LG358-6-AU-CO:
Language and the Mind

The details
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
10 October 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

This module builds on notions and topics approached and developed in psycholinguistics modules in Years 1 and 2. It covers current trends and recent research published on a range of aspects in the field of psycholinguistics, with excursions towards phonology and applied linguistics.
Led by various research active members of the Department, the topics that are covered demonstrate the richness of the experimental methods and enquiries in the field.
You will widen your understanding of how empirical study can advance theories on language acquisition, language processing and language use. This will contribute to a more precise grasp of theories of language processing, representation, learning and use.

Module aims

You will expand your understanding of psycholinguistics and applied linguistics research. You will discover new topics and methods of investigation.
You will develop and apply your critical thinking skills when discussing scientific papers, in the classroom, in written assignments and during your presentation in front of your peers.

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module, you will:
(i) have gained specific knowledge of current theoretical and methodological issues in psycholinguistics and applied linguistics,
(ii) (ii) be able to understand and assess the contribution of scientific outputs to the scientific community, in psycholinguistics but also in more applied environments,
(iii) be able to gather data and knowledge on a specific topic and present your findings in a lecture-like format.

Module information

Syllabus

Topic #1 Phonological/phonetic processing
Week 2: Intro on EEGs (CDL)
Week 3: Using ERPs (MMN) to investigate vowel perception in healthy adults, infants and clinical populations (FC)
Week 4: Lexical processing: do consonants drive lexical access? (CDL)

Topic #2 Language acquisition
Week 5: Deafness and sign language (LL)
Week 6: Aging (LL)

Topic #3 Factors influencing L2 acquisition
Week 7: L2 acquisition and working memory (FC)
Week 8: Anxiety and personality in language learning (KRB)
Week 9: Children's language learning in the classroom (KRB)

Topic #4 Variability in speech input (accent perception and bilingualism)
Week 10: Perception of regional variation: the pre-school years and beyond (EJ) (back up by CDL)
Week 11: Speech perception: how do infants deal with speaker variability? (CDL)

Learning and teaching methods

1 x 2hr lecture per week for 10 weeks

Bibliography

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   Assignment 1    35% 
Coursework   Oral Presentation    25% 
Coursework   Assignment 2    35% 
Coursework   Presentation evaluation    5% 

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 Charles Redmon, email: c.redmon@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Charles Redmon
c.redmon@essex.ac.uk, Room: 4.127, Number: 2227

 

Availability
Yes
No
Yes

External examiner

Mr Conrad Hechter Heyns
Goldsmiths, University of London
Director - Centre for Academic Language and Literacies
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Language and Linguistics

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