This course is taken in the junior year. The course involves a scientifically-based overview of typical language development in children, beginning in infancy and going through adolescence and adulthood. The class discusses variables that can impact language development (e.g., poverty, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and others). The class includes a review of theories of language acquisition, basic principles of language sampling, and elements of grammar. There is an introduction to basic principles of assessment and intervention for children with language impairments as a foundation to the child language disorders class offered the subsequent semester. Evidence-based practice is emphasized, and scientific research studies are utilized to support recommendations for assessment and intervention. The concepts of linguistic human rights, intersectionality, and equity vs. equality are incorporated into the course.
In-class lectures will be accompanied by PowerPoints. You may print out student PowerPoints from this website or bring them to class and take notes on your computer, iPad, or other device. Some note taking is definitely expected during class time. Thus, class attendance is strongly encouraged.
8/27/25 Introduction to Child Language
9/3 and 9/8/25 Language Development Theories
9/10/25 Neurological Bases of Speech and Language
9/15 and 9/17/25 Infant Development
9/24/25 Language Learning and Teaching Processes and Young Children
9/29 and 10/1/25 Toddler Language Development
10/6 and 10/8/25 Preschool Pragmatic and Semantic Development Continued
10/13/25 Preschool Syntactic and Morphological Development
10/15/25 Language Sampling Applications
10/22 and 10/27/25 Early School-Age Language Development
10/29/25 School Age Literacy Development
11/3/25 Adolescent and Adult Language
11/10/25 Language of Children who have been Neglected/Abused
11/12 and 11/1725 Language of Children Experiencing Poverty
11/24/25 Language of Children Prenatally Exposed to Drugs/Alcohol
12/1/25 Language of Students with ADHD
STUDY GUIDES
Language Sample Practice Sheet
Example 1 of Children's Book Assignment
Example 2 of Children's Book Assignment
Example 3 of Children's Book Assignment
Example 4 of Children's Book Assignment
Example 5 of Children's Book Assignment