PL1LB-Language in the Brain

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Christos Pliatsikas
Email: c.pliatsikas@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This is an introductory course on the neurological origins of language

Aims:
This module introduces students to the brain correlates of language acquisition and processing. The different aspects of language will be separately examined, including comprehension (reading, listening) and production (spoken, written). Acquired and developmental language disorders will be introduced, with reference to how they are linked to abnormal bran structure and function. Special consideration will be given to the methods employed in the study of the neuroscience of language, as well as topics such as bi/multilingualism and sign language.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:



• the main areas of the brain that are involved in language production and comprehension

• the relevant theoretical concepts regarding language acquisition and processing from a neurological perspective

• the link between brain abnormalities and acquired and developmental language disorders 

• the methods that are appropriate for the study of language in the brain 

• the effects of bi-/multilingualism on the brain structure and function, including bimodal bilingualism 

Additional outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate that they can:



• demonstrate knowledge about how language is organised in the brain

• show understanding of the methods used in language research, and which methods are appropriate for different research questions 

• show knowledge about how language impairment is linked to brain impairment

Outline content:

The neuroanatomy of language; Methods in language research; The sounds of language; Lexicon in the brain; grammar in the brain; written language; bilingualism; language acquisition; Acquired language disorders; developmental disorders; sign language and bimodal bilingualism

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• Lectures, including interactive sessions, group discussions and demonstrations, where appropriate 

• Recommended reading from additional textbooks and research articles

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Guided independent study:		180
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
1.5 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is examined by a 1.5-hour written Summer Exam consisting of multiple choice questions (100%). 

Formative assessment methods:
Continuous assessment each week through weekly exercises on Blackboard

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment is by re-examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books: 9781848720398: Talking Heads: The Neuroscience of Language (Denes). Publisher's RRP: £69.99



9781848726215: Cognitive Neuroscience of Language (Kemmerer). Publisher's RRP: £62.992) 

Last updated: 30 March 2023