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Unit outline_

CSCD2070: Human Communication Development

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

In Human Communication Development acquire knowledge related to typical communication development in English across the lifespan and in cultures relevant to the Australian context. Students will learn about the sequence of normal communication development from pre­linguistic communication development in infants through to aging processes affecting adult language; the significance of context and function in the development of language; the universality of communication development, and the effect of gender and culture in communication development. Students will learn relevant theories and knowledge regarding the development of communication including phonetics, phonology, semantics, syntax, pragmatics and non­verbal communication and be introduced to literacy. This unit prepares students to undertake observation and analysis of communication skills and uses cases to apply knowledge across the lifespan. Students will also begin accumulating knowledge about professional communication skills needed by health professionals to work with clients, carers and colleagues with practical application including small group assessment tasks.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Communication Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
CSCD1032
Assumed knowledge
? 

CSCD1034 Linguistics and Phonetics or equivalent

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Gregory Flannery, gregory.flannery@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Mikaela Bow, mikaela.bow@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Mikaela Bow, mikaela.bow@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment Health promotion product
Health promotion product and video presentation
30% Week 05
Due date: 10 Sep 2021 at 23:59
Health Promotion Product + Video (3 min)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO10 LO11
Assignment Cultural competence modules 1 and 2
Online modules
0% Week 05
Due date: 03 Sep 2021 at 23:59
30 minutes each
Outcomes assessed: LO10 LO11
Assignment group assignment Language Sample: Transcription & MLU
Transcription of language sample and Mean Length of Utterance calculation
10% Week 06
Due date: 17 Sep 2021 at 23:59
50 utterances
Outcomes assessed: LO3
Assignment Discussion Paper
Discussion paper on the impact of communication issues
20% Week 09
Due date: 15 Oct 2021 at 23:59
750 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3
Assignment group assignment Language Sample: Analysis & Report
Analysis, interpretation, and reporting of LARSP results
40% Week 12
Due date: 05 Nov 2021 at 23:00
Analysis plus 2-3 page report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Cultural Competence Modules: Students are required to complete online cultural competence modules 1 and 2.
  • Health promotion product: Students will work in groups of 3 to 4 students and create a health information product for consumers. Students will present the product via a short video. 
  • Language sampling - analysis and report: Students will work in pairs to take a language sample of a child aged between 4 and 4 years 11 months. Students will analyse the language characteristics of the sample using Language Assessment, Remediation and Screening Procedure (LARSP) and interpret the results. This assessment has two components 1) transcription & MLU, and 3) analysis and report
  • Clinical discussion paper: students will write a 750 word discussion paper on communication. 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. 

Note: Students must complete all tasks to pass this unit of study. Failure to complete all assessments will result in a Fail grade, regardless of the cumulative total of marks

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Assignments are due 11.59pm on the day outlined in Canvas. Submission after this time is deemed late. 5% is deducted from the mark for each day it is late. After 10 days the assignment is not marked. Any student unable to submit by the deadline should apply for Special Consideration. Further information can be found https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction to the unit; 2. Definitions and interaction between speech, language an literacy Lecture (2 hr) LO7
Health promotion product information & support Tutorial (1 hr) LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 02 1. Development across the lifespan; 2. Theoretical models; 3. Literature search strategies Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO7 LO8
Search strategies for health promotion product Tutorial (1 hr) LO7 LO8
Week 03 1. Infants and toddlers; 2. Language sampling: sematic relationships and two-word utterances Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Language sampling Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 04 1. Preschool years; 2. LARSP: what is it? Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO10
LARSP Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 05 1. School age children; 2. LARSP application Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Simple level anayses Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 06 Communication in adolescence Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Complex level analyses Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 07 Communication in adulthood Lecture (2 hr) LO1
LARSP - analysis of collected samples Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 08 Factors affecting communication Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO10
LARSP - analysis of collected samples Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 09 Literacy 1. Development; 2. Role of the speech-language pathologist Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO9
LARSP - analysis of collected samples Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 10 Professional Skills 1. A/typical development 2. Interpreting & conveying results Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO10 LO12
Interpreting & reporting results Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO10 LO12
Week 11 Professional Skills - cultural competence Lecture (2 hr) LO10 LO11
Interpreting and reporting results Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO10 LO12
Week 12 Neurobiological and cognitive bases for speech and language Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Discussion and report completion Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO10 LO12

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:  Lectures: Monday 9am-11am, weeks 1-13. Tutorials: Monday afternoon. All classes, particularly the tutorials, will assist with the assignment work.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

  • McLeod, S. & McCormack, J. (Eds.). (2015). Introduction to Speech, Language and Literacy. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. describe normative data on communication development from conception to old age in cultures relevant to Australia including Australia’s indigenous population
  • LO2. apply population-based statistical information to interpret normal communication behaviour and development (normal curve, standard deviation, percentile rank)
  • LO3. collect and analyse a conversational sample in relation to normative data
  • LO4. demonstrate the ability to present information visually and orally to professionals and peers
  • LO5. demonstrate the ability to write clear and concise reports for communicating information to non-professional care givers
  • LO6. use information technology for professional tasks (e.g. creating and/or critiquing health information such as blogs, YouTube videos and flyers)
  • LO7. understand advanced syntax, keyword and subject heading search terms to find appropriate learning resources
  • LO8. critically appraise journal articles and information resources with regard to peer- review and content
  • LO9. identify and analyse the roles of communication specialists in a variety of settings
  • LO10. demonstrate awareness of cultural and linguistic difference in communication development in cultures relevant to the Australian context
  • LO11. accommodate personal, cultural and linguistic difference in professional communication with a range of health professionals, carers and consumers in cultures relevant to Australia
  • LO12. exercise critical judgement in the interpretation of communication development including selecting appropriate norms and health information from credible sources.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
LO2
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
LO3
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.3. Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
LO4
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
LO5
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
2.5. Provide feedback on results of interpreted speech pathology assessments to the client and/or significant others and referral sources, and discuss management.
LO6
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
LO7
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
LO8
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
LO9
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.5. Identify the scope and nature of speech pathology practice in a range of community and work place contexts.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.5. Identify the scope and nature of speech pathology practice in a range of community and work place contexts.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
7.1. Uphold the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and work within all the relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.3 T A Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
2.1 T P A Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
4.6 T P A Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

redeveloped the assessment a little so there was one individual task

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