Admission requirements
Successful completion of an introductory course in linguistics, with basic knowledge of phonological, morphological and syntactic terminology.
Description
This course provides an introduction into the acquisition of a first language by young children. The lecture series will start with a basic overview of issues in child language acquisition research (stages in the process, theories and research methods). Following lectures will discuss the major elements of the language acquisition process: early understanding, production and conversational ability. The lecture series will end by considering multilingual language acquisition and developmental language disorders. Students will engage with independently collected actual child language data and present their analysis of the material to the group.
Course objectives
Acquire knowledge and insight in the process of first language acquisition.
Acquire knowledge and insight in the research methods that are used in the field.
Acquire knowledge and insight in the nature of child language data.
Learn to interpret data analytically.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Lecture
Assessment method
Assessment
Final exam: 70%
Oral presentation: 20%
Abstract oral presentation: 10%
Weighing
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. To pass the course, the weighted average of the partial grades must be 5.5 or higher.
Resit
A resit of the final exam will be organized.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
Clark, E. V. (2024). First Language Acquisition (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Registration
Enrolment through My Studymap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Reuvensplaats
Remarks
Not applicable.