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Psychology of Language unit (PSY331)

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Unit year 2025

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Location: Hobart, Launceston, Online

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

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 20/7/2025 18/8/2025 7/9/2025 25/10/2025

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

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
090701 $2,124.00 $996.00 $1,164.00 $2,830.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

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

AssessmentOnline 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%)
TimetableView 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). 

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