LG215-5-SP-CO:
Psycholinguistics

The details
2020/21
Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Sunday 17 January 2021
Friday 26 March 2021
15
16 May 2020

 

Requisites for this module
LG115 or LG116 or PS111
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

LG358

Key module for

(none)

Module description

This module builds on LG115-4-AU and LG116-4-SP and focuses on language processing (i.e. psycholinguistics in the 'narrow' sense). This is an introduction to psycholinguistics, the study of how humans learn, represent, comprehend, and produce language. Topics covered in the course are likely to include visual and auditory recognition of words, sentence comprehension, sentence production, language acquisition, and the neural representation of language. Specific questions to be addressed include:

* How do we perceive and recognise speech?
* How are words and concepts stored in our mind?
* How do we recognise written words?
* How do we comprehend sentences and texts, and how do we process non-literal language?
Students will be given the opportunity to gain some practical experience with the elaboration of a research poster.

Module aims

By the end of this course you should have a solid understanding of both the research methodologies used in psycholinguistics and many of the well-established major findings in the field.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, the student will be able to:
(1) define core terms and concepts in language processing research, describe commonly used empirical methods and discuss the core assumptions of relevant theoretical models;
(2) understand psycholinguistic experimental data;
(3) summarise and present empirical results clearly and accurately;
(4) critically evaluate theoretical approaches and research methods used in language processing research, and
(5) present ideas in a structured and coherent way, using appropriate style and terminology, and demonstrating clarity, precision, accuracy and originality.


Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

The weekly course meetings will be a mixture of lectures, exercises & group discussions.

Bibliography

  • Paul Warren. (2013) Introducing psycholinguistics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Matthew J. Traxler. (2012) Introduction to psycholinguistics: understanding language science, Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course. The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students. Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Essay - 3 Questions     40% 
Coursework   Presentation    20% 
Coursework   Poster Submission    40% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Claire Delle Luche, email: c.delleluche@essex.ac.uk.
Dr. Claire Delle Luche
Tel: 01206 872113, Email: c.delleluche@essex.ac.uk Office: 4.342

 

Availability
Yes
Yes
No

External examiner

Dr Lynne Julie Cahill
University of Sussex
Lecturer
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 656 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
656 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information
Linguistics

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