PLMNL-NEUROSCIENCE OF LANGUAGE

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: d.o.fryer@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to current research in the cognitive neuroscience of language.

Aims:

This modules aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge of current research in the cognitive neuroscience of language. Topics covered will include brain structure and function as related to the neuroanatomy of language in typical and atypical populations. Different neuroimaging techniques, such as event related brain potentials (ERP) and functional/structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be discussed in relation to linguistic representation and language processing in different populations of speakers. Students will examine contemporary research covering a range of research areas in neurolinguistics and the cognitive neuroscience of language, and gain familiarity with the research methods used in these fields through tutorials. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module, students should be able to:

(1) Describe the neuroanatomy of language processing.

(2) Recognise and describe the fundamental ERP components associated with language processing.

(3) Critically evaluate current debates related to language processing in the cognitive neuroscience of language.

(4) Describe the steps involved in conducting ERP and MRI research.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to give students awareness of contrasting research methodologies, group versus single case investigations and the strengths and weaknesses of differing empirical paradigms. 

Outline content:

The course will start with a basic review of the physiology of the brain and the phenomena underlying cortical activation. The basic science of electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be covered, along with reference to complementary methods of brain activity measurement, i.e. PET, MEG, NIRS. The contrasts between EEG and ERP, and structural and functional MRI, will be discussed along with different experimental paradigms used to investigate the cognitive neuros cience of language. The concept of event related potentials will be examined in some detail including latency, amplitude and duration effects and the application of these notions to investigations of language related phenomena will be surveyed. Word and sentence level paradigms will be presented and models of language processing that take into account the temporal and topographic phenomena revealed by ERP/fMRI will be discussed. Students will also visit the ERP laboratory and view a mock recordi ng.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures based on specified research and review papers. The lectures are interactive and students are expected, where necessary, to have read highlighted papers before the lecture so that they can contribute to the discussion and evaluation of the accounts given.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will submit one written assignment (75% of module grade) and present one oral presentation (25% of module grade).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50%. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of coursework by August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 29 May 2020