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First Language Acquisition (LING30003)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
Overview
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This subject is an overview of some principal issues in first language acquisition, including children's language development (from pre-speech onwards), grammatical, semantic and pragmatic development, and the continued development of language through the school years. The variability and individual differences in relation to current theoretical models of language acquisition and cognitive and social development will also be examined. Focus is on the acquisition of English, but cross-cultural material will be included for comparison.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to draw on and critically evaluate knowledge of how the linguistic system develops in the child, including the sound system, grammar, meaning, pragmatics, and awareness of language;
- have positioned themselves within theoretical debates in first language acquisition research;
- be able to confidently deploy discipline specific research skills using primary and secondary sources and empirical data with a strong sense of research ethics and intellectual integrity;
- be able to proficiently employ learning and research technologies as well as field-specific technologies such as the CHILDES database;
- have attained advanced abilities in writing and other modalities;
- have consolidated their understanding of social and cultural diversity and how they impact first language acquisition;
- lead collaborative activities to address complex tasks in diverse learning settings.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to think critically;
- be able to effectively communicate ideas in writing;
- be able to make a brief presentation.
Last updated: 19 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 19 March 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Data collection, transcription, project abstract & presentation | From Week 4 to Week 6 | 30% |
In-class quiz
| Week 9 | 20% |
Major project | During the examination period | 40% |
Participation & engagement | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 19 March 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
It is recommended that students have some familiarity with the IPA and basic linguistic concepts prior to enrolling into this subject. Contact the coordinator for recommended reading if you have no linguistics background.
Last updated: 19 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
First Language Acquisition (Eve V Clark) CUP, 2003 (3rd edition).
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Minor English Language Studies Major Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Informal specialisation English Language - 200 Point Program Informal specialisation Language Testing - 200 Point Program Informal specialisation TESOL - 200 Point Program Informal specialisation Technology in Language Learning - 200 Point Program - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 19 March 2024