OVERVIEW

Language and communication (LC) are a higher-order human function that separates us from all other living beings, so studying it mechanisms of learning and use contributes to a deeper understanding of human nature.

The course aims to provide the fundamentals of the psychology of language and communication (PLC), an empirical scientific discipline. It will cover not only the main contemporary theories but also the methods by which they were formulated and empirically tested, while highlighting the importance of this line of research for everyday life and society.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide an overview of the discipline as an empirical science that seeks to understand human behavior, with particular reference to the processes underlying language and communication. At the end of the course, students will have acquired theoretical and empirical knowledge about the basic processes of human language and communication; they will be able to discuss the various aspects of human communication and the similarities and differences with other forms of communication in nature; they will have approached empirical tools of communication analysis; they will be able to work in groups to design a communication artifact/product; they will be able to present and discuss their work in public. This allows them the achievement of a correct methodology for the transfer of knowledge in the applied field.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Identify basic concepts and research findings, and give examples of major integrative themes in human communication research:
  • The communication sciences rely on empirical evidence and adapt to the development of new data.
  • PLC the general principles that govern behavior, recognizing individual differences.
  • Psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors influence the mental processes and behaviors involved.
  • The application of psychological principles can help us communicate better and learn languages (including our own!) better.
• Draw appropriate, thoughtful, and objective conclusions about language behavior and mental processes from empirical evidence.
• Evaluate misconceptions or behavioral misstatements based on evidence from the communication sciences.

TEACHING METHODS

Classroom Lectures. Whenever possible, depending on the number of students in the classroom, the course will balance the use of frontal lessons, group work (project-based learning, case-based learning), individual and group exploration of the contents, and activities aimed at evaluating the acquisition of the contents during the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will address the following topics: the study of language as a cognitive and social faculty; characteristics and methods of investigation (with particular reference to quantitative, experimental and observational methods); Phylogenetic, ontogenetic, biological, cognitive and social bases of language; Comparisons with non-human communication; Language acquisition and language use.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sedivy, J. (2014). Language in mind: An introduction to psycholinguistics. Oxford University Press.

Additional reading materials will be provided during each lecture. Students are advised to consult the Aulaweb website before buying textbooks and, if in doubt, to write to the instructor.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DAVID GIOFRE' (President)

LUCA ONNIS (President)

GUIDO FRANCO AMORETTI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons start in the Semester 1.

Please register with Aula Web to get access to the course materials and to receive regular updates on office hours, as well as other information related to this course.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written test (multiple-choice quizzes and computer-based completion) at the end of the course, covering the textbook and material covered in class that is not covered in the textbook, including audio/video material.

The degree of participation in the activities proposed during the semester will also be taken into consideration positively for the final evaluation, with a score that can be added to that of the written test.

It is mandatory to register for the exam through the AulaWeb student portal.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Knowledge of the main theories covered in the material presented, understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying the most important behaviors of human beings with particular attention to cognitive processes.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students possessing a “DSA certification”, having disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods which, in accordance with the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory tools.

Students are referred to the Aulaweb platform for any updates that may become necessary during the course of the academic year (both with regard to the methods of delivery and examination), which may arise due to changes in the current health and epidemiological emergency situation.

For international students, slides and texts in English may be available on request. The exam can be taken in English in the prescribed manner.