PLMLDG-Language in Genetic Disorders (M Level)

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: PLMFG Foundations of Grammar
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Vesna Stojanovik
Email: V.Stojanovik@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module introduces the students to current research into language and communication development and impairment in clinical populations affected by genetic disorders (for example, Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder etc). The module covers several aspects of language and communication development in different clinical populations, such as for example, early stages of language development, bilingual language development, precursors to language, phonological and lexical development, grammatical development, social communication and pragmatics. 

Aims:

The module aims:

1. to familiarise the students with current research on language development and impairment in different populations affected by genetic disorders (for example, Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder etc);


2. to provide a wider theoretical context within which research on language and communication in genetic disorders is particularly relevant. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the modules, the students will be able to:

• Show in-depth knowledge of the language and communication characteristics of the clinical populations covered in the module


• Show clear understanding of, and critically evaluate theoretical arguments which aim to explain the neuro-cognitive profiles of different clinical populations


• Clearly articulate their views on current theoretical debates in the field of language and communications in genetic disorders


• Present their ideas logically and effectively

Additional outcomes:

• Working as part of a group 


• Critical thinking


• Presentation skills

Outline content:

The module will provide the students with in depth knowledge and understanding of how speech, language and communication develops in children affected by different genetic disorders (for example, Williams syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder etc), different aspects of linguistic and cognitive functioning in different clinical populations and current theoretical explanations of their language and cognitive profiles of different clinical populations. 

Global context:

Tthe module covers studies from a variety of languages and different parts of the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be 2 hours of lectures and 12 hours of student-led seminars (groups of students present research papers). During the seminars, specific research papers will be discussed in depth and students will be expected to have read the papers and to contribute to the discussion. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		2
Seminars		12
Guided independent study:		86
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

3000-word essay. 

Formative assessment methods:

Students will get written feedback on their presentations and there will be plenty of opportunities for getting feedback on knowledge and understanding during the sessions through question/answer sessions, group work, worksheets etc.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment will be by a 3000 word essay. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books:


2. Specialist equipment or materials:


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:


4. Printing and binding:


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification:


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 30 March 2023