Unit Outline

Language is what makes us human. It influences our thoughts and affects our lives in even more ways that we might expect. In this advanced unit, students are introduced to the most important and strongly debated issues in the psychology of language. Lecture topics include the distinctive features of human language as a system of communication, language structure, acquisition and development, the understanding and production of speech (and what happens when these processes go wrong), the development of reading and spelling, and how the social and cultural environment can influence how language is used.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Critically analyse and interpret major concepts, theories, and research evidence related to the structure, acquisition, and use of language across cultural settings.
2	Apply knowledge of language theory and behaviour to code and interpret people’s use of spoken and written language.
3	Interpret the informational needs of diverse audiences and communicate theoretical and technical concepts using formats tailored for specific, practical problems

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	PSY211 - Research Skills in Psychology
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	KHA331

Alterations as a result of student feedback

This unit has been progressively improved on the basis of student feedback over a number of years.

- The first, small assignment (MyLO quiz) has been retained as students later appreciate its usefulness in learning terms and concepts. In response to student feedback, a practice set of questions is now provided (for any questions/clarification) before students embark on the quiz itself.

- Focus on theoretical models has been reduced, and increased emphasis has been placed on how unit content relates to real-world language development, communication, use and understanding.

- In response to student feedback, we have diversified the range of lecture-related activities to allow more student interaction with the activities and provision of automated feedback (e.g., more drag-and-drop/questions, more quizzes, less Padlet)

- For only the third year, this unit is now also being offered in online-only mode. This has meant devising an online version/equivalent of all the face-to-face prac activities. Let us know how you find it so we can maintain/improve it next year!

Overall, this unit is now quite stable, with consistently high student satisfaction levels. However, constructive comments are always welcome for further improvement.

As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2025, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s Unit Survey following your completion of the unit.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Practical Exercises: Data collection, self-directed practical exercises	Week 1	5 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 2:	Online assignment: Structure of language quiz	Week 4	5 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 3:	Assignment: Research report	Week 6	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Assignment: Information sheet	Week 11	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 5:	Written examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Practical Exercises: Data collection, self-directed practical exercises

Task Description:

Completing practical exercises that contribute to student learning and to the research report.
5% of marks awarded for completing data collection and practical quiz questions
Due: Weeks 1, 8 and 13

Task Length:

Approximately 2 hours

Due Date:

Week 1

Weight:

5 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply knowledge of language theory and behaviour to produce responses and to code people’s language use	LO2
2	Critically analyse and discuss concepts and patterns in language	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Online assignment: Structure of language quiz

Task Description:

Students answer questions on the structure of different levels of language.

Task Length:

1 hour

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

5 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Accuracy in answering specific questions about aspects of the structure of language	LO1, LO2

Assessment Task 3: Assignment: Research report

Task Description:

Research report on one aspect of people’s language use.

Task Length:

1500 words

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Conciseness and accuracy of title and abstract	LO1, LO3
2	Logical flow, and integration of literature review, and justification of hypotheses	LO1, LO3
3	Accuracy, relevance, and efficiency of description of method, supported by specific descriptions and examples	LO2
4	Clarity and correctness of reporting of descriptive and inferential statistics	LO2
5	Accuracy and conciseness of evaluation of results; connections made with literature, thoughtfulness of interpretation; sophistication of discussion of limitations, implications and future directions	LO1, LO2, LO3
6	Clarity and flow of expression, absence of errors at all levels	LO3

Assessment Task 4: Assignment: Information sheet

Task Description:

Information sheet for parents

Task Length:

1 page

Due Date:

Week 11

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Interpret and explain key concepts and evidence related to infants’ language acquisition	LO1
2	Apply knowledge of language theory and behaviour to explain how infants’ understanding and production of language can be influenced by the physical, social, and cultural environment	LO2
3	Communicate psycholinguistic research concepts and findings in a way that is clear for diverse audiences, in an authentic format	LO3

Assessment Task 5: Written examination

Task Description:

Written examination; short answer and essay questions, experimental design question

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes and achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

You will need the following text:

Harley, T. A. (2014). The psychology of language: From data to theory (4th ed.). Psychology Press: New York.

There will be weekly readings given for the textbook. You may purchase the textbook new as a hardcopy or an electronic version (slightly cheaper), or buy a second-hand copy from a previous student if any are selling. A copy of the textbook will also be available via the Library’s Reserve collection for those with access to campus (Sandy Bay/Launceston).