ECE 310: Speech and Language Development

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:

  1. Examine terminology related to speech and language development and utilize vocabulary as part of one's practice.
  2. Compare the various components to the structure of language.
  3. Analyze the role of culture in the development of language in social contexts.
  4. Explain the development of speech and language throughout the early childhood years.
  5. Explain variations related to speech and language development.
  6. Develop strategies for working with bilingual learners.
  7. Develop strategies for working with the atypical learner.
  8. Summarize children's language development in the context of experience.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

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's online bookstore

  • 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

  • Readings: Chapter 1
  • Read the lecture
  • Review Chapter 1 PowerPoint
  • Complete required readings
  • Read the Lecture materials
  • Participate in the Discussions

2

4

Topic: Communication Development in Infancy

  • Readings: Chapter 2
  • Read the lecture
  • Review Chapter 2 PowerPoint
  • Watch videos
  • Complete required readings
  • Read the Lecture materials
  • Participate in the Discussions

3

4

Topics: Phonological Development: Sounds and Sound Patterns

  • Readings: Chapter 3
  • Read the lecture
  • Review Chapter 3 PowerPoint
  • Review Childhood Apraxia of Speech website
  • Complete required readings
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Submit Topic with Outline for Research Paper

4

4,5

Topics: Meanings of Words and Syntax in the Preschool Years

  • Readings: Chapters 4 and 5
  • Read the lectures
  • Review Chapters 4 and 5 PowerPoints
  • Complete required readings
  • Review Lecture materials Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete the Midterm Exam
  • Work on Research Paper

Midterm Exam
Chapters 1-5
SLOs 1, 2, 4 & 5

5

3,8

Topic: Language in Social Contexts

  • Readings: Chapter 6
  • Read the lecture
  • Review Chapter 6 PowerPoint
  • Complete required readings
  • Read the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Work on Research Paper

6

5

Topic: Theoretical Approaches to Language Acquisition

  • Readings: Chapter 7
  • Read the lecture
  • Review Chapter 7 PowerPoint
  • Complete required readings
  • Read the Lecture materials
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Submit Research Paper

7

1,4,6,7

Topic: Atypical Language Development & Bilinggual Language Development

  • Readings: Chapters 9 and 11
  • Read the lectures
  • Review Chapters 9 and 11 PowerPoints
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in Discussions
  • Submit Research Paper

8

1-8

Topic: Course Completion, Reflection and Final Exam

  • Readings: Review the previous chapters for the Final.
  • Review the previous lectures.
  • Read Lecture Material
  • Submit Reflection Paper
  • Submit Final Exam
  • Complete Course Evaluation

Final Exam
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 & 11
SLOs: 1-8

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.