Psychology of Language unit (PSY331)

Introduction

Language is what makes us human. It influences our thoughts and affects our lives in even more ways that we might expect. In this advanced unit, students are introduced to the most important and strongly debated issues in the psychology of language. Lecture topics include the distinctive features of human language as a system of communication, language structure, acquisition and development, the understanding and production of speech (and what happens when these processes go wrong), the development of reading and spelling, and how the social and cultural environment can influence how language is used.

Summary

Unit name	Psychology of Language
Unit code	PSY331
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Psychological Sciences
Discipline	Psychology
Coordinator	Associate Professor Nenagh Kemp
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse and interpret major concepts, theories, and research evidence related to the structure, acquisition, and use of language across cultural settings.
• Apply knowledge of language theory and behaviour to code and interpret people’s use of spoken and written language.
• Interpret the informational needs of diverse audiences and communicate theoretical and technical concepts using formats tailored for specific, practical problems

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
			not applicable

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

PSY211 - Research Skills in Psychology

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KHA331

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus Students: Asynchronous online Lecture: 2 hours  weekly Face to Face Practical activities: 2 hours weekly Independent Learning: 6 hours weekly Online Students: Asynchronous online Lecture: 2 hours  weekly Asynchronous online Practical activities: 2 hours weekly Independent Learning: 6 hours weekly
Assessment	Online assignment: Structure of language quiz (5%)|Practical Exercises: Data collection, self-directed practical exercises (5%)|Assignment: Information sheet (20%)|Assignment: Research report (30%)|Written examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need the following text:   Harley, T. A. (2014). The psychology of language: From data to theory (4th ed.). Psychology Press: New York.   There will be weekly readings given for the textbook. You may purchase the textbook new as a hardcopy or an electronic version (slightly cheaper), or buy a second-hand copy from a previous student if any are selling. A copy of the textbook will also be available via the Library’s Reserve collection for those with access to campus (Sandy Bay/Launceston).

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.