Module overview
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the neurological basis for language in the brain
- how humans understand and produce language
- How languages are acquired: why is language innate to humans
- what the empirical evidence outlined in each of these areas tells us about the organisation of language in the human mind
- the theoretical interpretation of this evidence in terms of current debates about the modularity of the human mind
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- apply theoretical models of language and language processing to the study of specific language questions
- apply some of the analytical tools acquired in your first year to the study of a specific area of linguistics
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- critically evaluate theories
- establish the relationship between a theoretical framework and empirical evidence
- synthesise evidence from a range of sources in order to present a coherent argument
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- critically evaluate theories of language and language processing in the light of empirical evidence
- link empirical evidence to the formulation of theories of language and language processing
- understand the theoretical interpretation of this evidence in terms of current debates about the modularity of the human mind
Syllabus
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 126 |
| Teaching | 24 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Field, J., (2004). Psycholinguistics: The Key Concepts. Routledge.
Traxler, Matthew, J., (2012). Introduction to Psycholinguistics.
Aitchison, J (2001). The articulate mammal. Routledge.
Reuschemeyer, S., and Gaskell, G.M., (2007). The Oxford Handbook of Psycholinguistics. Oxford University Press.
Fromkin, V., Rodman,R., and N Hyams (2003). An Introduction to Language. Thompson and Heinle.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 60% |
| Exam | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assignment | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessed written tasks | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External