B37
Course Coordinator: 
Tom Froese
Introduction to embodied cognitive science
Description: 

A student-centered introduction to both the history and present of embodied cognitive science. Through interactive group discussions, the course will explore key theoretical trends that underpin embodied cognitive science and develop a framework with which to distinguish and define an embodied perspective. The goal is to use the interdisciplinary tools of an embodied cognitive approach to consider open problems and challenges and offer potential solutions.
Target students
For this course, a basis in cognitive science (any discipline) is highly advantageous. Students without such a background are still encouraged to apply, but it is recommended that you consult with Dr Froese first before enrolling. Preference will be given to students with a background in one of the disciplines that form the cognitive sciences.

Aim: 
At the end of this course, students will be able to: describe the scope and interdisciplinary nature of cognitive science; identify the main theoretical trends emerging in embodied cognitive science; articulate the key differences between an embodied perspective compared to the traditional stance; formulate the open problems and challenges that embodied cognitive science aims to address.
Course Content: 

Week 1 – Introduction
Week 2 – The mechanistic worldview
Week 3 – Systems thinking and cybernetics
Week 4 – Sense-making and adaptivity
Week 5 – Participatory sense-making
Week 6 – Coordination dynamics
Week 7 – Sensorimotor interaction theory
Week 8 – International Conference on Embodied Cognitive Science 2022: Interaction Matters
Week 9 – Sensory substitution
Week 10 ­– Interpersonal synergies
Week 11 – The interactive brain hypothesis
Week 12 – The body social
Week 13 – An enactive approach to psychiatry
Week 14 – Habits and normativity 

Course Type: 
Elective
Credits: 
2
Assessment: 
1) Attendance 2) Weekly questions and completion of writing exercise 3) Final paper (1500 to 2500 words)
Reference Book: 
No materials required; but reading the first 4 introductory chapters of de Haan’s book Enactive Psychiatry could be helpful to deepen learning.
Capra’s A Systems View of Life will be drawn on much throughout the course, and may be worth acquiring in advance.