Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

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, neurological, archaeological 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)

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Knowledge of the relevant stages in the evolution of humankind; in depth understanding of the key theories of language evolution from the linguist’s perspective; detailed understanding of primary literature relevant to language origins from other key disciplines, such as biology, archaeology, neurology and palaeontology. Clear demonstration of understanding of relevant issues in evolutionary biology.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students successfully completing this module will have gained an advanced knowledge of primary literature within evolutionary linguistics and several fields related to linguistics; they will have full mastery of the relevant technical terminology; they will demonstrate critical thinking and detailed, logical argumentation appropriate for a Master’s level candidate.

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 are intended as a forum to show that the student has read and digested primary literature, and can demonstrate the logic of the argumentation found in the readings for each class. Presentations from class members will be expected. Assignments will also be discussed in seminars.

Independent study is required for reading and writing the assessment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written assignment allows assessment of a student’s in-depth understanding of the concepts and issues covered, their grasp of the major hypotheses in the field, and their ability to argue cogently and concisely, including their ability to use correctly the technical terminology required in an evolutionary science. Advanced, logical argumentation skills will be expected and assessed.

General Notes

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