Course for international guest/part time students

Faculty

Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs Education

Organization

BGGyK Institute for Methodology of Special Education and Rehabilitation

Code

ERA-1047

Title

Language development and disorders

Usual semester

Spring

Published semester

2025/26/2

ECTS

7

Language

en

Description

Course contents and learning outcome (a kurzus tartalma és szakmai célja): Topics: 1. Introduction Introduction to the study of language development; language competence-performance; different language areas All of the following areas will be explored in both typically developing children and in populations with different disorders. 2. Nature / nurture The structure of language; different theoretical approaches, biological bases of language 3. preverbal period - early childhood Bases of language development; perception of spoken language; early communication; the emergence of a phonological system 4. Semantics / Lexicon Language and cognition; word meanings - feature analysis; metalinguistic abilities; semantic memory; lexical access; vocabulary development; lexical categories 5. Pragmatics / Discourse Learning to use language; social contexts; communicative intention; discourse types; discourse development; focus and perspective in discourse, cross-cultural studies 6. Bilingualism Bilingual development vs. second language learning; simultaneous vs. successive language development, critical period for second language acquisition, metalinguistic skills, cultural differences and their effect on language development. Aims: This course focuses on the interaction between different biological and environmental factors that lead to speech-language acquisition. We examine the development of different language functions across the lifespan. Students explore the interrelations among different language skills and other cognitive functions in individuals with and without language impairment. Teaching and learning methods (oktatási és tanulási módszerek): Readings, in-class discussions, videos with observation points, written assignments: essays Compulsory reading (kötelező irodalom): Selected research articles and a biography selected from a list given by the instructor Assessment (a számonkérés módja): Grades will be based on the biography essay (40%), research essay (50%), participation in class discussions (10%)

Learning outcomes

Aim of the course: This course focuses on the interaction between different biological and environmental factors that lead to speech-language acquisition. We will discuss the development of different language functions across the lifespan. Students will explore the interrelations among different language skills and other cognitive functions in individuals with and without language impairment.

Course content

Topics: 1. Introduction Introduction to the study of language development; language competence-performance; different language areas All of the following areas will be explored in both typically developing children and in populations with different disorders. 2. Nature / nurture The structure of language; different theoretical approaches, biological bases of language 3. preverbal period - early childhood Bases of language development; perception of spoken language; early communication; the emergence of a phonological system 4. Semantics / Lexicon Language and cognition; word meanings - feature analysis; metalinguistic abilities; semantic memory; lexical access; vocabulary development; lexical categories 5. Pragmatics / Discourse Learning to use language; social contexts; communicative intention; discourse types; discourse development; focus and perspective in discourse, cross-cultural studies 6. Bilingualism Bilingual development vs. second language learning; simultaneous vs. successive language development, critical period for second language acquisition, metalinguistic skills, cultural differences and their effect on language development.

Assessment method

Course Requirements: Biography assignment: Read a book - biography of a person with speech-language-communication difficulties (choose one book from the list of recommended literature) and write an essay on "The role of speech-language in everyday human relationships" based on the reading you chose. (See guidelines to the biography essay below) Write an essay on the main characteristics of one type of speech-language disorder. Provide a comprehensive discussion of the major speech-language difficulties of a specific group of children with atypical development, such as autism, specific language impairment, dyslexia, or ADHD. Use at least 5 research papers to develop your essay . Grading: Grades will be based on the biography essay (40%), research essay (50%), participation in class discussions (10%)

Bibliography

Recommended readings for the biography essay (Choose one book) 1. Roger Shattuck (1994). The Forbidden Experiment: The Story of the Wild Boy of Aveyron. Kodansha America, Inc. 2. Eileen M Simpson (1998). A Personal Account of Victory over Dyslexia. Noonday Press 3. Donna Williams (1994). Somebody Somewhere: Breaking Free from the World of Autism. Three Rivers Press, New York. 4. Donna Williams (1998). Nobody nowhere. 5. Helen Keller (1990). The story of my life. Bantam Publ. 6. Lou Ann Walker (1987). A loss for words. Perennial Library. 7. Eileen Steets Quann (2002). By his side: life and love after stroke. Fastrak Press.

Programmes of the course