Introduction to Human Communication Science

Course aim

To develop an understanding of the normal components of human communication with an emphasis on the discipline of linguistics, namely syntax, morphology, semantics, phonology and pragmatics. The course also aims to develop a strong understanding of the profession of speech pathology, the roles and responsibilities of a speech pathologist plus models of service delivery.

Course content

This course introduces students to the profession and scope of speech pathology, and the roles & responsibilities of speech pathologists in practice both within a variety of settings and under different service delivery models. Students will be introduced to the Professional Standards, set by our national association Speech Pathology Australia covering concepts of; reflective practice & lifelong interprofessional learning, professional conduct, including the code of ethics, and evidenced based speech pathology practice.

 Students are introduced to the components of normal human communication with an emphasis on the sub-disciplines of linguistics, namely syntax, morphology, semantics, phonology and pragmatics. In addition, the pragmatic and sociological factors affecting human communication are introduced, including cultural and linguistic diversity such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and creoles. The importance of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is emphasised throughout (World Health Organisation, 2001). Further, two psycholinguistic models of language processing are examined in detail.

Textbook(s)

Fromkin, V., Rodman, R., Hyams,N.,.Amberber, M., Cox, F., & Thornton, R. 2021, An introduction to language: Australia and New Zealand, 10th edn, Cengage Learning, Australia, South Melbourne

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, CITY EAST
Lecture	2 hours x 13 weeks
Tutorial	1 hour x 13 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Essay, Examination

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.