LG420-6-SP-CO:
First Language Acquisition
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Inactive
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
27 May 2020
Requisites for this module
LG115 or LG111 or LG116 or LG212 or LG215
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module looks at how typically developing children learn to perceive and produce words, and combine words together to form sentences. This module will address influential models of first language acquisition and discuss the respective role of children's input, children's general cognitive abilities and children's innate predispositions for language acquisition. Based on this overview, we will analyse real samples of preschool children's speech. The focus will be on monolingual children acquiring English word and sentence structure but there may be reference to acquisition in other languages where relevant.
This course aims to:
1. Provide students with an introduction to contemporary issues in the study of the acquisition of word and sentence structure, including phonotactics, word order, complex sentences, and questions
2. Question and challenge major theories of language acquisition
3. Demonstrate the importance of research in language acquisition to larger questions of human abilities and development
4. Promote the acquisition of ‘transferable skills’ (e.g., data literacy, computational skills, analytical reasoning, etc.), which will be useful both inside and outside of academic contexts.
On completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. understand the predictable ways in which phonology and syntax are acquired in normally developing, monolingual children
2. describe commonly used empirical methods in language acquisition research
3. discuss the core assumptions of theoretical models of language acquisition
4. describe and analyse aspects of the word and sentence production in preschool children’s speech, using data available in the CHILDES database
5. critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of research into preschool children's acquisition of their first language
No additional information available.
This course consists of 10 weekly 2-hour lectures. Students are expected to attend regularly, and to actively contribute to class 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 |
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
Dr Laurel Lawyer, office: 4.340, telephone: 01206 872087, email: ll17971@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
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).
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