CS1331
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CS 1331 - Computation and the Mind: Cognition, Recursion, Infinity, and the Limits of Computation (4 Cr.)
Course description
This course introduces foundational ideas in computer science and cognitive science through the study of formal systems, computation, and self-reference, using Douglas Hofstadter’s Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid as a unifying framework. The course is self-contained and no background is required, besides an interest in the course topics. Students will learn core computer science concepts, including recursion, logic, data representation, automata, and basic programming, while examining how
complex behavior and meaning can arise from simple rule-based processes. The course will examine fundamental
results on non-computability and undecidable problems, including Gödel’s incompleteness phenomena and the
halting problem. By integrating programming practice with examples drawn from mathematics, music, art, and
cognitive science, the course explores both the power and the limits of computation, and its relevance to theories of mind and intelligence.
complex behavior and meaning can arise from simple rule-based processes. The course will examine fundamental
results on non-computability and undecidable problems, including Gödel’s incompleteness phenomena and the
halting problem. By integrating programming practice with examples drawn from mathematics, music, art, and
cognitive science, the course explores both the power and the limits of computation, and its relevance to theories of mind and intelligence.
Minimum credits
4
Maximum credits
4
Is this course repeatable?
No
Grading basis
OPT - Student Option
Discussion
Lecture
This course fulfills the following Liberal Education requirement(s)
Logic and Quantitative Reasoning
Typically offered term(s)
Every Spring