COSD 315: Language Science and Technology

Prerequisites: Junior Standing

Credit Hours: (3)

An introductory study of human language processing and performance, the use and variations of language in society, and the role of computer technology i conventional and alternative communication.

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

The course presents an introduction to the nature of human language. It provides a theoretical base for subsequent practical applications of linguistic knowledge, including the diagnosis and treatment of language disorders, efforts to promote literacy, and the use of technology to enhance and extend communication. Examples of primary texts include Fromkin and Rodman’s (1993) An Introduction to Language and Finegan’s ((1994) Language: Its structure and use.

The first section of the course provides a basic discussion of linguistic knowledge and performance, language universals and non-human “languages,” language creativity, the origins of language, the relationship between language and thought, and communication modes including speaking, writing, and signing. The second section focuses on language form and content. Morphology (words and word structure), syntax (sentence types, diagrams, phrase structure rules, and transformations) and semantics (meaning) will be discussed. Phonology (sound patterns of language) will be reviewed only briefly, since it is covered in depth in COSD 311: Phonetics. The third section, a discussion of the pragmatic aspects of language, will include attention to speech acts theory, conversational rules and organization, and social registers. Fourth, linguistic variation among social groups, attitudes toward language, gender differences, and social dialects will be considered.

The role of examination of assistive technology (AT) will include information regarding augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), switches and controls, and no-tech AT, low-tech AT and high-tech AT. Effective assessment and intervention planning for AT will also be presented.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

 The course will include lecture, intensive reading, and hands-on learning. Students will be asked to provide and analyze samples of language taken from their own experiences, as well as those presented in multimedia formats in class. Students will explore language differences in print media, television, books, and transcripts of actual conversations. In-class discussions and cooperative analyses of language artifacts and products will be conducted.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

• The learner will be able to define the relationship between language and thought.
• The learner will be able to identify phrase structure rules and transformation rules.
• The learner will be able to describe linguistic universals.
• The learner will be able to identify speech acts, Gricean maxims and conversational principles.
• The learner will be able to discuss social variation, social register and attitudes toward language varieties.
• The learner will be able to describe effective assessment and intervention planning procedures for the use of AT.
• The learner will be able to identify appropriate switches, controls and no-tech, low-tech and high-tech options.

Assessment Measures

The learner will be assessed by in-class examinations and quizzes, group projects and participation in hands-on learning experiences,

Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval
January 2006 Reviewed and approved Dr. Kenneth Cox, Chair