary programme which provides both a strong foundation in human cognition and also the opportunity to specialise in a specific area - psychology, philosophy, human communication, linguistics, archaeology. Sheffield is the ideal place to pursue this programme. The University is home to The Hang Seng Centre for Cognitive Studies which has, since the early 1990s, provided the focus for a series of international and interdisciplinary research programmes in Cognitive Studies, and has contributed to the University´s international reputation in this field. As in all our programmes, we stress the integration of `humanities´ and `science´-to produce a deeper understanding of human cognition and behaviour, and throughout will provide you with the opportunity to work between and across different view points and approaches and to make your own mind up about their strengths and weaknesses. What we will ask of you, as a member of our lively academic community, is that you learn, think and develop your own answers.
Programme Structure
One core module (30 credits) provides you with the key knowledge and understanding in cognitive studies -
Cognitive Studies Seminar - provides a central forum, linking the research interests of students who have the opportunity to pursue different research training pathways through this interdisciplinary programme. As such it will introduce you to central theoretical topics (e.g., modularity, nativism, universal grammar, theory of mind, moral psychology) and the experimental paradigms used to investigate them (Botterill, Philosophy) You then choose optional modules2 worth a total of 90 credits to build on the knowledge acquired in the Cognitive Studies seminar and construct a programme that suits your own interests-
- Evolutionary Primatology (Archaeology)
- Hominid Palaeontology (Archaeology)
- Palaeolithic Art (Archaeology)
- Linguistic Theory and Language Acquisition (Linguistics)
- Seminar in First Language Acquisition (Linguistics)
- Linguistic Theory and Language Processing (Linguistics)
- Second Language Acquisition (Linguistics)
- Language and Mind (Linguistics)
- Language Testing (Linguistics)
- Advanced Research Methods (Linguistics)
- Research Methods in Human Communication Sciences (Human Communication Science)
- Current Research in Human Communication Sciences (Human Communication Science)
- Methods in Clinical Linguistics (Human Communication Science)
- Critical Analysis (Human Communication Science)
- Professional Research Skills in Human Communication Sciences
- ICT Applications in Human Communication Sciences (Human Communication Science)
- Philosophy of Science (Philosophy)
- Philosophy of Psychology (Philosophy)
- Mind and Language Seminar (Philosophy)
- PhD Proposal (Philosophy)
- The Imagination (Philosophy)
- Desires of One’s Own
- Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience
- Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience
Finally, you complete a 60-credit dissertation on a subject of your choice. You can use this as a platform for the further study of topics/issues in your doctoral research, or simply to advance your knowledge and understanding of a key topic in cognitive studies.
Programme Requirements3
We welcome applications from candidates with a good honours degree (strong 2.1 or better) or North American equivalent.
1An interdisciplinary programme `owned´ and administered by the Department of Philosophy, but with active collaboration from Archaeology, Human Communication Science, Linguistics, and Psychology.
2Please note that availability may vary from year to year. Further details of these options are available from the relevant departmental webpages. For archaeology modules, see also the Options at Sheffield page.
3See also the Applying to Sheffield page for details of University entry and language requirements; and http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cognitivestudies/prospectivestudents/apply.html for application procedures.
www.sheffield.ac.uk/cognitivestudies/prospectivestudents/apply.html
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