General provisions

The course is given in semester 3 in the speech therapist programme.

Entry requirements

For admission to higher semester, the student may have no more than 15 credits in conditional pass from previous semesters in the speech therapist programme. The programme is based on clear progression, which is why the student should follow the courses in order.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should:

• be able to account for different theories of children's language learning
• be able to account for typical number, language and communication development of children
• be able to account for different theories of children's bilinguality and second language learning
• be able to explain relationships between language development and different language environments
• be able to analyse language and communication of children with typical language development

Content

Theories of children's language learning. Pre-lingual communication. The child's learning and development of sound system, grammar and vocabulary. The child's development in his ability to participate in communication with his environment. Relationship between language development and different language environments. Linguistic consciousness. Multilinguality. Language and identity. Early (simultaneous) bilinguality. Second language learning and the development of gradual bilinguality. Communication on two languages, code-switching and interference. Skills to analyse child language.

Instruction

Teaching is given as lectures, seminars and group work.

Assessment

The students show results of his learning through examined components. The assessment may be oral or written. Passing the course requires both participation in compulsory learning activities and passed results of examined components. Regulations and guidelines regarding examined components or compulsory learning activities are made available at the beginning of the course.

A pass mark on course A pass for all compulsory elements of the course and a passed written examination are required for a pass for the course as a whole. Written examination of theoretical components.

Students who have not passed the examination have a right to make 4 additional examination attempts (i.e. 5 examination attempts in total). If special circumstances apply, the programme committee may allow further additional examinations. Each occasion the student participates in an examination is regarded as one examination attempt. Submission of a so-called blank examination counts as an examination attempt.

The student has the right to request a change of examiner after two failed examinations.

Other directives

The course may be given in English.