Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Language is a key expression of human intelligence. It allows us to interact with others, process and share complex ideas, and communicate our heritage and culture. But what does it mean to know a language? How do humans acquire language without formal instruction? Do different languages portray the world in different ways? This unit focuses on how language is represented in the human brain and how it is realised by the body in speech and sign. It also focuses on how linguistic ability develops in children, how child language acquisition compares to machine learning, and on what differently abled language users can teach us about where language sits in the brain.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 1 core unit in the Linguistics major sequence
  • Level 1 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between language, the mind and the brain; (2) describe the basic properties of the physical realisation of language in speech, and sign; (3) describe the progress of child language acquisition and explain how the facts of acquisition are key issues in the debate on the innateness of language; (4) describe how child language acquisition differs from machine learning; and (5) describe how language is localised in the brain, and how this relates to divergent linguistic ability across diverse population.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial preparation; (2) assignments; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Luisa Miceli
Unit rules
Incompatibility
LING1102 Language as a Cognitive System
Contact hours
Up to 3 hours per week over 12 weeks.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.