Disorders of language functions (P01638)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : PPL-P-DLFHCN

Since the very beginning of the scientific enquiry language disorders have played a crucial role in the study of human cognition and its representation in the brain.

The course will begin with an introduction to the different medical, psychological and linguistic traditions and the way in which they have shaped the methods and models of aphasia research. The course will then examine the main types of aphasia and demonstrate how specific neuropathological mechanisms can influence the pattern of language breakdown observed in aphasic patients. It will draw on observation of different neurological conditions, including stroke as well as different forms of neurodegeneration such as progressive aphasia and semantic dementia. The insights won from the study of aphasia will be discussed in the context of current research in other areas of neuroscience.

The course will also address the issue of bi- and multilingualism and the question to what extent aphasic symptoms are shaped by specific features of different languages (cross-linguistic research).

Venue: S37, 7 George Square

? Keywords : Aphasia, Language Disorders, Neuropsychology

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Psychology, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Block 4 only

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
26/02/2009	14:00	16:00	Room S37, 7 George Square	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The students will:
- recognise the main theoretical concepts underlying the study of aphasia and the way in which they influence the interpretation of aphasic phenomena
- become familiar with the clinical picture of the main aphasic syndromes and their underlying pathology
- critically discuss the possible implications of aphasia research for our models of normal language function in the brain