ABOUT
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SYLLABUS
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Course descriptions: This seminar series begins by distinguishing cognitive and perceptual processes, focusing on visual reference. It critically examines perceptual content, questioning direct realism and introducing the concept of visual space. The course covers perceptual reference and the computational aspects of vision, emphasizing inference and processing stages. It addresses the vehicle, content, and meta-semantics of visual reference, exploring how visual perception is constrained by and connected to its content and causal relationships.
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Introduction
1. Perception, Cognition, and Reference
1/9 |
Meta-semantics
2. External Conditions
1/16 |
Handout: Causal Analysis
Readings:
Recommended:
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3. Internal Conditions
1/23 |
Handout: Meta-semantics: Internal Conditions
Readings:
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4. Reference, Description, and Accuracy
1/30 |
Handout: Direct Reference
Readings:
Recommended: |
Representation
5. Feature Maps and Object Files
2/6 |
Handout: Feature Maps and Object Files
Readings:
Recommended:
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6. Visual Indexes
2/13 |
Handout: Visual Indexes
Readings:
Recommended:
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7. Segmentation and Object Representation
2/20 |
Handout: Grouping and Object Representation
Readings:
Recommended:
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Content
8. Singular Accuracy Conditions
2/27 |
Handout: Singular Accuracy Conditions
Readings:
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9. Grappy Content
3/6 |
Handout: Modes of Presentation
Readings:
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10. Discourse Referents and Visual Referents
3/13 |
Handout: Discourse Referents and Visual Referents
Readings:
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Short Paper (~5 pages)
Due Thurs, Feb 15 |
This paper should be exegetical. Pick one fairly specific idea from one of the readings and explain it. Though you may discuss challenges to the ideas under discussion, the emphasis should be on methodical explanation, not theory-building or argument.
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2. Long Paper (15-20 pages)
Due Mon, March 26 |
This paper should advance a thesis and argue for it. It need not be original to the literature, but it should be original to you. Outside reading is not required, but may be recommended. You are encouraged to build upon your first paper. Possible topics might include: develop an objection to a theory; develop a reply to an existing theory; develop a variant of an existing theory; compare two existing theories, and so on. The degree of focus should be comparable to the first paper, but here you should go beyond exegesis.
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3. Meetings (minimum 2)
Due: one before Feb 12, one before March 26. |
These can be short, half-hour meetings. They should be oriented towards the writing you are doing (at least). You should prepare a short list of issues you’d like to discuss— and if possible, a proposed outline for your paper.
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