COSD 315
LANGUAGESCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- Catalog Entry
COSD 315. Language Science and Technology
Three hours lecture (3).
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
Date Action Approved by
January 2006 Reviewed and approved Dr. Kenneth Cox, Chair |