COGNITIVE ETHOLOGY

This module is part of an integrated course and is preceded by the two modules on Classic Ethology and Biology of Behavior. Students will have acquired the basic principles of the ethological approach, both from a conceptual and methodological perspective. This module will provide an advanced introduction to research concerning cognitive processes in animals, and to topics related to key mental processes, such as empathy, social learning, tool use, theory of mind, cooperation and imitation. The first part of the course will be a brief introduction to the issues related to cognitive processes in animals, with a brief review of some scientific topics most relevant for ethologists and psychologists. In the second part of the coursestudents will receive scientific articles to read that will be presented and critically discusses in the class. Particular attention will be given to studies on nonhuman primates cognitive capacities.