PS210-15 Language and Cognition
Introductory description
The module will investigate the biological mechanisms and cognitive processes of human language
Module aims
The aims of the module are to investigate the biological mechanisms and cognitive processes of human language, as well as the relationship between language and cognition more generally. The module will explore key findings from the fields of psycholinguistics and cognitive science
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Introduction
Animal communication
Language acquisition
Interactive communication
Embodied cognition
Speech sounds
Word meaning and concepts
Word recognition and language understanding
Judgment, decision making and reasoning
Revision for the exam
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- consider language, communication, spatial problem solving, concepts and categorisation in terms of biological mechanisms and cognitive processes
- understand and explain key findings from the fields of psycholinguistics and cognitive science
- discuss key problems in explaining language and cognition
- describe methods of research on language and cognition
- critically evaluate theories of language and cognition and their supporting evidence
Indicative reading list
-Boroditsky, L. (2011). How language shapes thought. Scientific American, 304, 62-65.
-Casasanto, D. (2009). Embodiment of Abstract Concepts: Good and Bad in Right- and Left-Handers.
Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 138(3), 351-367. doi: 10.1037/a0015854
-Keysar, B., Barr, D. J., Balin, J. A., & Brauner, J. S. (2000). Taking Perspective in Conversation:
The Role of Mutual Knowledge in Comprehension. Psychological Science, 11(1), 32-38. doi: 10.1111/14679280.00211
- Loftus, E. F., & Palmer, J. C. (1974). Reconstruction of automobile destruction: An example of the interaction between language and memory. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 13, 585-589.
Subject specific skills
use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis
consider language, communication, problem solving, concepts and categorisation in terms of cognitive processes
Transferable skills
effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis
familiarity with collecting and organising information
critical evaluatation
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 sessions of 2 hours (16%) |
| Seminars | 4 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Practical classes | 1 session of 2 hours (1%) |
| Private study | 120 hours (80%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
120 hours guided student study
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group D3
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Essay | 20% | Yes (extension) | |
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Essay |
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| Short answer questions | 20% | Yes (extension) | |
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Short answer questions |
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| Exam | 60% | No | |
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Feedback on assessment
Academic guidance form for assessed work; annotated worksheet via Tabula
Post-requisite modules
If you pass this module, you can take:
- PS351-15 Psychology and the Law
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 2 of UPHA-VL78 BA in Philosophy with Psychology
- Year 2 of UPSA-C804 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies
- Year 2 of UPSA-C802 Undergraduate Psychology with Linguistics
This module is Core optional for:
- Year 2 of UPSA-C800 Undergraduate Psychology
- Year 2 of UIPA-C8L8 Undergraduate Psychology and Global Sustainable Development
This module is Option list D for:
- Year 4 of ULNA-R9Q2 Undergraduate Modern Languages with Linguistics