PSYC 304 - Language Development

Text: Hoff-Ginsburg, E. (1997). Language Development. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Description: This course provides a thorough review of language development from pre-infancy through adulthood. It covers the major competing theoretical approaches to the topic and the primary levels of analysis of language development including phonological, lexical, syntactical, semantic and pragmatic. It also covers special topics such as "language" development in other species, dyslexia, written language development, individual differences, language in special populations, multiple languages, language variation and adaptation, the history and philosophy of language, and language development and education.

For the fall 1999 semester the course also covers two new current research topics:

"Baby Signs" & Figurative Language Development

This course is challenging but also very rewarding. It gives students a strong dose of language development theory and research while maintaining a practical, "why-do-I-need-to-know-this" approach to the topic including the use of many real world examples. It should appeal to any student interested in language and how it develops.

A lot of work is asked of students but every means of support is provided to complete the assignments. The special needs of working and other non-traditional students are also considered in the design of the requirements.

Prerequisites: Psych 101 or English 0187.

Requirements: Students are evaluated on their ability to learn, think critically, and write about the course material. To evaluate these skills, three requirements are made of students taking the course (more details on each of the requirements are provided during the course):

Exams - Four non-cumulative mixed format exams will be given--three during the semester and one during finals week. The exams provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to critically incorporate information from the text, lectures, discussions, and any films, handouts or similar materials. The exams each count toward 20% of the student’s grade for a total of 80%.

Journal Article Summary/Critique - Students will select and read a contemporary scholarly article from a journal in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, psycholinguistics or other field related to language development. Students will write a summary and critique of the article. This assignment will count toward 5% of the student’s grade.

Paper - Each student will write a paper on a topic related to language development. Students will have an opportunity to get feedback from the instructor on an initial draft of the paper before turning it in for final evaluation. The paper will count toward 15% of the student’s grade.

Evaluation:

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