Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - LING 350 E100

First Language Acquisition (3)

Class Number: 1671

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 20, 2021
    Mon, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of LING 301W, 309W or 482W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the study of language acquisition from the point of view of linguistic structure. Students who have taken LING 250 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an introduction to the study of language acquisition, exploring research findings regarding children’s acquisition of phonological, morphological, syntactic, discoursal, and semantic systems. Although the course will focus on the description of acquisition patterns, we will also examine theoretical approaches and empirical methodology. We will carefully examine a number of empirical articles from the primary literature. The course includes an examination of a coherent, comprehensive theory of acquisition (Tomasello, 2006). The course investigates Specific Language Impairment as one example of atypical language development. Rather than emphasizing problem-solving or theoretical representations of language, this course emphasizes the critical reading of chapters and articles. Classes will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and discussions. As a course for future language professionals, students must have excellentwritten and spoken English language abilities and be able to fully assess non-target uses of English.

Grading

  • TENTATIVE COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Essay examination: phonetics, data analysis, Week 3 15%
  • Mid-term examination: analysis and evaluation essays 30%
  • Data Analysis Report 25%
  • Final examination: analysis and evaluation essays 30%
  • --Note: Students applying for graduate school will have the option of writing a literature review paper.
  • To receive a passing grade on any assignment, the quality of writing must be evaluated as at least LPI Level Four. The following modified descriptions will be used:
  • Level Four: The writing is marred by only one type of deficiency: it may be thinly developed, repetitive, or weak in overall structure; it may contain unvaried, loose or faulty sentence structure; or its word choice may be inaccurate, inappropriate, or unidiomatic (that is, it may use expressions that are not found in standard English usage).
  • Level Three: Essays are placed at level three if they have many errors in sentence structure and vocabulary, or if they are weak in content and badly organized. Also placed at level three are essays with a high density of errors in the use of articles, the plurals of nouns, the form and tense of verbs, subject-verb agreement, and the English idiom.

NOTES:

Enrollment restrictions in LING 300 and 400 level courses: 70-75% of the seats are reserved for declared LING/COGS Major, Joint Major, and Honours program student and 25-30% for Extended Minor program students only until open enrollment begins on July 26, 2021.

It is strongly recommended that you see the Student Advisor regarding your degree requirements at least two semesters before you plan to graduate.  Unless you meet both faculty and major/minor requirements, your graduation cannot be approved.

Students should familiarize themselves with theDepartment's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities athttp://www.sfu.ca/linguistics/undergraduate/standards.html.

Please note that a grade of “FD” (Failed-Dishonesty) may be assigned as a penalty for academic dishonesty.

All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes or no later than one week after a student adds a course.

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning(caladmin@sfu.ca).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

O'Grady, William. (2005). How children learn language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 0-521-53192-6. Additional readings will be available on Canvas.

 


ISBN: 0-521-53192-6

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities.

Please note that a grade of “FD” (Failed-Dishonesty) may be assigned as a penalty for academic dishonesty.

All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes or no later than one week after a student adds a course.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.