PLMLGC: Language and Communication in Genetic Conditions

Module code: PLMLGC

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

Credits: 20

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Professor Vesna Stojanovik, email: V.Stojanovik@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

The module introduces the students to current research into speech, language and communication characteristics in populations affected by genetic and developmental disorders (e.g., those with Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, Autism, Developmental Language Disorder, Rett Syndrome). The module covers several aspects of language and communication development and topics may include early stages of language development, phonological and lexical development, social communication pragmatics, and possible interventions and the existing evidence base. The aim is to familiarise students with current theoretical and clinical research on language and communication in different conditions (for example: Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, Autism, Developmental Language Disorder, Rett Syndrome), to provide a wider theoretical context within which research on language and communication in different developmental conditions is particularly relevant, and to inform students how theoretical advances can be translated into clinical interventions. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Describe in-depth the language and communication characteristics of different developmental/genetic conditions; 
2. Critically evaluate the existing research literature in the field of developmental/genetic conditions; 
3. Critically evaluate current theoretical views on the language and communication profile of individuals with developmental/genetic conditions and relate to practical implications (if relevant) 
4. Present ideas clearly and succinctly using appropriate academic style 

Module content

The module will provide the students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of language and communication in different developmental/genetic conditions (for example, Williams syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism, Developmental Language Disorder, Rett Syndrome), areas of linguistic and cognitive strengths and weaknesses, current theoretical explanations of the language and cognitive profiles and approaches to intervention. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Weekly seminars, use of Blackboard, student presentations, group discussions, mini-lectures.

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 50% 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.

Students present a paper and get feedback; also group work in class and in - class Q&A and discussion sessions  

Reassessment

Additional costs