Introduction to concepts, theory, and research within cognitive psychology. Topics may include: pattern recognition, attention, memory, language, reasoning and problem solving.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeOne of the best professors I've had, very approachable as well! Lectures are engaging and easily digestible. Class is graded fairly with extra credit, just study for the exams as they are weighed pretty heavily. He recommends the textbook readings but if you understand the lecture content well then I think the readings are mostly just supplemental.
READ THE TEXTBOOK. Sprague is a great guy, but the lectures can be confusing.... the textbook helps so much and I highly recommend reading the chapters they really help understanding the info.
Prof. Sprague was an overall good professor, was clear on what you need to do to pass the course. 3 non-cumulative exams and 8 weekly quizzes. The exams weigh the most towards your grade and the questions and his wording can be confusing. If you study well you will be fine but you need to study the lectures and do the book readings!!
Sprague was honestly super awesome. The class overall is relatively easy to do good in, just take the quizzes seriously. Probably one of the biggest drags of the class is the amount of reading he assigns, sometimes up to 2 40 page chapters a week. I found cognition a bit tricky, but if it's something you find cool, this class will be a breeze.
Sprague is one of the best teachers at UCSB. His best qualities are how understanding, patient and down-to-earth he is. He lays out very reasonable and organized expectations on how to do well. Three non-cumulative exams and you get an entire cheat sheet front and back. 8 weekly online quizzes: two lowest scores dropped and extra credit offered
One of the best psych professors I have taken so far at UCSB. Grading was 3 tests that varied in weight depending on your score and small quizzes due weekly.