LG116-4-SP-CO:
Adult Language Development and Processing
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 4
ReassessmentOnly
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
23 March 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
LG115
(none)
(none)
(none)
The module provides an introduction to key concepts used in research on language processing. Topics will include the organisation of words in our mental lexicon, the way in which we comprehend and process sentences, our production of words and sentences, and the relationship between language processing, music, and the brain. The module will provide students with an overview of research findings from a broad range of studies, including studies conducted in the Department of Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex.
The module aims to provide a basic introduction to key concepts, methods, and theoretical approaches in research on psycholinguistics.
The course aims to:
• 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.
• Demonstrate the importance of psycholinguistics to other disciplines, particularly psychology and cognitive science.
• Question and challenge stereotypical views on acquisition, processing and disorders of language.
• Enable students to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to go on to second year courses in linguistics.
• Acquire a range of ‘transferable skills’, e.g.. skills such as data analysis, group discussion, report writing, bibliographical referencing etc., which will be useful outside as well as inside the academic context.
On successful completion of this half module, students should be able to:
1. define core terms and concepts in language processing research,
2. describe commonly used empirical methods in language processing research,
3. identify core issues in research on language processing and discuss the core assumptions of relevant theoretical models,
4. summarise and present empirical results from previous studies clearly and accurately,
5. critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of research into language processing,
6. present ideas in a structured, coherent and cohesive fashion, using appropriate style and terminology, and demonstrating clarity, precision, and accuracy.
Syllabus
Week 16 Introduction to psycholinguistics. Planning utterances. (LL; Warren ch.1 and 2; Traxler ch. 1)
Week 17 Gestures (LL; Warren ch. 6)
Week 18 Word processing (LL; Warren ch.3)
Week 19 Speech production (LL; Warren ch.4 )
Week 20 Spoken word recognition (CDL; Warren chs. 7 & 8)
Week 21 Visual word recognition (CDL; Warren ch.9)
Week 22 Sentence processing (CDL; Warren ch.10 and 11)
Week 23 Discourse processing (CDL; Warren ch.11)
Week 24 Reference processing (CDL; Warren ch.12)
This course consists of 10 weekly 2-hour lectures and 1-hour classes taught by an 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.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
JANUARY REASSESSMENT STUDENTS ONLY. |
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Additional coursework information
Extra credit may be available for students who wish to participate in psycholinguistic experiments in Autumn term. Successful completion of one experiment will result in an additional 2% added to their final mark. Participation in these experiments is strictly voluntary and students will not be penalized for lack of participation. To participate, students will need to sign up for an experiment listed on the SONA website. Experiments last approximately 30-60 minutes and typically take place in the Languages and Linguistics department.
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 and Dr Claire Delle Luche
Laurel Lawyer, 4.340, 872087, l.lawyer@essex.ac.uk
Yes
Yes
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 42 hours, 42 (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).
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