Bilingualism (321-0-20)
Instructors
Ann R Bradlow
847/491-8054
2016 Sheridan Road, Rm 110
Office Hours: by appt
Meeting Info
University Hall 121: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
We will examine the cognitive and linguistic aspects of bilingualism by addressing questions such as:
• How are two or more languages acquired, represented, and processed in the mind/brain of an individual?
• How do bilinguals control two languages (i.e. activate the one while simultaneously suppressing the other) during speech and language production and perception?
• How does knowledge and usage of each language impact knowledge and usage of the other language(s) in bilingual individuals and in communities with widespread bilingualism?
• What are the consequences of bilingualism for other aspects of cognition?
Registration Requirements
At least one 200-level course in Linguistics, intermediate or advanced foreign-language study, or permission from the instructor.
Learning Objectives
Over the quarter, students in this course will develop a deeper understanding of the characteristics, causes, and consequences of bilingualism for individuals and for groups.
As a course that satisfies the requirements for the Foundational Discipline in Social and Behavioral Sciences, this course will prepare students to meet the following three objectives:
• Recognize and articulate reciprocal relationships between societal forces (e.g., norms, laws, organizational structures), psychological forces (e.g., traits, motives, attitudes), and the behaviors of individuals and groups specifically in relation to speech and language production and perception by bilingual individuals as well as by monolingual individuals in communities with high degrees of language contact (i.e. in multilingual communities).
• Use appropriate quantitative or qualitative research methodologies to observe, describe, understand, and predict speech and language behavior in bilingual individuals.
• Develop the ability to critique theories, claims, and policies regarding the cognitive and linguistics aspects of bilingualism through careful evaluation of an argument's major assertions, assumptions, evidential basis, and explanatory utility
Teaching Method
Combination of lectures, in-class activities, discussion, and workshopping of projects individually and in small groups
Evaluation Method
Class participation and projects
Class Materials (Required)
Readings from the primary literature, to be made available electronically on Canvas.
Class Attributes
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area