Fall 2025 - LING 350 B100

First Language Acquisition (3)

Class Number: 1344

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    LING 220.

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=2 hours in person, 1 hour online

Grading

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

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

PLATFORM: Canvas

TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED: a device with internet access

REQUIRED READING:

Will be available for download from the course website

RECOMMENDED READING:

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

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.