Computers and Cognition, Spring 2017, 8 credit program
Faculty: Ab Van Etten Email: avecompcog17@gmail.com
Fields of Study: computer science and consciousness studies
Mon/Wed 6pm-10pm April 3 to June 7. Evaluations June 12
Prerequisites: Students should be familiar with computers. We will
instruct in the Windows/IE environment. It is encouraged that you have a home
computer with internet access, as you may get help and work online if you
choose. While you can use the schools computers, you will find it more
convenient to have your own computer.
Description: What types of problems can be
solved by computers? How do humans and computers differ in the types of
problems they can solve? What is the future of computing, and will computers
evolve an intelligence that includes what we would define as human thought? Can
computers learn or create on their own? This program will explore the basics of
computer science, how computers work, and their possibilities and limits. The
program will include basic programming in Javascript, Web development,
introductory computer electronics, and other computer science topics. We will
contrast this with human cognition. We will then look at how computers will
likely affect the way we live, work, and relate in the future. In seminar we
will explore the issues surrounding machine vs human consciousness and strong
artificial intelligence.
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Preparatory for studies or careers in: EVERY CAREER
Books: The Believing Brain Michael Shermer
How to Create a Mind Ray Kurzweil
Seminars: The possibilities and limits of thinking machines: Discussions based on
‘How to Create a Mind’ and ‘The Believing Brain’
plus assigned readings/research/presentations
Evaluation: Assignments, Programs, Programming competencies, Individual
and Group Presentations, Participation, Summary paper, Content Examinations
Credit: 8, upon completion of all course requirements. Partial credit given
SEE COVENANT FOR DETAILS OF EVALUATION AND CREDIT
Topics: This is just a rough guide of the topics and schedule for the class.
We will adjust as needed, but here is a first draft:
Week 1: Intro and Syllabus, What is a computer? What can it do? Web/JS intro
Week 2: Input and Output, Networks and Internet, History, JavaScript IO
Week 3: Calculations, Uses of Computers The Brain, JS Change
Week 4: Computer Decisions and Loops, Programming Process, JS Craps, TTT
Week 5: Functions, What can a computer do? Limits? JS TTT, Read,Write Code
Week 6: Arrays, Computer Learning, Creativity and Emotion, Competencies
Week 7: How the computer works: Transistors, Gates, Circuits, Soft Engr, MMind
Week 8: Brain vs Comp. Science, Nesting, Future of Computers, MMind, 8puz, AI
Week 9: Memorial Day, Computers vs People: Philosophy, Jobs
Week 10: Finish Competencies, Summary paper, Exams, Review, Presentations
Evaluation Week: June 12
Website: sites.evergreen.edu/compcog17