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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Describe recognised aspects of, and stages in, child language acquisition.
Distinguish different theories of child language acquisition and discuss their implications.
Describe different methods of research used in the study of child language acquisition.
Evaluate research results and discuss the implications of published research.
Students begin this module by learning about the recognised stages in a child's acquisition of language and the main headings (phonological, syntactic, language production) under which this phenomenon is usually described. The first assignment requires them to synthesise this information and show their understanding of it. Students then go on to explore the history of the research on which this knowledge is based, the debates surrounding different theories of child language acquisition, and the methods used in current research. The second assignment requires them to show their understanding by describing and evaluating some examples of recent research.
The main form of teaching session will be the seminar, where concepts and skills will be introduced by the lecturer and learned through practical application - specific tasks, problem-solving, discussion and collaborative close reading of texts, with regular provision of formative feedback on those activities. There will be two two-hour seminars each week. Additional resources and support for guided independent study will be provided via Moodle and through availability of weekly staff drop-in times for advice, clarification, discussion of assignment plans.
Seminars
Hours: 40
Intended Group Size: 15
Guided independent study
Hours: 160
001 Essay One; 2,000 words; Mid-Semester One 50%
002 Essay Two; 2,000 words; End of Semester One 50%
Module Coordinator - Jessica Bradley
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 5S1
