Dog Emotion and Cognition will introduce you to the exciting new study of dog psychology, what the latest discoveries tell us about how dogs think and feel about us, and how we can use this new knowledge to further strengthen our relationship with our best friends.
Dog Emotion and Cognition
Offered By
Duke University
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1Course Information
Dog Emotion and Cognition is a course designed to introduce the exciting new science of dog psychology to any level of dog enthusiast. In learning about dogs you will be introduced to evolutionary and cognitive theory, learn about experimental methodology, see how dogs compare to other species, and even have the chance to try some of the cognitive games you learn about with your own dog. The course is a great introduction to the field of animal cognition and animal behavior but is also relevant to anyone interested in human evolution or even dog training. When you finish you will think about your dog in a new way, will be ready to apply your new knowledge, and will be prepared to take higher level classes in the evolutionary or cognitive sciences.
1 video (Total 1 min), 1 reading
1 reading
FAQs10m
Week
2The Paradox of a Best Friend That Evolved From Our Worst Enemy
This module will provide an introduction to cognitive psychology and evolution, while having direct application to your dog. At the beginning of each lecture, Dr. Hare will suggest an optional reading from his book The Genius of Dogs, as well as free Dognition games to play at www.dognition.com/mooc. Dr. Hare discusses how our evolutionary relationship with dogs is a puzzle. He describes the meaning of cognition and what it looks like with modern research on animals. Last, he discusses what Dognition is and how can be used like a laboratory for the class.
5 videos (Total 41 min), 4 readings, 4 quizzes
5 videos
The Paradoxical Canine8m
Cognition Defined10m
Dognition, Part 16m
Dognition, Part 26m
4 readings
Introduction Slide10m
The Paradoxical Canines: Lecture Slides10m
What is Cognition: Lecture Slides10m
Dognition: Lecture Slides10m
4 practice exercises
Review: The Paradoxical Canine4m
Review: Cognition Defined4m
Review: Dognition4m
Module Quiz: Cognition Through the Ages6m
Week
3How Biology Studies Cognitive Evolution
In this module, Dr. Hare describes how the internal processes of the mind are studied through experiments. He explains how animal problem solving is best explained as scientists work toward better understanding the topic. Next, he describes the ecological approach to cognition through an evolutionary lens, which involves Tinbergen's four levels of analysis.
10 videos (Total 67 min), 4 readings, 5 quizzes
10 videos
Why Experiments, Part 28m
Why Experiments, Part 33m
Ecological Approach to Evolution, Part 18m
Ecological Approach to Evolution, Part 28m
Ecological Approach to Cognition, Part 17m
Ecological Approach to Cognition, Part 28m
Theory of Mind, Part 14m
Theory of Mind, Part 25m
Theory of Mind, Part 35m
4 readings
Why Experiments: Lecture Slides10m
Ecological Approach to Evolution: Lecture Slides10m
Ecological Approach to Cognition: Lecture Slides10m
Theory of Mind: Lecture Slides10m
5 practice exercises
Review: Why Experiments?4m
Review: Ecological Approach to Evolution4m
Review: Ecological Approach to Cognition4m
Review: Theory of Mind4m
Module Quiz: How Biology Studies Cognitive Evolution10m
Week
4Dogs Are Cognitively Remarkable
In this module, Dr. Hare describes how dogs are cognitively remarkable. He begins by explaining theory of mind, which, when viewed through the ecological approach, suggests that social problem solving drove primate and human cognitive evolution. Next, he describes how good dogs are at understanding communicative intentions, especially compared to apes. Dr. Hare has three hypotheses to explain the remarkable communication found in domestic dogs.
5 videos (Total 35 min), 2 readings, 3 quizzes
5 videos
Communicative Intentions, Part 27m
Communicative Intentions, Part 37m
Origins of Dog Sociality, Part 16m
Origins of Dog Sociality, Part 25m
2 readings
Communicative Intentions: Lecture Slides10m
Origins of Dog Sociality: Lecture Slides10m
3 practice exercises
Review: Communicative Intentions4m
Review: Origins of Dog Social Cognition4m
Module Quiz: Dogs are Cognitively Remarkable6m
4.6
627 Reviews41%
started a new career after completing these courses
29%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
11%
got a pay increase or promotion
Top Reviews
By ZR•Dec 15th 2017
Really enjoyed this course! Was my first university course for about 2 years. I have PTSD, amnesia, social anxiety, and depression. Shout out to this school having an awesome course available.
By EE•Jun 21st 2018
This was a great introductory course for dog evolution and cognition. I hope there will someday be a part two to this - presenting more insights into dog cognition as more research is done.
Instructor
Brian Hare
Associate ProfessorEvolutionary Anthropology
About Duke University
Duke University has about 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a world-class faculty helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge. The university has a strong commitment to applying knowledge in service to society, both near its North Carolina campus and around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
Will I receive a transcript from Duke University for completing this course?
No. Completion of a Coursera course does not earn you academic credit from Duke; therefore, Duke is not able to provide you with a university transcript. However, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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