TC407 - Development of Language and Literacy

Course Description

Introduction to language development; linguistic terminology and components of languages; biological basis of language; theories of language acquisition; stages of language development; environmental factors; language diversity factors; bilingualism; characteristics of and intervention for language disorders; emergent literacy; assessment of language; second language learning and language changes throughout the lifespan. This course assists candidates in learning from current research and practice how cognitive, pedagogical, and individual factors affect students’ language acquisition. It focuses on understanding how to effectively use materials, methods and strategies for English language development that are responsive to the individual developmental learning needs of each child This course will increase the student’s knowledge base concerning the learner, the teacher, the language-learning process, normal and atypical language acquisition, learning environments, learning styles, language learning strategies, second language learning and key theoretical perspectives on language learning and development. Current and past practices concerning speech and language acquisition will be reviewed. Information concerning language and early literacy development will assist the student to become a competent collaborator in terms of developing language development programs and a decision-maker regarding referrals for further assessment

This course will focus on typical/atypical language development, language learning and students with disabilities. Candidates will become knowledgeable on identifying language development needs versus language acquisition needs.