Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive Psychology is a Humanities course in the CTY program with no prerequisites. Its course code is COGN, and it is offered at Lancaster, Los Angeles, Saratoga Springs, and San Rafael.

Course Description

Cognitive Psychology begins with a primer on the anatomy and functionality of the brain. It then generally focuses on the subjects of memory, perception, and attention. The course includes discussions on modern developments in medical anomalies and mental disorders. Some classes are centered around the study of various disorders. The course can be intensive and is known to sometimes cover an entire textbook. Other classes' reading materials include popular science books. The class is often structured on reading and writing over discussion.

Class History

In COGN.B.CAR.06.2, the class was taught by Eddie and TA's by Julie. Eddie extensively used slideshow presentations and lecture as forms of teaching. Students have said that the class was effective if not rather boring.

COGN.B.SAR 1 and 2 were described, variously, as "incredible," "earth-shatteringly good," and "astoundingly rewarding" by students. Headed by Randi with support from Jack, COGN students learned how to study models of cognition, analyze experimental data, and control people with brain waves. The course culminated with a rousing discussion of clinical procedure given by Hugh Laurie, better known as television's "House, MD." Though unconfirmed by site admin, it is rumored that Jack and Randi will be offered six-figure contracts to come back next summer. "It's totally worth it for those two," said one source. "There are good teachers and there are great teachers, but these two... it's another level. LOUIS!"

In COGN.SAR.09.2, the class was taught by Shani and the TA was Dave. The students were very close and bonded during class over the song STOP WEARING PURPLE!!! and Shani's look when she walked in and saw Dave playing it. Students claimed they learned a lot and still occasionally use cognitive pyschology terms in casual conversation - much to the dismay of others.

COGN.A.LAN.10.1 Led by Monica Pires and Kyle Rodrigues (COG PSYCH LOOOOVES KYLE!), this course was intense, but fun to all those taking it. There were 3 boys and 11 girls. The girls' hall was moderately close, and many, many, many illegal sleepovers occurred. Spoon sanctuary, team BLOW, and The Glenn will be remembered forever <3

COGN.A.LAN.11.2 was taught by KENDRA SEAMEN and TA'd by the very awesome Matt Tompkins. All the students involved were autumn goddesses, and lulzed into the night many times. If one student were to yell out "HA HA HA HA", it would be certain that the entire class would reply "jack my swag" because that is what we were. What we are. CogPsych, man. It's forever.

COGN.LOS.12.2 was taught by Nadia and TA'd by Filip. Students were by and large amused by Filip's Czech accent, yelling "COG PSY" to the heavens in a vague approximation of his voice to call the class together during handoffs. Class was very inTENTs *puts hands above head like a tent*, no pun inTENTed.

COGN.A.LAN.13.1 was taught by Jessica Newell and TA'd by Anna Moss. The class was entirely composed of squirrels (with the exception of one flying squirrel), resulting in a very close-knit group. A popular break activity was mafia. Students created a newspaper complete with cartoons and articles for a project. The students also wrote ten-page research essays and presented them to the class. In the last week, debates were held and the class watched A Beautiful Mind.

COGN.LOS.13.2 was taught by Nadia and TA'd by Jennifer. The students this session were self proclaimed as the "Cognitive Psychos" and often went around making several cognitive psychology references every chance they got (i.e. "inattentional blindness!" "selective attention!" "cocktail party effect!"). Also, a special shout out to our class "god" Argus. I still think i like you better as a Latin dog than a monster. * sneeze * "God bless you and the United States of America."

COGN.B.LAN.14.2 was taught by Alicia and TA'd by our role model and best friend Jesse. Music was a focus for the students, including satanic messages in popular music and Jesse's wonderful harmonica renditions. Who could forget the questionable purchases made in the book shop, or the spectacular lunch bunch(candy). The wonderful session filled with tuna melts, childsaurs, glazed ham, and so much more will never be forgotten. I like you. I love you. I CTY you.

COGN.LOS.15.1 was taught by Brenda Yang and TA'd by Chaparrelle Mogavero-Cline. The students loved their after-lunch game of The Resistance, a board game of identity, lies, and deception. They watched The Prestige with the Philosophy of Mind class; the enjoyable movie left most people confused, but in a good way. No one forgets the Miracle Berries, where students ate straight up lemons because sour things were all of a sudden sweet. There were 11 girls and 4 boys.

COGN.LAN.15.2 - A was taught by Ashley and TA'd by Anna. The session featured 14 person UNO games, mice on ecstasy, the Bourne Identity, both diving bells and butterflies, John Watson beginning behaviorism, rapping about the anatomy of neurons, personal victimization due to unusual name spelling, the correlation between cheese consumption per capita and the number of people who die from getting tangled in their bedsheets, and Nicolas Cage's head being run through with a large metal spike. Some notable quotes were: "but Jerry Fam, you used to be a grasshole!"; "we did ALL the drugs!!"; "childrens were not allowed in the birthing area"; "As you can see, I have murdered Ashley and absorbed her powers"; "This, my friend, is a house, which we live in with the schnade, that Jack, who likes soda, built"; and one of our personal favorites, "police ding dong church wee ooo."; and the most annoying, "legitness." Each young student left with knowledge of wonderful things, like the functions of each lobe of the brain and that there are no "friends" when it comes to Kahoot. The class somehow avoided being arrested on charges of illegal possession of lemonade powder. Some of the class did not taste that side of the rainbow, and infrequently had to remind others.

COGN.LOS.16.1 was taught by Javi Ortuño-Sierra and TA'd by Joselyn Ho. The students learned about the brain and its functions through the positive reinforcement of blue tape. Four Square was ALWAYS played on break. The class was rather competitive about the game; Students were known to dive on all fours in order to stay in. Instructor Javi kept the peace, making rules such as "Don't Smash", even though he was one of the most competitive participants. Furthermore, the class perfected the use of several unusual tactics (i.e. faked-smashes, ball-spins, foot-stomps, serve-steals, and taps) They did not particularly enjoy playing with Electrical Engineering class, as the lines got way too long and they were "mean". Playing with the Physics class was okay. Students managed to stay saucy.

Justin was our favorite, let's be honest, and however "full blast" he turns up the heavy metal music must be an acceptable volume standard for experiments. He's only twelve, guys.

Notable Quotes and Inside Jokes included:

• "Let's go baby. Ca$h Money!!"
• "HE'S ONLY TWELVE!"
• "Stay saucy, ya feel"
• "Do you like Henry for his attractive face?"
• "Kinky, Kinky, Kinky! Scott is Kinky!"
• "Blue Tape!"
• "Antonio, watching over us."
• "YeahDawg!"
• "Bromigos"
• "I know what the testerones are."
• "Four Square Up" (along with a corresponding set of hand signals: 4️⃣⏹⬆️)
• "Let's go for a-"
• "It has a nice blush."

From stuffed neurons to juggling brains to A Beautiful Mind to "making funny activities," the CogPsy class was perfect. Don't argue. We know how you think.