Psychology

Child Language: Development, Disorders and Individual Differences

Module code: C8823
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework, Essay

On this module, you'll explore how children acquire language and the factors influencing early language development. While language learning may seem effortless, you'll examine various aspects of acquisition to understand this complex process.

Topics include:

• gestures and accents
• vocabulary growth
• the role of sleep
• language learning in non-laboratory environments
• the impact of television and electronic devices.

You'll focus primarily on typical development but also consider insights from children with developmental disorders and learning differences.

Module learning outcomes

• Systematically understand key aspects of theories of child word learning and communication development
• Be able to critically evaluate relevance of empirical evidence, including research methods and testing, concerning language acquisition and communication development in children.