CHY5002 - Language and Thinking in School Years

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

(1) Demonstrate knowledge of theories of cognitive and language development
(2) Evaluate critically the contrasting theories of cognitive and language development
(3) Analyse the different approaches taken to the study of intelligence
(4) Assess the strengths and weaknesses of theories which attempt to explain young people’s ways of thinking

Content:

In this module, students will consider theories of cognitive development with particular reference to the work of Piaget. Attention will be given to the question as to whether this development is continuous or staged. Vygotsky’s views concerning the role of social interaction and cultural context, will be analysed. Comparison will be made of the contribution of contrasting theories about the development of cognition. Different theories of language development will be explored. Fundamental questions regarding the relationship between language and thought will be considered. There will be study of models of the development of memory. The development of intelligence and the concept of “IQ” will be examined. Ideas about the ways in which young people think will be evaluated with a special focus on the development of mathematical and scientific concepts. Vygotsky’s notion of the “zone of proximal development” will be evaluated. Some consideration will be given to children’s drawings and what they tell us for example, about their level of development. Finally, development in reading will be studied.

Learning and Teaching Information:

In semester one, the module will be delivered by means of lectures and tutorials. In semester two, there will be a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Tutorials will take place half-way through each module to review progress and towards the end of each module to help in preparation for the examination.
br> Lectures Semester 1
Contact hours 18
Number of groups 1

Lectures Semester 2
Contact hours 14
Number of groups 1

Seminars Semester 2
Contact hours 4
Number of groups 1

Tutorial
Contact hours 2