Course Description
This course researches the means by which humans acquire speech and language. Students explore the history of speech and language development in mankind, and the structure and development of language in the early childhood years. Students also explore variations to language development across cultures, typical and atypical development of language, and language acquisition for the bilingual learner. By understanding language acquisition theories, students come to understand how language development applies to different cultures, and how teaching should be situated in the context of a child's experiences. Students also learn strategies for working with a variety of learners.
Prerequisites
- ECE 101: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Examine terminology related to speech and language development and utilize vocabulary as part of one's practice.
- Compare the various components to the structure of language.
- Analyze the role of culture in the development of language in social contexts.
- Explain the development of speech and language throughout the early childhood years.
- Explain variations related to speech and language development.
- Develop strategies for working with bilingual learners.
- Develop strategies for working with the atypical learner.
- Summarize children's language development in the context of experience.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussion Board (Weeks 1-7) | 30% |
Midterm Exam (Week 4) | 20% |
Research Paper (Week 7) | 25% |
Final Exam (Week 8) | 20% |
Reflection Paper (Week 8) | 5% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Berko, Gleason. Development of Language. 9th ed. Ally & Bacon, Inc., 2017. ISBN-10: 0-13-416114-9 or ISBN-13: 978-0-13-416114-3
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1,2 | Topic: The Development of Language: An Overview
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2 | 4 | Topic: Communication Development in Infancy
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3 | 4 | Topics: Phonological Development: Sounds and Sound Patterns
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4 | 4,5 | Topics: Meanings of Words and Syntax in the Preschool Years
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Midterm Exam | |||
5 | 3,8 | Topic: Language in Social Contexts
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6 | 5 | Topic: Theoretical Approaches to Language Acquisition
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7 | 1,4,6,7 | Topic: Atypical Language Development & Bilinggual Language Development
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8 | 1-8 | Topic: Course Completion, Reflection and Final Exam
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Final Exam | |||
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.