Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - LING 350 E100

First Language Acquisition (3)

Class Number: 2252

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 24, 2022
    Sun, 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 and discussions. As a course for future language professionals, students must have excellent written and spoken English language abilities and be able to fully assess non-target uses of English.

Grading

  • 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%

NOTES:

Above course assignments are tentative.

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.

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

DEPARTMENTAL 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 Nov 29 2021.

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.
ISBN: 0-521-53192-6

Additional readings will be available on Canvas.

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 SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this 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 spring 2022 term.