Module manager: Dr Hannah Nash
Email: h.nash@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Successful completion of all pass for progression modules in Level 2 of: BSc Psychology or MPsyc, BSc Advanced Psychology, BA Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Thought (and its International and Industrial variants) or BSc Psychology with Education (and its International and Industrial variants)
PSYC3529 Language and Development
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module aims to give students an insight into the acquisition and development of language and literacy from infancy and into adolescence, and will be of particular relevance to students interested in careers where an understanding of language is necessary, such as speech & language/occupational therapy, areas of clinical and educational psychology and both primary and secondary school teaching. The module builds upon core knowledge acquired in Level 1 and Level 2 modules which cover Cognitive and Developmental Psychology as well as Language and Memory Students will be encouraged to engage with primary research relating to each topic area.
This module aims to provide in depth coverage of methodological and theoretical issues relating to the development of language and literacy throughout childhood. Neurotypical and neurodivergent development will be considered. There will be a focus on summarising and evaluating theories and evidence for a general audience, to support the assignment which requires students to create a video guide for parents.
On Successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of theories and models of language acquisition and reading development
2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of developmental language disorder and dyslexia at the behavioural, cognitive and biological levels
3. Demonstrate understanding of the practical application of theories and evidence pertaining to language and reading development
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Summarise and critically evaluate practical, theoretical, and ethical issues associated with a range of methodologies and approaches used within the field of language and reading development
5. Apply, with evidence, theories about language and reading development to address aspects of real-world issues
6. Generate evidence-based guidance for caregivers about an aspect of language and reading development related to the module
Topics will likely include:
• Infant language acquisition
• Learning new words
• Combining words
• Developmental Language Disorder
• Learning to read
• Dyslexia
• Multilingualism
• Assessment preparation & support
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 7 | 2 | 14 |
| Seminar | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Tutorial | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Private study hours | 125 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Reading for each lecture 7 x 5 - 35 hrs
Preparation for seminar - 5 hrs
Coursework preparation - 50 hrs
Independent literature searches and reading, contribution to discussion - 35 hrs
Students will be able to submit a plan for their video guide, on which they will receive written feedback.
There will also be a seminar where there will be the opportunity to ask questions and receive group-based feedback face to face.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Video guide for parents | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Summative assessment will take the form of a piece of coursework. Students will be asked to create a 15-minute video guide for caregivers. They will choose the topic for the video guide, but it must be related to the module content. The assignment will provide the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained (about theoretical models of language acquisition and reading development and of developmental language disorder and dyslexia) practically to provide evidence-based guidance for caregivers to help them to support their child(ren). To do this successfully students will need to be able to summarise and evaluate practical, theoretical, and ethical issues associated with a range of methodologies and approaches used within the fields and apply these to children’s development.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2025
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