PLMLDG-Language in Genetic Disorders (M Level)

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: PLMFG Foundations of Grammar
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Vesna Stojanovik
Email: V.Stojanovik@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module introduces the students to current research into language and communication development and impairment in clinical populations affected by genetic disorders (for example,ÌýWilliams syndrome, Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder etc). The module covers several aspects of language and communication development in different clinicalÌýpopulations, such as for example, early stages of language development, bilingual language development, precursors to language, phonological and lexical development, grammatical development, social communication andÌýpragmatics.Ìý

Aims:

The module aims:

1. to familiarise the students with current research on language development and impairment in differentÌýpopulations affected by genetic disorders (for example,ÌýWilliams syndrome, Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder etc);


2. to provide a wider theoretical context within which research on language and communicationÌýin genetic disorders is particularly relevant.Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the modules, the students will be able to:

• Show in-depth knowledge of the language and communication characteristics of the clinical populations covered in the module


• Show clear understanding of, and critically evaluate theoretical arguments which aim to explain the neuro-cognitive profiles of different clinical populations


• Clearly articulate their views on current theoretical debates in the field of language and communications in genetic disorders


• Present their ideas logically and effectively

Additional outcomes:

• Working as part of a groupÌý


• Critical thinking


• Presentation skills

Outline content:

The module will provide the students with in depth knowledge and understanding of how speech, language and communication develops in children affected by different genetic disorders (for example, Williams syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder etc), different aspects ofÌýlinguistic and cognitive functioning in different clinical populations and current theoretical explanations of their language and cognitive profiles of different clinical populations.Ìý

Global context:

Tthe module covers studies from a variety of languages and different parts of the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be 2Ìýhours of lectures and 12 hours of student-led seminars (groups of students present research papers). During the seminars, specific research papers will be discussed in depth and students will be expected to have read the papers and to contribute to the discussion.Ìý