Neurolinguistics (level 5)
Overview
- Credit value: 15 credits at Level 5
- Convenor: Professor Marjorie Lorch
- Prerequisite: Approaches to Language
- Assessment: a 2000-2500-word essay (100%)
Module description
In this module we explore the theories and evidence regarding how language is represented in the individual mind. You will learn about how language is processed in the brain by considering developmental and acquired disorders of language comprehension and production.
Together we will consider research on children and adults and from the special case of bilingualism to understand how the language faculty develops and is organised, drawing on a range of empirical evidence and current theories of neurolinguistics. You will have the opportunity to appreciate the types of research used to investigate various neurological foundations of language.
Indicative syllabus
- The anatomy of language
- Neural foundations of articulation, phonological processes and formation of utterances
- Neural foundations of auditory perception, processes, parsing and comprehension
- Neurolinguistic perspectives on reading and writing
- The neural representation of multiple languages
- The neurolinguistics implications of Deaf sign languages
- The relations between language and other cognitive faculties
Learning objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- understand the aims, methods, concepts and theories and their place within the wider study of language
- apply concepts and principles to new data or contexts
- demonstrate knowledge of the main methods of enquiry and the different approaches to solving problems in the field of study
- understand the limits of your knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge
- use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and propose solutions to problems
- effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
- deploy key techniques effectively
- undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competences that will enable you to assume significant responsibility within groups and organisations.