Consciousness Science: Phenomena and Mechanisms 2500-PL-PS-FO2-09
The aim of this course is to introduce students to key concepts and research in the fields of perception and consciousness. In the first part, we will focus on the processes underlying perceptual experience—both in relation to the external world and to one’s own body—including multisensory integration, interoception, and perception–action loops. The second part will address more general and abstract topics related to consciousness, such as the sense of self, self-continuity, functional and neural accounts of consciousness, and altered states of consciousness.
The course is interdisciplinary in nature, combining insights from psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, and philosophy of mind. It is based on the presentation of classical phenomena and experiments, current theories, and open research questions.
Classes include lectures, discussions, demonstrations of perceptual phenomena, and short student presentations (which make up approximately 20% of the course). Assessment is based on a final test or essay (student’s choice), along with additional activities.
Main fields of studies for MISMaP
Type of course
optional courses
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
– the student is familiar with key concepts, phenomena, and methods in the study of perceptual consciousness
– situates consciousness research within the broader context of cognitive science and philosophy of mind
– understands the challenges involved in scientifically explaining subjective experience
Skills
– recognizes the potential for applying studied phenomena and methods in experimental research design
– develops metatheoretical awareness: distinguishes between empirical data, theoretical generalizations, and philosophical interpretations
Attitudes
– appreciates the complexity of perceptual processes and their research potential
– understands that empirical sciences rest on philosophical assumptions, while playing a crucial role in addressing problems in philosophy of mind and cognition
In summary: after completing the course, students should—if the need ever arises—be able to more or less find their way around a consciousness research conference (https://theassc.org). The course is not designed to deepen self-knowledge or provide practical life skills.
Assessment criteria
• A maximum of three absences is allowed.
• Essay or Test (student’s choice):
Students may choose between an essay or a written test. The essay should be on a topic of the student’s choice, related to the course themes, and no longer than 5 pages. The test consists of single- and multiple-choice questions as well as short open-ended questions. In both cases, the maximum possible score is 45 points, which corresponds to the lower threshold for the highest grade (5.0). This means that achieving a final grade of 5.0 will almost always require earning additional points through:
a) A ~12-minute in-class presentation of a selected topic or phenomenon (5 points). There will be approximately 15 presentation slots available, so this is primarily an optional activity. However, enrolled students are expected to be ready to volunteer.
b) Active participation during classes (2.5 or 5 points).
Final grade is based on the total number of points earned:
50 pts – 5+
45–50 pts – 5
40–44 pts – 4+
35–39 pts – 4
30–34 pts – 3+
25–29 pts – 3
< 25 pts – 2
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: