Psycholinguistics

DESCRIPTION:
Comprehensive analysis of the mental processes involved in language acquisition and language use; examination of language in relation to thought, culture and the brain.

RATIONALE: 
This course examines the structure, comprehension and production mechanisms involved in first and second language acquisition. It is essential for students planning to pursue graduate studies in Speech Therapy, and for those interested in (foreign) language teaching.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Explain the major processes involved in language acquisition;
2. Reflect on the relationship of language to thought and the brain;
3. Identify psychological factors that affect second-language learning in children and adults;
4. Demonstrate knowledge of basic sub-fields of psycholinguistics, including: human versus animal communication, the biological bases of language, speech perception and production, sentence processing, bilingualism and its types and effects on language and intelligence;
5. Demonstrate competence in retrieving and critically evaluating relevant information from a variety of sources, proposing, and planning independent research with minimum guidance;
6. Present and execute a research study on a specific question based on knowledge of issues introduced in the course.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
• Lectures, class discussions, workshop-style pair work and group work during class meetings;
• Formative exercises and online learning tasks through the Blackboard online tools designed to help students acquire confidence and benefit from independent study;
• Additional print and audiovisual educational material posted on the Blackboard course template;
• Timely instructor feedback on assignments;
• Other relevant educational material placed on reserve in the library; 

• Individualized assistance during office hours for further discussion of lecture material, additional reading, assignments and examinations;
• Close collaboration with the Library and SASS to encourage students’ effective use of academic support services