Language Acquisition and Disorders

3 credits

This course examines how humans acquire language and explores the developmental and acquired disorders that can disrupt this process. We will cover major theories of language development, milestones in typical language learning, and the cognitive, neurological, and social factors that influence language growth. The second half of the course introduces language disorders in children and adults, including developmental language disorder, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, aphasia, and communication difficulties associated with hearing loss. Students will gain a foundation for understanding research and educational implications in the field of language development.