Language & Literacy Development

This subject is not offered in 2014.

120 hours. Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs/online classes) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject addresses contemporary theories and research into the processes involved in the acquisition of language, communication and literacy development in typically developing children throughout the early childhood and primary school years; the effects of language delay and disorder or hearing loss on the interrelationship of these processes; the development of sign language; observation, classification and assessment of communication in infants, preschoolers and primary-aged students; parent-child and teacher-child interaction; literacy assessment.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced ability to evaluate and synthesise research findings;
• Demonstrate an advanced ability to integrate theory and practice;
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of language and literacy development;
• Demonstrate an advanced ability to articulate subject knowledge in oral and written presentations.

• Tasks for on-line modules 1-4, Due week 4 (10%)
• Tasks for on-line modules 5-8, Due week 7 (20%)
• Tasks for on-line modules 9-12, Due week 10 (20%)
• A written essay (2500 words), Due end of semester (50%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the development of early communication, language, speech and early literacy in children with language delay, language disorder or hearing loss;
• Use a variety of techniques for the informal assessment of communication, language and early literacy in young children;
• Assess parent-child interaction;
• Critically evaluate research into parent-child interaction.