Module #1 Introduction to Language, Thought, and Reality Overview of the course, exploring the interconnectedness of language, thought, and reality
Module #2 The Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis Examining the idea that language influences thought and perception, with a focus on the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
Module #3 The Limits of Language Exploring the boundaries of language in describing reality, including the role of metaphor and analogy
Module #4 Thought and Cognition:An Introduction Foundational concepts in cognitive science, including perception, attention, and memory
Module #5 Conceptual Metaphors and Framing Effects How metaphors and framing influence our understanding of abstract concepts and decision-making
Module #6 Embodied Cognition and the Mind-Body Problem The role of the body in shaping thought and perception, and the implications for understanding the mind-body dichotomy
Module #7 The Social Construction of Reality Examining how social and cultural factors shape our understanding of reality, including the role of language and discourse
Module #8 Reality, Perception, and the Nature of Truth Philosophical perspectives on the nature of reality, including realism, nominalism, and relativism
Module #9 The Impact of Technology on Language and Thought How digital communication, social media, and artificial intelligence are changing the way we think and express ourselves
Module #10 Critical Thinking and Media Literacy Developing skills for critically evaluating information and identifying biases in language and media
Module #11 Language and Power Dynamics Analyzing how language is used to exert power, manipulate, and control, including the role of rhetoric and propaganda
Module #12 Gender, Language, and Thought Exploring the relationships between language, gender, and thought, including the impact of gendered language on perception
Module #13 Cultural Variations in Language and Thought Comparative analysis of language and thought patterns across cultures, including the role of cultural relativism
Module #14 The Evolution of Language Origins and development of human language, including the role of gesture, symbol, and cognition
Module #15 Animal Communication and the Origins of Language Examining the communication systems of non-human animals and their implications for understanding language evolution
Module #16 Neuroscience and Language The neural basis of language, including the role of Brocas and Wernickes areas, and the neural correlates of language processing
Module #17 Language Acquisition and Development How children and adults acquire language, including the roles of innateness, environment, and social interaction
Module #18 Bilingualism and Multilingualism The cognitive and social implications of speaking multiple languages, including code-switching and language contact
Module #19 Figurative Language and Creativity The role of metaphor, analogy, and other figurative language devices in creative thought and expression
Module #20 Narrative and Identity How language shapes our sense of self and narrative, including the role of storytelling in personal and cultural identity
Module #21 Emotion, Language, and Thought The interplay between language, emotion, and thought, including the role of emotional intelligence and empathy
Module #22 Morality, Language, and Judgment The relationship between language, moral judgment, and moral reasoning, including the role of moral framing
Module #23 Language, Thought, and Reality in the Digital Age The impact of digital technology on our understanding of language, thought, and reality, including AI-generated content and virtual reality
Module #24 Case Studies in Language, Thought, and Reality In-depth examination of specific examples, such as the language of politics, the rhetoric of advertising, or the discourse of social justice
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Language, Thought, and Reality career
