We tend to think of fundamental cognitive functions such as perception, categorisation, orientation and thinking as just that: i.e. universally fundamental. But are they? This course provides insight into:

• the extent to which knowledge and cognitive skills depend on growing up in a community that is rich in social interactions and conventions
• how cognitive concepts and processes are shaped by language and culture
• and how cognitive activities and tools have been developed ¿ and continue to be developed ¿ in co-evolution with language and culture

In order to cast light on factors that affect human cognition, the course adopts an interdisciplinary approach to how we perceive fundamental cognitive domains (such as space, time and causality), how we deal with more complex situations, and our relationship to nature and the environment. These insights are highly relevant in all situations where people make decisions based on an assessment of their surroundings - from every-day life to major international contexts. This course also explores the possible consequences of cognitive diversity for coping with some of the major challenges facing society today.

Knowledge

The student

• understands the basis for researching phenomena linked to cognitive diversity across different cultures, languages and time
• has knowledge of and applies different theories of cognitive representation and processing, how culture and language affect human cognition, and how it has been shaped through human evolution
• has knowledge of methods used to measure and chart phenomena related to cognitive diversity across cultures, languages and time

Skills

The student:

• can reflect on research issues and problems within cognitive psychology
• can develop and assess various research designs to investigate phenomena linked to cognitive diversity across different cultures, languages and time
• can reflect on and discuss different perspectives on cognitive diversity and is able to evaluate existing research work in the field

General competence

The student:

• can contribute to innovation in research on human cognition and communicate research findings to an academic audience

Teaching is given in the form of lectures and seminars.

Seminar sessions involve exploration of areas of application and discussion.