BCS 265: Syllabus

Spring 2012

Time & Location

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:00 - 3:15 PM, Meliora 208

Personnel

Jennifer Roche, Ph.D.

585-275-7187
Office Hours: T/Th 12pm-1:45pm & by appointment
Meliora Hall 497

Readings

Required: Banich, M. & Mack M. (Eds.). (2003). Mind, brain and language: Multidisciplinary perspectives. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Press.

Provided: Various journal articles (see below).

Chapters from: Obler, L. & Gjerlow, K. (Eds.). (2008). Language and the brain. London, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Course Overview & Objectives

Language comprehension and production will be covered based on anatomy, physiology, and the physical dimensions critical to language processing.
The material presented will be used to strengthen your own knowledge about language processing as it relates to theory, as well as your own real world experiences with language.
Activities required for this class will be used to strengthen you own knowledge about Language and the Brain, as well as your ability to critically assess psychological and neuropsychological research.

Assignments & Grading

Weekly Chapter Postings: 5 points each
Weekly Article Postings: 5 points each
Discussion Leader: 20 points
Research Proposal:
- Topic & Articles: 15 points
- Title Page, Abstract & Keywords: 10 points
- 3 Annotated Bibliographies: 60 points (20 points each)
- Introduction: 15 points
- Methods Outline: 10 points
- Methods: 40 points
- Results/Discussion: 50 points
- References: 10 points
- Final Draft: 50 points
Total # of points = 400 points

(A = 400-358, B = 357-318, C = 317-278, D = 277-238, F = 237-0)

Weekly Chapter Postings

The weekly chapter readings will include a critique of or critical thinking question about the chapters assigned. This will help me assess how well you understood the chapter you read. You will be graded on the quality of your submission. See blackboard for an acceptable response to the weekly chapter readings. Your submission should be no longer than 150 words (about 1 paragraph). Weekly chapter readings will be due on Sunday of every week (by midnight).

Weekly Article Postings

The weekly article readings will include a critique of or critical thinking question about the papers assigned. You will be graded on the quality of your submission. See blackboard for an acceptable response to the weekly readings. Your submission should be no longer than 150 words (about 1 paragraph). Weekly readings will be due on Tuesday of every week (so read ahead).

Discussion Leader(s)

One or more students will be assigned to lead the discussion about the weekly readings. The Discussion Leader(s) are required to 1) briefly summarize each of the papers assigned (e.g., summarize each section of the paper), 2) summarize the questions/critiques submitted by fellow students in the class, 3) choose a few points to facilitate discussion about the papers (e.g., what would have made the paper more convincing, theoretical implications, etc.).

Research Proposal

The final course project will include a proposal of research (about 10 pages, more or less). Your research paper will include a Title Page (page 1), Abstract (page 2, about 150 words), an Introduction (3-5 pages), the 3 Annotated Bibliographies (about 150 words, more or less to be included in the Introduction), a proposed Methods (1-3 pages), a proposed Results and General Discussion section (2-3 pages) and References (1-2 pages). The final draft of the research paper will be due during final exams week. The full draft is worth 100 points and will include all sections discussed above. You will be graded on APA format as well as content.

Topic & Articles

You will be required to choose a topic related to Language in the Brain. This topic will be selected by you and approved by me. Based on the topic you choose, find at least 3 peer-reviewed journal articles that have a language and brain component that have been published within the last 10 years (2002-2012; peer-reviewed articles should be at least 4 to 7 pages in length).

Title Page, Abstract & Keywords

Please refer to the most current APA manual in regards to formatting the Title page. The Abstract will include no more than a 150-word summary of your research proposal (see APA manual for help). Come up with at least 5 keywords associated with your research proposal (e.g., Language will likely be one of them; see APA manual for formatting the keywords in your Abstract).

Annotated Bibliographies

The final course grade will also be determined by an evaluation of 3 annotated bibliographies, due on days listed below. Each annotated bibliography will be worth 10 points each. The annotated bibliography will consist of a typed summary and critical review of 3 peer-reviewed articles. Each article will be summarized and evaluated separately, and should not exceed 1 single-spaced, typed page.

Introduction, Methods, Results/Discussion & References

Each of these sections will eventually be integrated and will become the final paper. In the final paper, each of these sections should follow APA formatted guidelines. Reference the APA manual for the appropriate headers in each section. Each of these sections will have a template associated with the requirements. Use the template to help you formulate your assignments and for grading purposes (see Blackboard for more information about the requirements of each of these sections).

Note: All written assignments must be APA formatted. You must use the most current version.

Extra Credit

There will be 4 types of opportunities for students to obtain extra credit in the course:

Students may resubmit any written assignments 1 week after they are handed back with subsequent edits made, with the opportunity to receive partial credit back.
Other opportunities will be announced in class or in conjunction with assignments.
Extra credit will be given to students that attend the writing center for help with any written assignment.

Make-up Policies

There is no standard make-up policy for this class. Make an appointment to speak with me directly.

Academic Honesty, Cheating & Plagiarism

The term "plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full or clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. The term "academic misconduct" includes, but is not limited to, all acts of cheating and plagiarism as defined herein. Please refer to the University of Rochester's Code of Academic Honesty: http://www.rochester.edu/College/honesty/, for the treatment of related offenses. You are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty.

Learning Assistance Services

Any student who may need class or test accommodations based on the impact of a disability is encouraged to speak with me privately to discuss your specific needs. Students who require assistance in how to take notes, to study for exams, or to write clearly should contact Learning Assistance Services in Lattimore 107. More details can be found at: http://www.rochester.edu/College/LAS/. LAS coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

Diversity Statement

Diversity means the fair representation of all groups of individuals, the inclusion of minority perspectives and voices, and the appreciation of different cultural and socioeconomic group practices. We aspire to foster and maintain an atmosphere that is free from discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Academic courses will aim at providing opportunities for students to discuss issues of diversity including, but not limited to, ethnicity, gender, disability, and sexual orientation as they can be related to course content. The University of Rochester has adopted policies prohibiting discrimination based upon race, sex, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the American Psychological Association has explicit policies regarding the issues of and writing about race, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, and religion. You may find information on these standards in the APA Publication Manual or on the APA webpage: http://apa.org/pi/oema/.

Electronic Communication

Course announcements as well as consultation with the instructor may occur via e-mail/blackboard. Each student must maintain an e-mail account and is responsible for notifying the instructor if their e-mail address changes during the term.

top