SEL3005 : Origins and Evolution of Language
SEL3005 : Origins and Evolution of Language
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Christine Cuskley
- Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
- Capacity limit: 60 student places
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
Aims: To examine recent theories of language origins and evolution from a linguistic perspective; to examine work on the physical evidence concerning the origins of language, especially from a linguistic perspective; to consider additional evidence from a biological, anthropological, neurological and palaeontological perspective.
Outline Of Syllabus
i. Human evolution, genetics, and phylogeny in relation to language (weeks 1 – 4)
ii. Language-relevant changes to the brain and cognition in hominins (week 5)
iii. Communication and relevant cognitive skills in other species (week 6)
iv. The transition to language: Protolanguage and the evolution of syntax and morphology (weeks 7 – 8)
v. Evolution of social cognition, cultural evolution of language, gene culture co-evolution (weeks 9 – 11)
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Knowledge of the relevant basic stages in the evolution of humankind; knowledge of several key theories of language evolution from the linguist’s perspective; basic information relevant to language origins from other key disciplines, such as biology, anthropology, archaeology, neurology and paleoanthropology. Understanding of relevant issues in evolutionary biology.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Familiarity with reading and argumentation in evolutionary linguistics and several fields related to linguistics; appropriate use of specific and specialist terminology; ability to construct an appropriate argument within the scope of evolutionary linguistics.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 47:00 | 47:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 60:00 | 60:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 60:00 | 60:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SEL8033 | Origins and Evolution of Language |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures introduce the relevant points of evolutionary biology as it pertains to language evolution, outline the main concepts and topics in evolutionary linguistics, give definitions and explanations, and discuss the primary hypotheses found in the evolutionary linguistics literature.
Seminars read and digest primary literature, outline the structure of arguments, allow student feedback, and discuss issues arising from the lectures, in smaller groups.
Structured reading and workshops will provide guided practice in reading, critiquing, and discussing primary interdisciplinary scientific literature, and give practical advice about presenting and constructing an argument, and writing cogently in a scientific discipline.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | A | 50 | 2,000 words |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 50 | 1,500 words (short answer) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Formative quizzes throughout the semester including built-in feedback, allowing students to assess their comprehension of readings. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The written exercise will assess the students ability to clearly and concisely apply basic concepts of evolution to Linguistics and Social Sciences using a short answer format.
The essay allows assessment of a student’s understanding of the concepts and issues covered, their grasp of the major hypotheses in the field, and their ability to argue cogently, clearly and concisely, including their ability to use correctly the technical terminology required in an evolutionary science.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL3005's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SEL3005's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.