Fall 2023 - LING 350 B100

First Language Acquisition (3)

Class Number: 2685

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    LING 282W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the study of language acquisition from the point of view of linguistic structure.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores how infants and young children acquire the structure of language. We will explore the acquisition of phonetic and phonological patterns, how words are learned, and how children acquire syntactic and morphological knowledge (e.g., English past tense). The course will also investigate some examples of atypical language development, bilingualism / second-language learning in children, and child language acquisition in indigenous languages of North America. Both theoretical approaches and methodology will be covered. Both theoretical approaches and methodology will be covered, and course projects are designed to help students learn how to apply concepts from the science of first language acquisition to generate practical exercises and demonstrations with young children in our community. 

MODE OF INSTRUCTION/ DELIVERY: Blended 

PLATFORM: Canvas 

TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED: a device with internet access

Grading

  • Participation/Engagement: 5%
  • Homework: 15%
  • Major Projects: 35%
  • Quizzes: 45%
  • No Final exam

NOTES:

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

 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Will be available for download from the course website 

RECOMMENDED READING:

Saxton, Matthew. (2010). Child Language: Acquisition and Development. Sage Publications, LTD. ISBN 9781412902328 [paperback]. Online version also available. 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.