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 KN Simms
English
Knsimms@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 30

Aims

The main 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

Demonstrate awareness of the main issues in the psychology of language, and in the philosophy of mind in relation to language.

Demonstrate ability to give critical accounts of a range of human and non-human communication systems in their various stages of development.

Demonstrate 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.

Be able to articulate 1-3 above in an appropriate academic style.

Syllabus
1 

1-2.      Introduction: Innateness vs. Behaviourism?

Section A: Language Evolution, Acquisition and Development

2-3.      Evolutionary Linguistics

3-4.      Child Language Acquisition

4-5.      Child Language Development

Section B: Non-Human Communication

5-6.      Computers

6-7.      Non-Primate Animals

7-8.      Chimpanzees

8-9.      Bonobos

Section C: Degenerative Linguistics

9-10:    Aphasia

10-11:  Schizophrenia

11-12:  Schizophrenia (continued)


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - One 90-minute lecture per week

Workshop - One 90-minute workshop (a seminar which will divide into small sub-groups, then reconvene) per week

Workshops will be based on the materials presented in the lectures

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16.5
One 90-minute lecture per week
        16.5
One 90-minute workshop (a seminar which will divide into small sub-groups, then reconvene) per week
33
Timetable (if known)           Workshops will be based on the materials presented in the lectures
  		 
Private Study 267
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  3 hours  Semester 2  67  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Written Exam Notes (applying to all assessments) - none 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  4000 words  Semester 2  33  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Course Essay 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

If you wish to do some preliminary reading before the module begins, The Articulate Mammal by Aitchison would be a good place to start.