Course: Introduction to Normal Child Language Development
SLP 310 | 4 Quarter Hours
Course Overview:
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the processes and milestones involved in normal language acquisition in young children. Students will examine the nature, development, and complexities of language competence through lectures, videos, readings, and research discussions. Topics include the major components of language—phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics—and their role in language development, cognitive functions, and early literacy. Foundational theories and experimental findings will be discussed, along with an introduction to common language disorders in children.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Analyze the complexity and uniqueness of human communication.
2. Understand the development of verbal and nonverbal child language.
3. Examine the interrelationships among key components of language.
4. Evaluate the cognitive functions underlying language development.
5. Develop strategies to support children's communication skills.
6. Connect receptive and expressive language development with literacy skills.
7. Identify individual differences in language development.
Course Expectations
Students are expected to actively participate in online discussions, complete weekly readings and assignments, and demonstrate a spirit of inquiry by exploring course topics independently. Professional etiquette, respectful engagement, and adherence to classroom policies are essential.
Assessments
- Tests: Three open-book tests combining multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions.
- Weekly Discussions: Contributions to discussion boards, including initial posts and replies to peers.
- Quizzes: Weekly quizzes on course material.
- Final Project: A two-part project analyzing a preschool TV show, including a written review and a video presentation. This project will examine: Age group for which show seemed to be designed and why; Examples of language from show including the theme, sentence length (mean length of utterance), examples of vocabulary used, prosody/tone (music, humor, sarcasm, sincerity), rate of speech and language, and the student's overall impression of the language and thoughts about the show and its suitability for the age range.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
This course promotes a welcoming and inclusive learning environment, with diverse readings, anti-racism statements, and accommodations to support all students. Assessments and teaching strategies ensure equitable opportunities for success.
This course is ideal for students interested in speech-language pathology, education, psychology, or related fields. It provides foundational knowledge crucial for understanding language development and its role in human communication.
