Language Development and Usage (392-0-1)
Instructors
Elizabeth Spencer Norton
Meeting Info
Frances Searle Building 3220: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
Development of spoken and written language as it relates to child development; includes phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic components. Cultural and individual linguistic diversity.
Registration Requirements
Course is capped, with priority to CSD majors and minors, then other upperclass majors where course is required for graduation.
Learning Objectives
After successfully completing the course, students should be able to 1) critically evaluate different theories of language development, 2) understand how different patterns of language acquisition (across different languages, different populations, etc.) support or refute different theories of language development, 3) critically analyze a language sample to ascertain an individual's language competence and stage of development, and 4) communicate clearly about different stages of language development to support further stages of training in evaluating language disorders.
Evaluation Method
Weekly assignments (Approx 50% of final grade), papers, projects, participation, final exam.
Class Materials (Required)
None to purchase - all materials on Canvas.
Class Notes
Language is a complex skill unique to human beings. How does this remarkable skill develop? What are the environmental and biological factors necessary for successful language development, and what can we learn about this process through the study of atypical language development? How can this knowledge guide clinical practice?
This class will explore the course of language development across key domains of language - phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax, pragmatics - and consider the major theories of language development and its biological basis. We will also cover methods for studying language over the lifespan, and study patterns of language development in particular language-related disorders both as a guide for understanding the nature and course of language growth in developmental disabilities of language and communication, as well as how such developmental patterns may inform understanding of the biological and experiential influences on language development and use in typical development.
Class Attributes
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
SDG Reduced Inequality
SDG Quality Education