LG115-4-AU-CO:
Child Language Development
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
09 October 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module provide students with an introduction to a number of contemporary issues in the study of the acquisition of language as well as the study of some developmental language disorders. Topics will include the development of speech sounds, words, and grammar in typically developing children. The module may also introduce topics in bilingual language acquisition and in developmental language disorders, such as dyslexia.
This module aims to:
• Provide students with an introduction to contemporary issues in the study of the acquisition of language and developmental language disorders.
• Demonstrate the importance of psycholinguistics to other disciplines, particularly psychology and cognitive science.
• Question and challenge stereotypical views on language acquisition, language processing, and disorders of language.
• Enable students to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to go on to second year courses in linguistics.
Promote the acquisition of ‘transferable skills’ (e.g., data analysis, report writing, bibliographical referencing, etc.), which will be useful both inside and outside of academic contexts.
On completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Define key terminology related to first language acquisition and psycholinguistics
2. Understand the basic stages in of the acquisition of linguistic knowledge
3. Critique evidence used to support theories of first language acquisition
4. Cultivate group work skills with a group presentation and learning activities
Week Topic
2 Introduction to psycholinguistics CDL
3 Speech perception CDL
4 Phonological development CDL
5 Learning words CDL
6 Language structure: Syntax LL
7 Language structure: Morphology LL
8 Discourse and communication LL
9 Developmental language disorders LL
10 Later development and reading LL
11 Bilingualism and multilingualism CDL
This course consists of 10 weekly 2-hour lectures and 1-hour classes taught by a assistant lecturer (AL). Students are expected to attend both lectures and classes regularly, to participate in class work as required, and to actively contribute to discussions. Reading will be expected in advance of lectures.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Essay 1 |
|
40% |
| Coursework |
Presentation evaluation |
|
5% |
| Practical |
Quiz 1 (via Moodle) |
|
|
| Practical |
Quiz 2 (via Moodle) |
|
|
| Practical |
Quiz 3 (via Moodle) |
|
|
| Practical |
Quiz 4 (via Moodle) |
|
|
| Practical |
Quiz 5 (via Moodle) |
|
|
| Practical |
Group Presentation |
|
35% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Laurel Lawyer, email: l.lawyer@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Laurel Lawyer
l.lawyer@essex.ac.uk, Room 4.340, Number 2082
Yes
Yes
Yes
Dr Sam Christian D'Elia
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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