The application of formal and empirical methods to the study of cognition, often called cognitive science or cognitive studies, has been rapidly gaining recognition as a valuable addition to undergraduate liberal arts education. Carleton College first began to build a program in cognitive studies four years ago. Last year, funds from the Ford Foundation have become available to the College to support faculty and student research and curriculum development in this area. A concentration (a formal program of interdisciplinary study) in cognitive studies has been added to the College curriculum this year as well. We therefore are developing a cognitive studies microcomputer laboratory that (1) meets the equipment needs of courses and student research in cognitive studies; (2) fosters the development of a cognitive studies community that encourages the exchange of ideas, methods, and questions across traditional disciplinary lines; and (3) emphasizes the usefulness of computers and computer models for illuminating all aspects of cognition. The laboratory consists of seven workstations and a printer linked to a large central file server that stores course exercises and demonstrations as well as student research projects for the entire cognitive studies program. We also have peripheral hardware and software to encourage use by students at all levels of the program. The institution is matching the NSF grant with an equal amount of funds.
