Students

COGS210 – Memory

2019 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer and Unit convenor
Celia Harris
Guest Lecturer
Penny Van Bergen
Guest Lecturer
Greg Savage
Guest Lecturer
John Sutton
Guest Lecturer
Kath Bicknell
Tutor
McArthur Mingon
Tutor
Danielle Colenbrander
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp at 100 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Memory is everywhere – in our personal lives. in popular culture, in big science, and in our machines. But memory is notoriously hard to pin down. Is it all in the brain? Is it in our actions, in our social world, and in our valued objects and places? Or is it now all online? This unit introduces the interdisciplinary study of memory, offering students a critical survey of memory research across the cognitive and brain sciences, the social sciences, and the arts. Emphasis will be placed on autobiographical memory, embodied memory, and shared remembering between individuals. Students will learn to assess scientific and popular claims about what memory is, and how memory loss and gain can be understood in the digital age.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and phenomena in memory research across the disciplines.
  • Develop critical and analytic capacities to assess scientific and popular claims about memory.
  • Explain current concepts, theories, methods, and findings on memory in the cognitive and social sciences.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

General Assessment Information

Questions about the assessment tasks?

Please email the unit convenor or your tutor for clarification or questions about any of the assessments.

Late Penalty

Late submission of an assignment will attract a penalty of 5% of the maximum mark for every day that the assignment is late (including weekend days). For example, if the assignment is worth 40 marks and your assignment is submitted 2 days late, a penalty of 2x5%x40 = 4 marks will be applied and subtracted from the awarded mark for the assignment. Work submitted more than 14 days after the submission deadline will not be marked and will receive a mark of 0. Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to notify the University of a disruption to their studies and that requests for extensions for assignments must be made via the University’s Ask MQ System (as outlined in the Special Consideration Policy).

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Weekly online quizzes 10% No Weekly [not weeks 1, 7, 13]
Mid-term Exam 15% No 10 April (Week 7)
Final Exam 15% No in exam period
Commentary Paper 20% No 29 March (Friday week 5)
Essay 40% No 31 May (Friday Week 12)

Weekly online quizzes

Due: Weekly [not weeks 1, 7, 13]
Weighting: 10%

Short online quizzes completed before each class lecture. Weekly quizzes (starting in week 2) cover the assigned readings, and provide ongoing assessment and feedback. Graded on Pass/Fail basis with 50% correct threshold for Pass. No make-up quizzes; students may drop 2 lowest quizzes without penalty.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and phenomena in memory research across the disciplines.
  • Develop critical and analytic capacities to assess scientific and popular claims about memory.

Mid-term Exam

Due: 10 April (Week 7)
Weighting: 15%

Multiple choice/ short answer exam conducted *in class* during the first hour of the lecture. Provides an important opportunity for in-class assessment and tracking understanding.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and phenomena in memory research across the disciplines.
  • Explain current concepts, theories, methods, and findings on memory in the cognitive and social sciences.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

Final Exam

Due: in exam period
Weighting: 15%

Multiple choice/ short answer exam conducted during the exam period. Provides an important opportunity for assessment and tracking understanding.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and phenomena in memory research across the disciplines.
  • Explain current concepts, theories, methods, and findings on memory in the cognitive and social sciences.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

Commentary Paper

Due: 29 March (Friday week 5)
Weighting: 20%

Short critical exposition and analysis of a key reading, selected from a list of options. Structured short essay designed to help students to read, summarise, and think critically about memory research across the disciplines. 750-1000 words maximum.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and phenomena in memory research across the disciplines.
  • Explain current concepts, theories, methods, and findings on memory in the cognitive and social sciences.

Essay

Due: 31 May (Friday Week 12)
Weighting: 40%

Critical evaluation of an area of memory research, from a preselected set of topics. 2000-2500 words.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and phenomena in memory research across the disciplines.
  • Develop critical and analytic capacities to assess scientific and popular claims about memory.
  • Explain current concepts, theories, methods, and findings on memory in the cognitive and social sciences.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

Delivery and Resources

Lectures are held weekly, from Week 1 to Week 12. Lectures run from 11am to 1pm on Wednesdays, in 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue - Theatre 4). There will be no lecture in Week 13.

Tutes are held weekly, starting in week 2. Tutes are Wednesday 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, & 5pm, in 8 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Ave - 113 Tute Rm.

Lecture slides will be uploaded just before the lecture time under the lecture link in the relevant week in iLearn. Lecture recordings will be available through Echo360.

iLearn

You will need access to the internet to access the unit's iLearn page. Through iLearn you will be able to access the lecture recordings (Echo360), readings, and feedback and marks for the assessment tasks. You are also required to submit two of the assessment tasks (the commentary and the final essay) via iLearn, using the Turnitin submission tool.

Unit Schedule

Week 1

27 Feb

What is memory and what is it for?

 

Week 2

6 March

Memory in the lab: Methods and measures

Week 3

13 March

Autobiographical memory

Week 4

20 March

Memory accuracy

Week 5

27 March

Individual differences and autobiographical memory

Week 6

3 April

Development of memory

(Guest lecture: Van Bergen)

Week 7

10 April

In class mid-semester quiz

Mental Time Travel: past and future thinking

2 week

recess

 

Week 8

1 May

Memory disorders: amnesia and dementia

(Guest lecture: Savage)

Week 9

8 May

Collaborative recall: remembering together

Week 10

15 May

Collective memory: Broader approaches

Week 11

22 May

Embodied memory and skill

(Guest lecture: Bicknell/Sutton)

Week 12

29 May

Extended mind and technology

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

Assessment tasks

  • Commentary Paper
  • Essay

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop critical and analytic capacities to assess scientific and popular claims about memory.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

Assessment tasks

  • Commentary Paper
  • Essay

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and phenomena in memory research across the disciplines.

Assessment task

  • Essay

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and phenomena in memory research across the disciplines.
  • Develop critical and analytic capacities to assess scientific and popular claims about memory.
  • Explain current concepts, theories, methods, and findings on memory in the cognitive and social sciences.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly online quizzes
  • Mid-term Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Commentary Paper
  • Essay

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and phenomena in memory research across the disciplines.
  • Develop critical and analytic capacities to assess scientific and popular claims about memory.
  • Explain current concepts, theories, methods, and findings on memory in the cognitive and social sciences.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

Assessment tasks

  • Mid-term Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Commentary Paper
  • Essay

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and phenomena in memory research across the disciplines.
  • Develop critical and analytic capacities to assess scientific and popular claims about memory.
  • Explain current concepts, theories, methods, and findings on memory in the cognitive and social sciences.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly online quizzes
  • Mid-term Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Commentary Paper
  • Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate sound theoretical and technical knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and phenomena in memory research across the disciplines.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

Assessment tasks

  • Mid-term Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Commentary Paper
  • Essay

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop critical and analytic capacities to assess scientific and popular claims about memory.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

Assessment tasks

  • Commentary Paper
  • Essay

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop critical and analytic capacities to assess scientific and popular claims about memory.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary memory controversies by applying knowledge and problem-solving skills to examples from the field.

Assessment tasks

  • Commentary Paper
  • Essay