Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 100023

Coordinator Liquan Liu Opens in new window

Description This subject acquaints students with major issues in the psychology of language. Through a series of online modules, it examines different approaches to research and theory on questions such as the acquisition and development of language, the relationship between language and thought, bilingualism and second language learning, speech perception and production, the neurophysiological underpinnings of language, and language in non-human animals. The tutorials align closely with online modules to help students consolidate their learning of lecture materials, and relate to subject assessments, helping students to improve the assessment outcomes. This third year subject deepens and synthesises knowledge of the psychology of language taught in foundational subjects. It progresses key research and critical evaluation skills relevant to a range of professions where language acquisition is an element.

School Psychology

Discipline Psychology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Restrictions

Successful completion of 120 credit points.

Assumed Knowledge

Solid understanding of perception, cognitive processes, and experimental design and analysis in psychology and/or a solid understanding of linguistics and research methods in linguistics.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Identify issues, theories, and research findings in psychology of language (APAC GA 1).
2. Evaluate key theories in a sub-topic of psychology of language (APAC GA 3).
3. Justify principles of experimental research used in psychology of language (APAC GA 6).
4. Reflect on research participation experiences (APAC GA 2 and 5)
   

Subject Content

This subject acquaints students with major issues in the psychology of language. All students will complete a set of core modules:

• Introduction to the Psychology of Language
• Is language human-specific?
• Is language species-specific?
• How is language developed?
• How is language learned?
• Neurobiology of Language - Brain and neuro methods 
• Neurobiology of Language - Models, signs, genetics
• Bilingualism – How magical is it?
• Second language acquisition – How difficult is it?
• Speech perception
• Speech production
• Social contexts and pragmatics