First Language Acquisition

Subject 175-009 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures per week, and six tutorial scheduled across the semester.
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Barbara Kelly

Contact

Dr Barbara Kelly
b.kelly@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject is an overview of some principal issues in first language acquisition, including children's language development (from pre-speech onwards), grammatical, semantic and pragmatic development, and the continued development of language through the school years. The variability and individual differences in relation to current theoretical models of language acquisition and cognitive and social development will also be examined. Focus is on the acquisition of English, but cross-cultural material will be included for comparison.
Objectives:
  • understand how the linguistic system develop in the child, including the sound system, grammar, meaning, pragmatics, and awareness of language;
  • understand the range of individual variation within language acquisition;
  • understand what aspects of language develop during the school years, how bilingual children develop language, and have a basic understanding of the range of language delays and disorders.
Assessment: A 1500-word project assignment 30% (due in first half of semester); a mid-year quiz 20%; a 2000-word major essay 40% (due end of semester); and class participation 10%.
Prescribed Texts:
  • First Language Acquisition (Eve V Clark) CUP, 2003
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • should be able to think critically;
  • should be able to effectively communicate ideas in writing;
  • should be able to make a brief presentation.
Notes: Formerly available as 175-200. Students who have completed 175-200 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (English Language)
Diploma in Arts (Linguistics)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Cross Cultural Communication
Cross Cultural Communication
English Language Studies
English Language Studies Major
Linguistics & Applied Linguistics
Linguistics && Applied Linguistics Major
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

Download PDF version.