Development of Language and Thought (U00597)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PPL-4-DLT-PS

First, it will examine historical accounts of alleged 'isolation' experiments on language development; and also consider a 'natural' experiment, that of language development in twins. It will then consider relationships between language and logical thought, and their role in early education, by examining Labov's critique of the 'verbal deprivation' hypothesis. Children's development of language awareness is also considered, mainly by contrasting the positions of Eve Clark and Margaret Donaldson. The importance of language in studying cognitive development is then considered mainly by reference to Margaret Donaldson's work on Children's Minds and Human Minds. Finally, it will consider Pinker's recent claim that we have an instinct for language.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Normally Psychology Methodology 1 (U00651) or equivalent.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Psychology, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : To be arranged/Unknown

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- Understanding methodological problems in historical research on child language
- Understanding relationships between language and thought
- Understanding different positions on when children become aware of language
- Understanding recent positions on intellectual development and language.