SPHS 4010 Normal Language Development
Instructor: Stacy Nunnelee, MA., CCC-SLP
Office: UNT Speech and Hearing Center Room 262
940-369-7497
Fridays 12pm – 2:00pm or by appointment
Course description:
This course teaches language development throughout the lifespan of humans. The course is designed to teach the concepts and theories regarding normal language development and how language is learned, refined, and utilized throughout the different ages and stages of life.
TEXT:
Berko, Gleason, J. (2005). The Development of Language. Seventh Edition. Boston: Pearson (ISBN 0-205-39414-0)
Learner Outcomes:
At the conclusion of the course the student should be able to:
1-Explain the terms communication, language, and speechand discuss the relationship among these.
2-Understand the unique communication system that is human language.
3-Discuss current theories of language development.
4-Investigate the relationship between cognition and language, including the perceptual bases of early cognitive and language development.
5-Describe normal language development from birth through preschool years.
6-Discuss the acquisition of phonology, semantics, morphosyntactics, and pragmatics in emerging communication.
7-Construct an understanding of the development of language in the early school age and adolescent child including changes in the five areas of language; as well as understanding the important interaction between the child’s communication and their academic experience.
8-Identify differences in acquisition of language by individuals from diverse cultural and dialectal backgrounds.
Grading:
Grading will be based on a point scale of 500 points. Points are obtained through the tests and assignments given in the class. Exams will be based on the assigned reading chapters and lecture material. Lectures will be posted on blackboard but students are responsible for obtaining any material covered during the class time. The instructor reserves the right to add material or utilize handouts to enhance learning during the class period. Test reviews will occur in class only and will not be posted on blackboard. Assignments must be turned in during the designated class period. Assignments are given well in advance and the university offers access to 24-hour printing.
There are 4 tests, each worth 100 points, an observation project worth 50 points, and a language sample project worth 50 points.
450 – 500 total points A
400 – 449 B
350 – 399 C
300 – 349 D
Below 300 F
Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance is required for successful completion of the class. Absence is excused only with written physician’s statement for illness or by prior approval from the instructor. Exams can only be made up if an absence is excused. Excused absence is granted by the instructor.
Make-up Policy:
Material presented in class will not be made up on an individual basis. If a student misses class it is their personal responsibility to obtain the material missed. Exams are made up only if the absence is excused and with an appointment with the instructor.
Late assignments will be accepted but will not be fully credited. An assignment will lose 5 points each day it is late.
Drop Information:
If a student seeks to drop a class, they are encouraged to contact the Registrar’s office first. They will need to understand the registrar schedule for drops and adds and understand the registrar policy.
Academic Dishonesty:
See also
As in any class, academic dishonesty is not permitted in this class. If at any point it is indicated that a student has participated in any dishonest acts the appropriate action will be taken.
1) Cheating. The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to:
(a) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations;
(b) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments;
(c) the acquisition, without permission, of tests, notes or other academic material belonging to a faculty or staff member of the university;
(d) dual submission of a paper or project, or resubmission of a paper or project to a different class without express permission from the instructor(s).
(e) any other act designed to give a student an unfair advantage.
2) Plagiarism. The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to:
(a) the knowing or negligent use by paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement and
(b) the knowing or negligent unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or by an agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials
Disabilities Accommodation:
The University of North Texas complies with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The University of North Texas provides academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to individuals with disabilities, as defined under law. Among other things, this legislation requires all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment which provides reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring accommodation please see the instructor and/or contact the Office of Disability Accommodation at 940-565-4323 during the first week of class. If you already have recommended accommodations from the Office of Disability Accommodation please present these in writing the first week of class.
Additional policies:
- If you are tardy please enter quietly.
-Please turn off all cell phones prior to class.
-The instructor fully encourages active participation during the class through comments, questions, and discussion.
Class Schedule:
1/19 – Course Orientation
1/24 –Basic terminology
1/26– Structures of Language
1/31–Anatomical and Physiological Bases of Speech
2/2 – Theories of Language Acquisition; Pass out Observation Assignment
2/7 – Language Acquisition
2/9 – Language Acquisition
2/14 – Language Acquisition
2/16 – Test #1
2/21 – Cognitive Development
2/23 – Communication Development
2/28 – Phonological Development
3/2 – Phonological Development
3/7 – Phonological Development; test review
3/9 – Test #2
3/14 – 3/16 No Class: Spring Break
3/21–Semantic Development
3/23 – Semantic Development; Observation Assignment Due
3/28 – Morphology
3/30 – Syntax
4/4 – Language Sample Analysis
4/6 – Language Sample; Pass out Language Sample Assignment
4/11 – Test #3
4/13 – Pragmatics
4/18 – Pragmatics; Language Sample Assignment Due
4/20 – Pragmatics
4/25 – Language Development through school years and adolescence
4/27 – Language Development through school years and adolescence
5/2 – Language Development through school years and adolescence;
5/4 – Adult Language; Review session
5/9 – FINAL EXAM Monday May 9 8am – 10am