MULTI4120 – Cognitive Aspects of Multilingualism
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The course explores the relation between language and cognition from the perspective of multilingualism. In particular, we focus on a) basic mechanisms of language learning and processing across the lifespan, b) the potential impact of multilingualism on such mechanisms, c) differences in learning and processing between children and adults, and d) methodological issues related to the replicability of findings and open science practices in multilingualism research.
The course is structured so as to engage active participation by students. Accordingly, some of the weekly readings will be chosen by students together with the instructor, from a list of suggested readings and topics.The students will take active weekly participation in rotating to present and discuss some of the readings. Together, the contents and participative organization of the course hone the skills required for developing a research proposal for MA thesis work.
Learning outcome
This course will provide knowledge about:
- theories and research on language and cognition
- perspectives, debates, and key results in cognitive and psycholinguistic research on multilingualism
- methods in psycholinguistics for conducting multilingual research
This course will give you the skills to:
- think about language scientifically
- understand principles of quantitative methods for the language sciences
- identify and formulate relevant research questions
- design a quantitative research project on multilingualism
This course will provide you with general competence to:
- raise critical questions to your own thinking process
- Critically locate and evaluate primary sources of information or evidence with respect to ethical, scientific, and technical aspects
- assess and weigh the empirical evidence base for claims and theories
- Communicate orally and in written form about scientific content
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
MULTI4100 – Theoretical Foundations of Multilingualism and LING4140 – Linguistic Method, or equivalent courses.
It is recommended that students have completed 10ECTS study of statistics (such as MULTI4110 – Introduction to Statistical Analysis for Language Students).
Overlapping courses
No overlap
Teaching
10 double lectures.
It is expected that students participate actively in all sessions.
The following compulsory assignment must be approved by the lecturer before the student can take the final exam: As a group activity (2 students per group) you will prepare, present and discuss research articles that will complement the topics of this course. Each group will agree on the articles with the instructor at the beginning of the course, and groups will take turns to present weekly, typically in the second hour of each week. Students will be assessed individually on their portion of the oral presentation.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Term paper: Research proposal for MA thesis.
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit assignments in Inspera.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.