CG/0044 (sec
1)
Perception and Mind
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Professor: Tarr Course format: Lecture Number of respondents: 27 Total Enrollment: 69
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Your knowledge of the mechanisms that cause perception will grow by leaps and bounds if you take 'Perception and Mind'. While some experience with computers and cognitive science or neuroscience may help, all who take this course will benefit.
Professor Tarr made the class a blast. His lectures were demonstrative and supplemented the readings well, and although he sometimes forgot to mention due dates because he got so carried away with the material, most students kindly overlooked this. His outside research of people's questions was very impressive, helping individuals to gain a better overall understanding.
The overall clarity of the subject matter prevented students from applying excessive effort. Students spent little time working during the week, concentrating their efforts before one of the two five to ten page papers were due. The topics of 'explore your own sense illusion' and 'research an interesting animal perceptual ability' allowed for a creative and relaxed writing experience. Two short answer exams were also given, and Professor Tarr was also known to drop hints about what would be on the final. The textbook did not get such rave reviews, as it was dull, though appropriately related to the material, which was more effectively brought across during lecture.
Students described the course as 'Neuro 1 with a computer slant'. Be forewarned: technology buffs abounded in this class. This problem arose because some found Professor Tarr to be too accepting of tangential comments within lectures so open to discussion. No one should be discouraged by this concern, however, as nowhere else will one have the opportunity to see so many optical illusions, which are conveniently posted on the web, typical of Professor Tarr's desire for students to succeed.
Everyone who took this class was enthusiastic, finding the subject matter fascinating and the professor easily approachable. There is an amazing consensus among students that learning about the behavioral and biological bases of perception is very worthwhile.
View CG/0044 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.
