Universität Wien

160151 PS The role of concepts in language and development (2023S)

Introductory Seminar on Cognitive Psychology for Linguists

Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 40 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Thursday 02.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 09.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 16.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 23.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 30.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 20.04. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 27.04. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 04.05. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 11.05. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 25.05. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 01.06. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 15.06. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 22.06. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 29.06. 09:00 - 10:30 Seminarraum 3 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The aim of the course is to introduce cognitive science through a single, current topic: the role of concepts in language and development. The core reading (Susan Carey: The origin of concepts, OUP, 2009) will show how theories affect empirical research, how research questions can be implemented to investigate preverbal and verbal infants, and finally, how empirical data can change theories in cognitive science. The course will require intensive preparation and active participation from the students as instead of giving a broad overview of cognitive science it will provide an opportunity for learning through a currently active topic, that still generates new research questions and ideas.

Assessment and permitted materials

Participation in class discussion (20%)
Leading a discussion (40%)
End-of-term essay (40%)

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Each student should prepare a ppt presentation of an assigned chapter of Carey’s book to (1) summarize it and (2) lead the discussion in relation to the assigned chapter. The presentation will be interactive.
Students are required to read each chapter and prepare 2 questions per chapter. The questions are required to be discussed during the class.
The students have to write a seminar paper at the end of the term. Topic: any related topic of their own choice (e.g., literature review, theoretical proposal, experimental plan). A literature review must involve papers both from cognitive science and linguistics to answer a single scientific question, which has to be specified in the title. A theoretical proposal must include an introduction based on previous theoretical and empirical works, a proposed solution to a problem, and an elaborated argument explaining why and how the proposal is relevant. An experimental plan must include an introduction (with references to previous works), a research question/hypothesis, a section about methods/procedure (how the question can be tested), and predicted results.
Deadline: 15th of September. Maximum length of the paper: 2500 words.
Evaluation criteria: integration of core readings, precise and concise style, originality, quality of cited literature (review of topic-relevant literature and citations are mandatory).

Examination topics

No exam option

Reading list

Susan Carey (2009). The origin of concept. Oxford University Press.
+ announcements during the course

Association in the course directory

MA1-M2

Last modified: Th 26.01.2023 15:49