This seminar will provide an overview of the current literature on the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive development. Several domains will be explored (e.g., attention, visual perception, knowledge of objects and faces, language acquisition, theory of mind) using evidence from both normally developing children and from children and adults with different neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Williams syndrome, Turner syndrome, specific language impairment).

Course Goals
The main goals of this seminar are to introduce students to the literature on developmental cognitive neuroscience, which is a relatively new field at the intersection of developmental psychology, cognitive science and neurosciences. Students will learn about the variety of methods and populations that are used in this field. Classes will focus on a discussion of primary source readings and students will have the opportunity to explore in depth one aspect of developmental cognitive neuroscience in their final paper for the course.

Course Faculty
This course is taught by Dr. Helen Tager-Flusberg, Director of the Lab for Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. Guest lectures may be offered by other senior members of the lab including Dr. Robert Joseph or Dr. Daniela Plesa-Skwerer.