Language Mind and Brain Online

UCIL20201 Language Mind and Brain Online 10 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 2 Wendell Kimper Unit coordinator Linguistics & English Language 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Middle part of Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 How do young children acquire language so easily? How is human language different from non-human animal communication systems? What are the similarities and differences between signed and spoken languages? Can the language you speak influence how you see colours? This unit addresses these questions and more, exploring the cognitive underpinnings of human language.Along the way we'll examine evidence from babies, chimpanzees and other animals, the birth of new languages, perceptual illusions, strokes and other brain injuries, intoxicated speech, swearing, and modern brain imaging techniques. We'll also take a look at the social and historical contexts in which our ideas about language and cognition have evolved, examining the role of factors such as colonialism and ablelism in shaping the field. How do young children acquire language so easily? How is human language different from non-human animal communication systems? What are the similarities and differences between signed and spoken languages? Can the language you speak influence how you see colours? This unit addresses these questions and more, exploring the cognitive underpinnings of human language.Along the way we'll examine evidence from babies, chimpanzees and other animals, the birth of new languages, perceptual illusions, strokes and other brain injuries, intoxicated speech, swearing, and modern brain imaging techniques. We'll also take a look at the social and historical contexts in which our ideas about language and cognition have evolved, examining the role of factors such as colonialism and ablelism in shaping the field. The unit introduces students to the foundational concepts in the study of language from the perspective of cognitive science. We will explore questions that are still a matter of debate in the field, critically evaluating both evidence and arguments. Students will come away with a deeper understanding of how language works, some of the principles governing the complex interactions between language and other cognitive dimensions (such as attention, perception, and thought), and a basic understanding of how language functions in the brain. On successful completion of the unit you will be able to:<ul> <li>Distinguish the differences and similarities between language and other communication systems</li> <li>Evaluate the role of the brain in developing and employing language, including key arguments surrounding issues such as modularity of mind</li> <li>Draw connections between concepts discussed in scholarly literature and everyday experiences</li> <li>Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, comparing competing approaches and hypotheses using evidence-based reasoning</li> <li>Explain scientific concepts in clear language for non-specialist audiences</li></ul> Topics covered in previous years:<ul> <li>Language as an Instinct</li> <li>Child Language Development</li> <li>Human Language vs. Animal Communication</li> <li>Language and Cognition</li> <li>Language in Use: Production and Perception</li> <li>Signed Languages</li> <li>Modularity of Mind</li> <li>Functional Localisation</li> <li>Brain Imaging</li> <li>Language and Neurodiversity</li></ul> <ul> <li>10 x Online learning modules (asynchronous)</li> <li>2 x Additional (optional) live events</li> <li>Online Quizzes</li> <li>Discussion forum participation</li></ul> ASSESSMENT PATTERN<ol> <li>Discussion forum participation (10%)</li> <li>"Spotted in the Wild" assignment (10%)</li> <li>Quizzes (10%)</li> <li>800 word media analysis OR persuasive letter (35%)</li> <li>Group debate presentation and individual reflection (35%)</li></ol> Y 0 No prior study in psychology or linguistics is assumed.Students who have taken (or are taking) LELA10201/UCIL10201 are not eligible for this course unit.