Course description
Course Description
The MA in Language Disorders presents students with linguistic perspectives on the nature of language disorders, equips them with the linguistic techniques required to undertake research into language disorders, and familiarises them with how disorders are diagnosed and treated.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
Compulsory: DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE DISORDERS
Compulsory: EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS
Compulsory: FOUNDATIONS OF LINGUISTICS
Compulsory: LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN ADULTS
Compulsory: PHONOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PHONOLOGICAL DISORDERS
Core: DISSERTATION: MA
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Systematic understanding and knowledge of approaches to the study of language adopted in contemporary work in Linguistics
A2 : comprehensive understanding of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation and evaluation criteria used in contemporary linguistically informed research in language disorders, and of associated methodological, theoretical and descriptive issues
A3 : advanced training in methods and tools employed in contemporary linguistically informed research in language disorders to collect, analyse and present data with the goal of formulating and testing research hypotheses
A4 : systematic knowledge of techniques used to diagnose and treat language disorders
Teaching Methods
A1-4 are addressed in lectures, as well as seminar, class and tutorial discussion. Web and istructional course materials, including library and internet materials are used to a achieve A1 and 2. There is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written and oral feedback on work.
Assessment Methods
A1-4 are assessed by written coursework in the form of essays (usually a 3000 word essay per course) and exercises. The dissertation is instrumental in the achievement of A3, being the most significant form of assessment with respect to the knowledge and understanding acquired in the taught part of the course.
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Critically evaluate theories, accounts, explanations, approaches, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between theory and data
B2 : Abstract and synthesise complex information from a range of sources (lectures, seminars, classes, journals, books, internet etc.), making a critical assessment of its significance
B3 : Make systematic observations and insightful generalisations about complex behaviour (or data, or other materials), and analyse the relevant material using advanced specialised techniques
Teaching Methods
B1 and B3 are developed in seminarys, classes and tutorials. B2 is developed in directed reading of library and internet materials, as well as printed instructional course materials. There is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written and oral feedback on work.
Assessment Methods
Methods employed can include: coursework essays coursework exercises case study report research project
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Retrieve information from a variety of sources (e.g. Library, WWW, CD-rom)
C2 : Utilise advanced techniques and tools relevant to the collection, analysis or presentation of linguistic data, with a minimum of guidance
C3 : Plan, undertake and present an original piece of advanced work (e.g. on a topic researched individually or in collaboration with others), with a minimum of guidance
Teaching Methods
Throughout the scheme practical skills C1-3 are developed through independent learning in preparation for classess, seminars, essays and presentations. In particular, these skills are mobilised in preparation for tutorials for the dissertation. Office and email consultation with staff, as well as written/oral feedback on work is provided through both the coursework and dissertation phases of the degree.
Assessment Methods
Coursework and essays play an imporatnat part in the assessment of all skills C1-3. It is in the marking of the disseration, however that these skills - in particular C2 and C3 - become particularly salient.
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Communicating complex ideas effectively in writing, writing essays, reports and reviews using the appropriate register and style.
D2 : Using advanced computational tools and software packages to obtain, store and process information stored in electronic form (e.g. from the Library, WWW or CD-rom), and (where appropriate) to analyse data and results
D3 : Under guidance, interpreting complex statistical information presented in the form of diagrams, tables and graphs
D4 : Analysing complex data-sets or behaviour, abstracting insightful generalisations and testing abstract hypotheses
D6 : Under guidance, working independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management in tackling and solving complex problems
Teaching Methods
The key skllls D1, D2, D4 and D6 are aught through the scheme in preparation for lectures, seminars, tutorials and coursework assignments. Oral presentations in class may also be used to develop skills or oral communication in parallel with D1; students are also enclurage to collaborate with others to achieve common goals e.g. in project planning, management and presentation. Seminars and tutorials are used to develop D3 and D4. There is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written/oral feedback on work.
Assessment Methods
Coursework essays are used in the development of all key skills D1-D4 and D6. Copursework exercises specifically develop D3 and D4. The dissertation constitutes an overall assessment of these skills in judging communication, problem solving and independent learning.
