ATS3817 · Psychology of language

Overview

Speaking something as complex as a human language is an amazing intellectual ability, and in this unit you will study those unconscious processes that underlie this ability. You will examine the distinctive features of language (both spoken and signed) as a system of communication and as a gateway to understanding the complexities of human cognition. You will delve into the intricacies of language structure, acquisition, development and change. You will investigate language comprehension and production (and what happens when these processes go wrong), and see how human cognition measures up to artificial intelligence. You will also look at the ways in which the social and cultural environment can influence how language is used, and the extent to which language and thought may shape one another.

Areas of study: Linguistics

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. critically analyse and interpret major concepts, theories and research evidence related to the core areas of the psychology of language;
2. demonstrate an understanding of key research articles in psycholinguistic research and identify questions and issues raised;
3. analyse and interpret language data in relation to theoretical questions/issues;
4. devise your own research topic to apply psycholinguistic insights to practical problems in areas such as speech pathology, forensics and computational linguistics;
5. communicate logical and coherent arguments in writing.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.