EN-456 Introduction to Psycholinguistics

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme
• Translation and Professional Communication, Master's programme
• Master's Programme in English

Teaching language

English

Course contents

This course will introduce students to the psycholinguistics. It will cover issues relating to the representation of language and the biological and environmental contributions to language development with focus on English. Processes underlying the comprehension and production of spoken words will be discussed. Models of sentence processing will also be introduced. For each topic, key theories will be described and evaluated with reference to a range of experimental and behavioural evidence.

 Topics to be covered focussing on English:

• Language structure
• Understanding and producing spoken words
• Sentence processing
• Child language development 

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students have

• basic knowledge of the linguistic structure of language in terms of semantics, syntax, morphology, phonology and phonetics
• knowledge of biological and environmental contribution to language evolution and development.
• detailed knowledge of theoretical approaches to the production and comprehension of words and sentences.
• detailed understanding of a range of experimental approaches to the study of language processes.

Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to

• apply knowledge of English language structure to questions about language processing.
• critically evaluate a range of psycholinguistics theories using appropriate evidence.
• critically evaluate a broad range of methodological approaches to the study of langue processing
• write clear and concise summaries of key research articles and well-structured essays.

Examination requirements

Students must have gained a pass grade on one obligatory task in order to be eligible to take the exam. An overview of the obligatory task will be given on Canvas at the start of the term.

Teaching methods

Lectures and discussions. Active and regular participation is expected. The estimated workload is approximately 270 hours.

Evaluation

The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Admission for external candidates

No.

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes, if there are places available.

Admission Requirement if given as Single Standing Module

Same admission requirements apply as for the master's programme in English. Same admission requirements apply as for the master's programme in Translation and Professional Communication.

Assessment methods and criteria

A take home written examination consisting of essay questions. Graded assessment. More information about the examination will be given on Canvas.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course	Reduction of Credits
EN-440 – Introduction to Psycholinguistics	10