PL1LB: Language in the Brain

Module code: PL1LB

Module provider: Clinical Language Sciences; Sch of Psych and CLS

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Christos Pliatsikas, email: c.pliatsikas@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 23 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

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 brain 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.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge about how language is organised in the brain, particularly the main brain areas that are involved in language production and comprehension
2. Understand the relevant theoretical concepts regarding language acquisition and processing from a neurological perspective, including the link between brain abnormalities and acquired and developmental language disorders
3. Understand the effects of bi-/multilingualism on the brain structure and function, including bimodal bilingualism
4. Show understanding of the methods used in language research, and which methods are appropriate for different research questions

Module 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.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

• Lectures, including interactive sections, group discussions and demonstrations, where appropriate
• Recommended reading from additional textbooks and research articles

Study hours

At least 20 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Continuous assessment each week through weekly exercises on Blackboard and in-class quizzes.

Reassessment

Additional costs