Syllabus

Posted on Apr 18, 2025

πŸ“˜ Course Syllabus: Introduction to Psycholinguistics

Instructor: Zhang Jun
Class Schedule: Two 45-minute sessions per week
Email: jzhang3@ahu.edu.cn

🧠 Course Introduction

Psycholinguistics is the scientific study of how humans acquire, produce, understand, and represent language in the mind. This course introduces foundational theories, research methods, and key findings in the field, offering an integrated view of linguistic knowledge, language development, processing mechanisms, and neural underpinnings. Topics include speech perception, word recognition, sentence parsing, discourse comprehension, bilingualism, non-literal language, and sign language.

🎯 Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will:

  • Understand core psycholinguistic concepts and theoretical models.
  • Describe major processes involved in language comprehension and production.
  • Identify common methods used in psycholinguistic research.
  • Critically evaluate experimental evidence and research findings.
  • Apply insights from psycholinguistics to real-life language use and cross-linguistic scenarios.

πŸ“š Instructional Materials

Required Textbook:

  • Traxler, M. J. (2023). Introduction to Psycholinguistics: Understanding Language Science (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.

Supplementary Readings:

  • Additional recommended texts:
    • Warren, P. (2012). Introducing Psycholinguistics. Cambridge University Press.
    • Harley, T. A. (2014). The Psychology of Language: From Data to Theory (4th ed.). Psychology Press.
  • Selected journal articles and case studies (provided digitally).

πŸ“… 18-week Course Schedule

Each week, we meet for 90 minutes. This course emphasizes hands-on learning, discussion, and student projects over heavy textbook coverage. Readings are kept light (10–25 pages/week) and hands-on learning activities are built into each session.

WeekTopicReadingClass Activities
1🧠 What is Psycholinguistics?Ch. 1 – An Introduction to Language SciencePsycholinguistics definition; Language design features; Grammar types (descriptive/prescriptive); Nonhuman communication limits; Language-thought relation
2️-3πŸ”Š Speech Planning & Errors ICh. 2 – Speech ProductionSpeech production stages; WEAVER++ model steps; Speech errors (slips/TOT); Lemma theory critique; Foreign Accent Syndrome
4πŸ”Š Speech Planning & Errors IICh. 2 – Speech perceptionSpeech perception challenges; Coarticulation effects; Motor Theory of perception; General Auditory approach; Long-distance dependencies
5πŸ‘‚ Speech Perception & the BrainCh. 3 Part 1Word form hierarchy;Morpheme typesοΌ› Lexical semantics (sense/reference)οΌ› Meaning representation theories; Embodied semantics
6πŸ“– Lexical AccessCh. 3 Part 2Lexical access models; Ambiguity resolution; Long-distance parsing; Neural basis of lexicon; Localized/distributed semantics
7️🧩 Sentence Processing ICh. 4 Part 1Sentence parsing basics; Garden path sentences; Minimal Attachment strategy; Late Closure principle; Parsing constraint types
8️🧩 Sentence Processing IICh. 4 Part 2Reversible sentence parsing; Thematic role assignment; Parsing deficits in aphasia; Neural correlates of parsing; Cross-linguistic parsing differences
9️🎭 Metaphor & IdiomsCh. 7 – Nonliteral Language ProcessingNonliteral meaning types; Metaphor comprehension; Idiom processing models; Irony/sarcasm detection; Neural basis of nonliteral use
10-11πŸ’¬ Pragmatics and DialogueCh. 8Grice’s maxims; Implicature generation; Discourse coherence; Anaphora resolution; Turn-taking in dialogue
12-13πŸ‘Ά Language DevelopmentCh. 9L1 acquisition stages; Phonological development; Vocabulary growth patterns; Syntactic development milestones; Bilingual child language learning
14-15🌐 Bilingual MindsCh. 11Bilingualism definition; Language competition; RHM model (bilingual); Bilingual control mechanisms; L2 learning techniques
16🧠 Aphasia: The Breakdown of LanguageCh. 13 – AphasiaAphasia definition; Left hemisphere dominance; Broca’s/Wernicke’s aphasia; WLG model; Aphasia treatments
17πŸŽ“ Student Project Symposium & Review INo assigned readingπŸ“Š Group poster/short presentations Β· 🀝 Peer feedback
18πŸŽ“ Student Project Symposium & Review IINo assigned readingπŸ—£οΈ Continuation of presentations Β· ❓ Cumulative Q&A Β· πŸ† Final review

✍️ Course Assignments

1. Class Participation (10%)

Active, thoughtful participation in class discussions and activities is required. Respectful engagement and preparedness are essential.

2. Quizzes (20%, 5% * 4)

Short quizzes on readings and key concepts.

  • Quiz 1: on Chapter 1, Chapter 2
  • QUiz 2: on Chapter 3, Chapter 4
  • QUiz 3: on Chapter 7, Chapter 8
  • QUiz 4: on Chapter 9, Chapter 11, Chapter 13

3. Reflection Essays (20%, 10% * 2)

Two short essays critically reflecting on readings and connecting them to course material.

  • Essay 1 Due:Week 6
  • Essay 2 Due:Week 13

4. Final Project (50%)

5–8 pages: research question, motivation, literature, hypotheses, design, predicted outcomes.

πŸ“Š Grading Scale

GradeRange
A90–100
B80–89
C70–79
D60–69
FBelow 60

πŸ“ Course Policies

  • Attendance
  • Lateness: Repeated lateness will affect your participation score.
  • Late Work: Penalized 5% per day late, accepted up to 7 days. Extensions granted only with documented reason.
  • Make-up Quizzes: Not permitted without prior notice or documentation.
  • Academic Integrity: Plagiarism or cheating will result in academic penalties and a report to the department.
  • Use of AI:
    • βœ… Acceptable: brainstorming, checking grammar, summarizing ideas (must be cited).
    • ❌ Not Acceptable: full-text generation, rewording entire passages, answering quiz or exam questions.
    • Disclosure Required: Example: β€œChatGPT was used to outline Essay 1 idea.”
  • Tech Use: Laptops are permitted for note-taking only. Phones must be silent and out of sight.
  • Inclusivity & Respect: All students are expected to contribute to a respectful, inclusive learning environment.

πŸ“¬ Contact

Email: jzhang3@ahu.edu.cn

Let’s explore how language works in the mind β€” together!