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 2
Code ENGL283
Coordinator Dr KN Simms
English
Knsimms@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

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 some of the main issues in the psychology of language, and/or in the philosophy of mind in relation to language.

Demonstrate ability to give critical accounts of some human and/or non-human communication systems in their various stages of development.

Demonstrate awareness of some of the practical and ethical considerations which arise from engaging with human language in its various stages of development, and/or with non-human communication.

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


Syllabus

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.

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


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)              
Private Study 117
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Unseen Written Exam  180  Second Semester  100  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  One three-hour written examination; candidates to answer two questions. Notes (applying to all assessments) - none 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             

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: