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SYMSYS 1: Minds and Machines (CS 24, LINGUIST 35, PHIL 99, PSYCH 35, SYMSYS 200)

(Formerly SYMSYS 100). An overview of the interdisciplinary study of cognition, information, communication, and language, with an emphasis on foundational issues: What are minds? What is computation? What are rationality and intelligence? Can we predict human behavior? Can computers be truly intelligent? How do people and technology interact, and how might they do so in the future? Lectures focus on how the methods of philosophy, mathematics, empirical research, and computational modeling are used to study minds and machines. Students must take this course before being approved to declare Symbolic Systems as a major. All students interested in studying Symbolic Systems are urged to take this course early in their student careers. The course material and presentation will be at an introductory level, without prerequisites. If you have any questions about the course, please email symsys1staff@gmail.com.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum | Units: 4 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-FR

SYMSYS 192: Symbolic Systems in Practice

A professionalization course that fulfills the Practicum requirement of the Symbolic Systems undergraduate major Capstone. Online lectures, readings, assigned exercises, and live discussions relate the SymSys curriculum to a substantial work experience. Must be accompanied by an approved internship or service project totaling 64 hours or more of total work time, which may be completed prior to, during, or following the course. A summary of the planned or completed internship/project is due during Week 2. Final passage in the course requires the Internship/Project summary, along with either (a) a letter certifying completed employment (for previous internships), (b) a letter of offer (for future employment during specified dates), or (c) a letter from the Haas Center for Public Service or a community organization certifying a public service project meeting the above criteria.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Davies, T. (PI)

SYMSYS 197: Practicum in Teaching SymSys 1

The purpose of this practicum course is to prepare students to lead discussion sections of Minds and Machines (SYMSYS 1 / CS 22 / LINGUIST 35 / PHIL 99 / PSYCH 35). The course will provide pedagogical training in the context of introductory cognitive science. Students will learn how to: implement strategies for effective discussion and engaging learning activities in section; effectively support students in 1:1 and small group learning; and consider a variety of strategies for student assessment.
Terms: Aut, Spr | Units: 3-4 | Repeatable 3 times (up to 12 units total)
Instructors: ; Krejci, B. (PI)

SYMSYS 203: Cognitive Science Perspectives on Humanity and Well-Being

Interdisciplinary readings that address fundamental questions about human decision making, morality, behavior, and welfare. In this advanced small seminar, we will read and discuss works by psychologists, neuroscientists, philosophers, and others, which focus on a common theme. The topic for 2023-24 is the philosophy and science of free will and determinism. Prerequisite: Completion of a course in behavioral science or neuroscience beyond the level of PSYCH 1.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Davies, T. (PI)

SYMSYS 205: The Philosophy and Science of Perception

Our senses tell us about our immediate environment, but what exactly do they tell us? Our color experiences tell us that the things around us have color properties, but what in the world are color properties? Do we visually represent absolute size as well as relative size? When we see an apple, do we literally see it as an apple, or do we infer that it¿s an apple based on its color and shape? Can what we expect to see affect what we actually see? In this seminar we will bring both philosophical and empirical perspectives to bear on these and other issues related to figuring out just how our perceptual experiences represent the world as being. Prerequisite: PHIL 80 or permission of the instructor.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; ORourke, J. (PI)

SYMSYS 245: Cognition in Interaction Design

This seminar offers an in-depth exploration of interactive systems through the lens of human cognition. Topics covered include: reasoning and problem-solving, skill acquisition and complex learning, language, attention and perception, interaction with intelligent and adaptive systems, and design considerations for users with special needs, such as cognitive disabilities. Students will learn advanced interaction analysis methods applicable in UX analysis and cognitive research. A useful (not required) prerequisite is a course in cognitive psychology or cognitive anthropology. As this is the last time this course will be offered, enrollment is limited to advanced Symbolic Systems students who need the course to graduate. Contact the instructor (via email) to obtain an axess key.
Terms: Win, Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Shrager, J. (PI)

SYMSYS 280: Symbolic Systems Research Seminar

A mixture of public lectures of interest to Symbolic Systems students (the Symbolic Systems Forum) and student-led meetings to discuss research in Symbolic Systems. Can be repeated for credit. Open to both undergraduates and Master's students.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1 | Repeatable 3 times (up to 3 units total)
Instructors: ; Davies, T. (PI)

SYMSYS 291: Master's Program Seminar

Enrollment limited to students in the Symbolic Systems M.S. degree program. May be repeated for credit. First meeting 10/3/22. No meeting in Week 1.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1 | Repeatable for credit

SYMSYS 294: Computational Symbolic Mathematics (CME 294)

Computational symbolic mathematics is a one-unit hands-on seminar course on the use of sophisticated computer algebra systems for addressing mathematical problems that are primarily or entirely symbolic (rather than numerical). Examples will come from the undergraduate curriculum including calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and symbolic logic. Students will program in Mathematica but the principles presented apply as well to Mathics, SymPy, Matlab's Symbolic math toolbox, and other systems. (No prior experience with symbol-manipulation programs is assumed.) Students will learn how to exploit special functionality of symbol-manipulating programs, such as Gr¿bner bases. Class lectures will be highly interactive, where both the instructor and students program. There will be weekly homework assignments and a final programming exam.
Terms: Spr | Units: 1
Instructors: ; Stork, D. (PI)

SYMSYS 298: Peer Advising in Symbolic Systems: Practicum

Optional for students selected as Undergraduate Advising Fellows in the Symbolic Systems Program. AFs work with program administrators to assist undergraduates in the Symbolic Systems major or minor, in course selection, degree planning, and relating the curriculum to a career or life plan, through advising and events. Meeting with all AFs for an hour once per week under the direction of the Associate Director. Requires a short reflective paper at the end of the quarter on what the AF has learned about advising students in the program. Repeatable for credit. May not be taken by students who receive monetary compensation for their work as an AF.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1-2 | Repeatable 6 times (up to 6 units total)
Instructors: ; Davies, T. (PI)

SYMSYS 299: Curricular Practical Training

Students obtain employment in a relevant research or industrial activity to enhance their professional experience consistent with their degree programs. Meets the requirements for curricular practical training for students on F-1 visas. Students submit a concise report detailing work activities, problems worked on, and key results. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: qualified offer of employment and consent of advisor.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum | Units: 1 | Repeatable for credit
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