Undergraduate Course: Universals of Language (LASC10100)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course provides an overview of current explanations of language universals, with a focus on new empirical approaches to understanding how language structure might be shaped by the human cognitive system |
| Course description |
This course provides an overview of current explanations for language universals, with a focus on new empirical approaches to understanding how language structure might be shaped by the human cognitive system. We will consider universals of language structure in phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. In each domain we will discuss in detail recent empirical advances and their implications for the field.
The course is aimed at students with a background in linguistics and a broader interest in cognitive science, language acquisition, language variation and change, and/or the evolution of language.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 3 Linguistics/Language Sciences courses at grade B or above. We will only consider University/College level courses. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 31 |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
196 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Coursework: 33%, Project: 67%. Assessment will consist of a 1000 word essay, and a 3500 word final written project report.
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| Feedback |
Feedback will be given on coursework (research proposal essay) at the half-way point in the semester. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical understanding of major debates about language universals.
- Demonstrate knowledge of empirical methods used to study the psychological underpinnings of language universals.
- Critically identify outstanding questions, problems or issues in research on language universals.
- Work with others to offer solutions to outstanding questions in the study of language universals.
- Communicate ideas about specialised research questions in writing.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Using lectures, small group discussions, readings, and both independent and group written work, this course gives students the opportunity to reflect on and critically evaluate recent scientific advances and theories in the field of experimental linguistics. Course materials will reflect a broad range of perspectives which student are encouraged to consider. Across two assessments, students will independently develop a concise written proposal for a novel piece of research and then work in groups to develop a subset of these proposals into a written mock journal article. This course therefore develops a range of stills including academic reading, writing, and research skills as well as planning, time and workload management, in the context of both independent and group work.
Core skills gained or developed on this course:
Being open to different perspectives; Challenging own perspectives and assumptions; Critical thinking; Critical analysis and evaluation; Formulating original arguments and justifying it; Group work (delegation, influencing, conflict resolution, motivating others, taking responsibility); Independence; Preparation, planning and organisation; Academic reading skills; Research skills; Understanding broader perspectives; Written communication; Writing clearly and concisely; Workload management; Time management. |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
18 one hour lectures
9 tutorials |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Jennifer Culbertson
Tel: (0131 6)51 5510
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Susan Hermiston
Tel: (0131 6)50 3440
Email: |
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