Multilingualism and Cognition
PSY4247.01
Course Description
Summary
How are language and thought connected, and does speaking multiple languages affect these connections? Most people have had the experience of struggling to come up with a particular word or phrase, sometimes recalling it after a substantial delay. This course will unpack the mental processes involved in that experience and explore the ways that cognitive psychology -- the study of thought -- has been broadened by investigations of monolingual and multilingual language use. Students will contribute to the design, implementation, and write-up of a small research study conducted by the whole class.
Learning Outcomes
- Through course readings, discussions, activities, and presentations, you will extend your knowledge of:
>core cognitive processes relating to knowledge and language such as lexical retrieval,
>structural and functional brain networks involved in those processes,
>cognitive techniques such as priming and eye tracking,Â
>scientific definitions of varieties of bilingualism/multilingualism,
>differing interpretations of linguistic determinism, and
>policy debates in the US regarding bilingual education. - Doing the work of this course will also develop these skills:
>reading research and review articles,
>evaluating and developing cognitive study designs,
>participating in and sometimes leading class discussions, and
>expressing your knowledge orally and in writingÂ
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor.
Cross List
- Education
- Linguistics