Note: This course is only open to people who meet the minimum requirements (email me if you think you are interested)

Summary: what this course will cover

This course is going to focus on building computational models using ACT-R and connectionist architectures. The textbook for the second half of the course is The Harmonic Mind, Vol 1.


Course information

  • Time: Thursday 11:00 - 13:00
  • Teaching period in summer semester: 14.04.2006-20.07.2007
  • Place: Golm campus, Haus 24, CIP Pool)
  • Office hours: by appointment only
  • Readings: see schedule below


    • Schedule

  • April 17: Overview lecture.
    Homework: Read (1) An integrated theory of mind, (2) Production system models of complex cognition, (3) A neurocognitive perspective on Language: The declarative/procedural model, Ullman, (4) You can't play 20 questions with nature and win, Newell, (5) Production Systems: Models of control structure, Newell (these articles will be provided). The homework (due in class Apr 24) is to write a critical summary of any two of the four major articles.
  • April 24: ACT-R tutorial 1
  • May 1: ACT-R tutorial 2
  • May 8: ACT-R tutorial 3
  • May 15: ACT-R tutorial 3
  • May 18: ACT-R tutorial 4
  • May 22: ACT-R tutorial 4
  • May 29: ACT-R tutorial 5
  • June 5: Probably no class, but do Unit 6
  • June 12: Unit 7 and project assignment
  • June 19: Titus on connectionist modeling
  • June 26: Titus on connectionist modeling
  • July 3: Titus on connectionist modeling
  • July 10: Titus on connectionist modeling
  • July 17: Titus on connectionist modeling


    • Grading

    Weekly submissions of article summaries, plus class participation.
    Students are expected to attend class regularly. If a student misses a class, the student is responsible for finding out what the homework assignment was, what readings were assigned, and what material was covered.

    Homework submission dates are strict (usually beginning of class the following week). Late homework will not receive any credit.


    Conduct in the classroom

  • Please do not engage in private conversations during class.
  • All cell phones must be switched off (except by permission from me).
  • Do not walk into class after it starts (9:15AM is the deadline to be ready for class).
  • Questions to me during and after class are actively encouraged.


    • Evaluation of the instructor

  • Instructor's name: Shravan Vasishth.
  • Anonymous feedback (especially complaints about the course) is welcome: Click here for form


    • Official language of the course

    English.