Language Use and Understanding (BCS 261) - Spring 2003

Jennifer Arnold
275-7187
jarnold@bcs.rochester.edu
Meliora 495

For web site go to:
http://www.bcs.rochester.edu/courses/261.index.html

This course covers advanced topics in the field of psycholinguistics. What are the cognitive processes underlying our ability to speak and understand? We will look at the ability to identify and interpret sounds, words, sentences, and larger units of discourse, and the mechanisms that speakers go through when producing language. A particular focus of this course will be language use in context. That is, how do properties of the social, physical, and linguistic context affect the way that people speak and understand? How are processes at different levels (e.g., understanding words or understanding sentences) independent, and how are they influenced by the context in which they occur?

Readings: We will read journal articles and book chapters that will be available on electronic reserve, and for copying in the BCS copy room. Supporting readings will be handed out in class (i.e., short summary papers that provide context for the assigned articles). We will discuss the readings in class, seminar-style. A portion of your grade is based on your participation in class discussions. Each student will also be responsible for leading one discussion, including a brief presentation of the main issues in the assigned readings.

Reading Questions: For each assigned set of readings, you are required to answer a short set of reading questions and come up with at least 2 questions per article for discussion. The discussion questions are due by midnight the night before class, by email to both Dr. Arnold and the student presenting that article. The reading questions are due in class or by email before class to Dr. Arnold. The reading questions/discussion questions together are each worth 5 points. The 4 lowest grades for reading notes will be dropped. All the reading questions together are worth 100 points, and represent 10 % of your final grade. Late reading questions are not accepted.

Course requirements and grading schema:

Written assignments - 25%

1. Short written assignment - 5% of grade

2. Two medium written assignments - 20% of grade

Readings and Class participation - 25%

1. Reading questions - 10% of grade

2. Class participation - 5% of grade

3. Article presentation/leading class discussion - 10% of grade

Exams - 50%

1. Midterm Exam - 20% of grade

2. Final Exam (cumulative) - 30% of grade

Exam Rescheduling and Late policy:

Exams may only be missed in case of an emergency. If you are unable to take the exam at the scheduled time for a legitimate reason, and you know in advance, contact the instructor as soon as you know. If you miss an exam due to an unexpected illness or calamity, contact the instructor as soon as possible.

Written assignments are due in class on the date specified. Late assignments will be penalized 5 points (out of 100) for each day the assignment is late, including weekends. As with exams, if you anticipate needing an extension, contact the instructor as soon as possible. Extensions will only be granted in advance of the due date, and only for legitimate reasons.

Office Hours: The instructor will stay an extra 5-10 minutes after class to answer questions. You are also encouraged to set up individual meetings with the instructor to discuss course material, questions you may have, etc. (just send email).

Religious Observance: If you need to miss class because of a religious observance, please speak to the instructor - preferably early in the semester - to make alternate arrangements.

Grading policy:

Exam and assignment grades are on an absolute basis (i.e., not on a curve):

100 = A+

90's = A's

80's = B's

70's = C's

60's = D's

<60 = E

Each student's work on exams and take-home assignments must come solely from that student. Use of books, notes, etc. during an exam is not permitted, and collaboration with others is not permitted for any assignments. Cases of suspected cheating will not be evaluated directly by the instructor, but will be referred to the College Board on Academic Honesty.