LINGUISTIC THEORY AND CHILD LANGUAGE
An introduction to the linguistic study of child language within the generative theory. According to this theory, humans are born with genetically determined linguistic knowledge called Universal Grammar, which guides children in learning language. Learn the basic concepts of the generative theory and learn to apply them to the study of child language. Topics include universal linguistic principles that govern children's acquisition of syntax and semantics and cross-linguistic influence in children acquiring more than one language from birth or early childhood. Discuss empirical research studies testing the Universal Grammar theory of language acquisition.
Topics
- universal linguistic principles that govern children's acquisition of syntax and semantics and cross-linguistic influence in children acquiring more than one language from birth or early childhood
Topics explicitly listed in official catalogue description
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: Sophomore standing Course Designation: Core GenEd - Humanities & Arts Breadth - Humanities or Social Science Level - Intermediate L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Explain main characteristics of first language acquisition (how children learn words, grammar, etc.) Audience: Undergraduate 2. Apply the current linguistic theory to explain child language Audience: Undergraduate 3. Be able to explain how language acquisition is underpinned by innate linguistic principles by drawing on concrete research findings Audience: Undergraduate 4. Critically evaluate and analyze research studies on first language Audience: Undergraduate 5. Demonstrate knowledge of current experimental methods on language acquisition Audience: Undergraduate 6. Interpret statistical data analysis of quantitative data Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Explain main characteristics of first language acquisition (how children learn words, grammar, etc.) Audience: Undergraduate 2. Apply the current linguistic theory to explain child language Audience: Undergraduate 3. Be able to explain how language acquisition is underpinned by innate linguistic principles by drawing on concrete research findings Audience: Undergraduate 4. Critically evaluate and analyze research studies on first language Audience: Undergraduate 5. Demonstrate knowledge of current experimental methods on language acquisition Audience: Undergraduate 6. Interpret statistical data analysis of quantitative data Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027