Language and the Brain - W 2440 |
See the most recent syllabus |
|
Instructor:
|
Prof.
Michele Miozzo
e-mail: mm1150@columbia.edu phone: 854-8605 Office: 317 Schermerhorn Hall |
| Course content: The course addresses two issues:
(a) the psychological processes that underlie the comprehension and production
of words and sentences, reading and writing; and (b) the organization of
these processes in the brain. The course reviews the experimental approaches
adopted in psycholinguistics to investigate various linguistic tasks and
the experimental findings that are at the basis of current models of language
processing. The performance of brain-damaged patients with deficits selectively
affecting a given language function (e.g., oral naming or reading) are
also considered. The analyses of these deficits can be used to constrain
models of language processing and to develop theories about the functional
architecture of language mechanisms in the brain. To determine the brain
regions related to language and meaning, some recent investigations make
use of neuroimaging techniques such as positron emission tomography, functional
magnetic imaging and event-related potential. The relevance of neuroimaging
data for psychological and neurological theories of language processing
is discussed. The course also surveys topics related to language acquisition,
reading deficits (dyslexias), writing deficits (agraphias) and bilingualism.
Classes: Classes consist of lectures. Between one and three classes
are devoted to the discussion of a general topic (e.g., language production;
reading). Following a general introduction of the topic, the discussion
will focus on a specific issue and the relevant experimental evidence that
has been provided to support a given account. For example, in discussing
word meaning, it will be examined whether distinct brain regions are devoted
to the processing of animate and inanimate concepts. During classes students
will participate in several experiments.
Readings: The readings include: (a) chapters from the textbook
("Psycholinguistics," Berko and Bernstein editors) and (b) articles from
scientific journals and books. While the textbook offers an overview of
the topics discussed in class, articles focus on specific issues and present
a theoretical view or exemplify an approach for investigating an aspect
of language. Students are expected to come to class having read the material
assigned for class. Copies of the articles are available for photocopying
in the Psychology Library (Schermerhorn Hall rm 409).
Exams/Grading: There are two in-class exams ? a midterm and a final. The midterm exam covers all the material assigned up to that point and contributes 40% to the final grade. The final exam covers the material from the entire semester, although it emphasizes the material presented in the second part of the semester. The final exam accounts for 60% of the final grade. Both exams include multiple choice and 2 essay questions. |
|