Bilingualism and the Human Brain: course description
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Kazuyoshi Fukuzawa, Waseda University
This course covers the following interrelated topics: Topic 1, rules of argumentation; Topic 2, Bilingualism and semantic information processing; Topic 3, basic neural systems related to language processing (speaking, listening, writing and reading) of the human brain with particular reference to bilingual speakers, and Topic 4, the role of theory in scientific explanation and constructing explanatory models.
Topic 1 will begin with lectures covering basic models of argumentation, particularly a modification of Toulmin’s model of argumentation. We will look at the elements of reasoning such as data, evidence and claims and conclusions, focusing special attention on hidden assumptions called warrants in argumentation. This model of argumentation is applicable to daily casual discussion as well as scientific argumentation. Following the lectures, students will be asked to analyze the structure of argumentation of written material, reconstruct the argument then present the results of their analysis. In addition, students will discuss current issues based on the rules of argument. The skills acquired here are the basis for discussion and argumentation in this course as well as applicable to other courses that students are taking.
Topics 2 and 3 will be introduced with lectures. Topic 2 deals with psychological and linguistic studies of bilingual speakers What will be covered here is revisited in a different form in Topic 3 in connection with the human brain. These lectures will focus on the functional neuroanatomy of the human brain with particular reference to language processing. We will then move on to the neuropsychology of language, or the study of the relation between brain and psychological behavior. Brain damage causes the loss of brain function and is manifested in a variety of symptoms. Here, we focus on the relation between the brain and language per se through the neuropsychological symptoms known as aphasia (deficit of language processing), agraphia (writing disorders) and alexia (reading disorders).
Based on this background we will examine bilingualism and the human brain. As an extention of the neuropsychology of language, we will deal with language specificity and universality in relation to writing systems. Japanese and European orthographic systems will be compared in order to discuss the issues of bilingualism and aphasia to shed the light upon the idea of an “International Brain” Along with each topic on brain and language, we will touch upon the studies using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) .
Topic 4 will cover role of theory in scientific explanation and constructing explanatory models. Lectures on scientific explanation will be given in connection with the contents of Topic 1. Following lectures on some fundamental hints and suggestions concerning the nature of theoretical assumptions, students will construct a explanatory model to explain aphasic symptoms.
Lectures will be given but equal emphasis will be placed upon discussion, research and class presentation. Necessary readings will be on reserve in the library. The midterm exam will be a written test on the rules of argumentation and basic neuropsychology. Most of the content will be covered in the class with the remainder covered in readings. For the final exam, students will be required to construct a simple model for a given neuropsychological symptom and present it to the class.
No preliminary knowledge is required.
Topic 1 will begin with lectures covering basic models of argumentation, particularly a modification of Toulmin’s model of argumentation. We will look at the elements of reasoning such as data, evidence and claims and conclusions, focusing special attention on hidden assumptions called warrants in argumentation. This model of argumentation is applicable to daily casual discussion as well as scientific argumentation. Following the lectures, students will be asked to analyze the structure of argumentation of written material, reconstruct the argument then present the results of their analysis. In addition, students will discuss current issues based on the rules of argument. The skills acquired here are the basis for discussion and argumentation in this course as well as applicable to other courses that students are taking. Topics 2 and 3 will be introduced with lectures. Topic 2 deals with psychological and linguistic studies of bilingual speakers What will be covered here is revisited in a different form in Topic 3 in connection with the human brain. These lectures will focus on the functional neuroanatomy of the human brain with particular reference to language processing. We will then move on to the neuropsychology of language, or the study of the relation between brain and psychological behavior. Brain damage causes the loss of brain function and is manifested in a variety of symptoms. Here, we focus on the relation between the brain and language per se through the neuropsychological symptoms known as aphasia (deficit of language processing), agraphia (writing disorders) and alexia (reading disorders). Based on this background we will examine bilingualism and the human brain. As an extention of the neuropsychology of language, we will deal with language specificity and universality in relation to writing systems. Japanese and European orthographic systems will be compared in order to discuss the issues of bilingualism and aphasia to shed the light upon the idea of an “International Brain” Along with each topic on brain and language, we will touch upon the studies using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) .
Topic 4 will cover role of theory in scientific explanation and constructing explanatory models. Lectures on scientific explanation will be given in connection with the contents of Topic 1. Following lectures on some fundamental hints and suggestions concerning the nature of theoretical assumptions, students will construct a explanatory model to explain aphasic symptoms. Lectures will be given but equal emphasis will be placed upon discussion, research and class presentation. Necessary readings will be on reserve in the library. The midterm exam will be a written test on the rules of argumentation and basic neuropsychology. Most of the content will be covered in the class with the remainder covered in readings. For the final exam, students will be required to construct a simple model for a given neuropsychological symptom and present it to the class. No preliminary knowledge is required.
