Course Info: CS-0260
| Course | CS-0260 Cognition in Whales & Dolphins |
| Long Title | Cognition, Communication, and Behavior of Whales and Dolphins |
| Term | 2019S |
| Note(s) |
Textbook information |
| Meeting Info | Adele Simmons Hall 111 on T,TH from 5:30-6:50 |
| Faculty | Laela Sayigh |
| Capacity | 20 |
| Available | -5 |
| Waitlist | 0 |
| Distribution(s) | |
| Cumulative Skill(s) | Independent Work Quantitative Skills Writing and Research |
| Additional Info | Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, and research. There will likely be field trips in this course, with the expected cost per student of $30. |
| Description | Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) are often considered to be among the smartest creatures on Earth. Popular accounts abound of tool use, self-recognition, name-like signals, complex songs, and intricate societies. But what do we really know? We will read scientific literature as well as two recent books about the topic, "Deep Thinkers" and "Dolphin Politics," and discuss topics such as brain size and structure, cognition, communication, social behavior, culture, tool use, and conservation issues relevant to cetaceans. We will compare so-called intelligence markers of cetaceans with those of other species, and discuss if and how intelligence might be defined in nonhumans. Students will be expected to write responses to the readings for each class, and to actively participate in class discussions. In addition, each student will give a presentation on one of the readings, write a summary/critique paper on a journal article, and prepare a final research proposal on a topic of their choosing, which will be presented to the whole class. |