Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PSYCHOLINGUISTICS
Code ENGL202
Coordinator Dr U Kania
English
Ursula.Kania@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 30

Aims

The aim of this module is to explore questions concerning the relationship of language to consciousness. This will entail addressing questions concerning the nature of language in its evolutionary, acquisitional, developmental and degenerative stages, and the nature of human language as compared to non-human communication systems, such as those used by computers, apes, and other animals.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will demonstrate awareness of the main issues in the psychology of language, and in the philosophy of mind in relation to language.

(LO2) Students will demonstrate the ability to give critical accounts of a range of human and non-human communication systems in their various stages of development.

(LO3) Students will demonstrate an awareness of the practical and ethical considerations which arise from engaging with human language in its various stages of development, and with non-human communication.

(LO4) Students will be able to articulate 1-3 above in an appropriate academic style.

(S1) Adaptability

(S2) Problem solving

(S3) Organisation

(S4) Communication

(S5) Ethical awareness


Syllabus

 

Introduction: Innateness vs. Behaviourism?

Typically the syllabus is arranged into three sections: acquisitive, comparative and degenerative.

Section A: Language Evolution, Acquisition and Development
• Innateness versus Behaviourism?
• Evolutionary Linguistics
• Child Language Acquisition

Section B: Non-Human Communication
• Computers
• Non-Primate Animals
• Chimpanzees
• Bonobos

Section C: Degenerative Linguistics
• Aphasia
• Schizophrenia
• Dementia


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching method 1: Two one-hour Workshops per week.
Description: Workshops will introduce the generic methodologies of discourse analysis, and/or the specific techniques of discourse analysis pertaining to various discourse types.
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching method 2: One one-hour Tutorial per week.
Description: In Tutorials, students will engage in practical discourse analysis, applied to samples of discourse supplied by both the tutor and the students themselves.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Scheduled directed student hours: 36
Unscheduled directed student hours: 264

Notes:
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: Sourcing and selecting material for analysis; seminar preparation; presentation and project research and writing.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     16.5

    16.5

33
Timetable (if known)     90 mins X 1 totaling 16.5
 
    90 mins X 1 totaling 16.5
 
 
Private Study 267
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Scheduled by SAS, 24 hours duration, resit opportunity, anonymous  24    67       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
One essay of c. 1000 words         
One essay of c. 2000 words.    33       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.