Univ of Maryland, HONR 279M, Fall 2010 Syllabus
Yasmeen Faroqi-Shah
HOW DOES THE BRAIN SPEAK: INSIGHTS FROM BRAIN DAMAGE AND NEUROIMAGING
HONR 279M
Fall 2010 Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. Yasmeen Faroqi Shah
Phone: (301) 405-4229
Email: yshah@hesp.umd.edu
Office: 141F, Lefrak Hall, Dept. of Hearing and Speech Sciences
Class schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:30 pm to 1:45pm
Room: Tydings 1108
Office hours: Thursdays, 1:45 –2:15 pm (in person & online*), or by appointment
*online office hours will be provided via ELMS>Collaboration>Office hours (needs Java Plugin)
Description
Speaking is so effortless (for most people) that we seldom think twice about it. This seminar
course in an overview of the core neural underpinnings of speech and language. The objective
of this seminar course is to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of the psycholinguistic,
neurological, cognitive, and pathological processes involved in human speech.
The content of the course includes:
1. the component psycholinguistic and neurocognitive processes involved in speech and
language,
2. review of basic neuroanatomy, with a focus on cortical networks involved in speech and
language,
3. exposure to two methods used to study the neural bases of communication/cognition
a. lesion analysis and neuropsychology, that is, studies of patients with neurological
conditions that impact speech and language, and
b. neuroimaging methods, including hemodynamic techniques such as sodium
amytal tests (Wada), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron
emission tomography (PET), and electrophysiological techniques such as event
related potentials (ERP), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and transcranial
magnetic stimulation (TMS).
4. exposure to a representative sample of research on the neural bases of three broad
components of language: speech (perception and production), words (lexicon or mental
dictionary) and syntax (the mental grammar).
The course follows a seminar format with an emphasis on active student participation in class
discussions. Tuesdays will typically involve dissemination of new information while Thursdays
will be dedicated to discussion of related readings. Students are expected to come prepared to
class every Thursday with a brief synopsis of the assigned readings and 2-3 thought questions
that they can pose for discussion.
1
Univ of Maryland, HONR 279M, Fall 2010 Syllabus
Yasmeen Faroqi-Shah
Required Readings
There is one required textbook: Obler, L. K. & Gjerlow, K. (1999). Language and the brain.
Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0-521-46641-5.
Numerous other assigned readings are also required and will be disseminated via Blackboard
(ELMS). Students are expected to visit the course space weekly for readings, handouts, and
important announcements at www.courses.umd.edu.
Evaluation of learning
Student learning will be evaluated using four criteria listed below. Each is weighted equally and
worth 25% of the final course grade.
1. In-class participation – 25% of course grade: Students are expected to actively participate in
class discussions by being current on assigned readings. Students are strongly encouraged
to ask questions, reflect on lecture material, present their insights, and expand on class
material to gain a broader view of human communication. A maximum of 10 points will be
awarded for each week based on class participation. Students will not receive points for
class-participation if they are absent for any class. Students with permitted (as per
University policy) and documented absences may request an alternate activity to make-up
the participation points.
As mentioned earlier, we will typically discuss assigned readings on Thursdays. Students are
expected to bring a short bulleted summary of the reading (not exceeding 10 bullets) along
with 2-3 thought questions. This has to be submitted every Thursday and is considered for
the class participation grade.
2. Term Paper – 25% of course grade: The purpose of the term paper is to integrate the
current knowledge about the neural bases of speaking and develop a neuroanatomical
model of normal speech-language production in humans (that is “How does the brain
speak?”). The paper should not exceed 7 pages (double spaced with 1-inch margins and 12point font). The term paper is due on 11/11/2010 and should be submitted electronically on
ELMS.
3. In-class presentation – 25% of course grade: The purpose of the presentation is to allow
students to independently explore topics related to human communication. Examples of
such topics are bilingualism, language in dementia, gender differences in language,
hyperlexia. A more exhaustive list of suggested topics will be provided (on ELMS). Each
student will give a 10-minute presentation in class regarding the topic. This will be followed
by a 10 minute discussion led by the student. You will provide a handout for your
classmates (either a bulleted list of key points or your powerpoint slides) along with 3
multiple choice questions. The order of presentation is alphabetical by last name and will be
made available on ELMS.
2
Univ of Maryland, HONR 279M, Fall 2010 Syllabus
Yasmeen Faroqi-Shah
4. Final exam – 25% of course grade: The final exam will cover the content presented in all
classes and readings. This is an open book exam that will be available on-line (on ELMS)
during the scheduled final exam slot (12/17/2010, 1:30-3:30pm). You are expected to work
independently on this exam although you may consult your books/materials.
5. Grades: The following letter grades will be assigned for the percentages listed:
A+, A, A- =above 97%, 94-96.9%, 90-93.9% respectively
B+, B, B- = 87-89.9%, 84-86.9%, 80-83.9% respectively
C = 70-79.9%
D = 60-69.9%
F = below 60%
Class Policies & Requirements
1. Academic Honesty: As per UM’s policy on academic honesty
http://studentconduct.umd.edu/, any of the following acts, when committed by a student,
constitutes academic dishonesty: (a) cheating: intentionally using or attempting to use
unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. (b) fabrication:
intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an
academic exercise. (c) facilitating academic dishonesty: intentionally or knowingly helping
or attempting to help another to violate any provision of this Code. (d) plagiarism
intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one's own in any
academic exercise. Any of the above practices will result in Student Honor Council
proceedings http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/about.html. It is the responsibility
of all members of UM community to report incidences of academic dishonesty to the Office
of Judicial Programs. The University has a nationally recognized Honor Code. The University
of Maryland Honor Pledge reads:
“I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on
this assignment/examination"
Unless you are specifically advised to the contrary, the Pledge statement should be
handwritten and signed on the front cover of all papers, projects, or other academic
assignments submitted for evaluation in this course. Students who fail to write and sign the
Pledge will be asked to confer with the instructor.
2. Attendance: The material in the textbook and on the course’s blackboard website is not a
substitute for class participation. Students are expected to attend all classes and participate
in exams, assignments, and class discussions. As per the University’s attendance policy,
permitted absences include “illness (self or dependent), religious observances, and
participation in university activities”. Students must request the excuse in writing and
supply appropriate documentation if they are to miss a class, an exam, or assignment
deadline.
3
Univ of Maryland, HONR 279M, Fall 2010 Syllabus
Yasmeen Faroqi-Shah
3. Exam make-up and term paper deadline: Re-scheduling of the final exam is strongly
discouraged. As per the University’s policy, acceptable reasons for missing an exam include
documented illness (self or dependent), religious observances, and participation in
university activities. Exams will not be arranged to accommodate individual travel plans. If,
for any valid reason, you need to reschedule the final exam, please contact me directly at
least 48-hours prior to the scheduled exam time (via phone or email) and ensure that I have
been notified, either via a reply to your email or to your phone message. On advance
notification, a make-up exam will be given during final exam week (12/13-12/18). The
content of the make-up exam will differ from the class exam, although the difficulty level
will be matched. Failure of advance notification for missing an exam will result in a grade of
F for that exam.
No extensions will be granted for the term paper and the class presentation since
students have several weeks to complete these requirements. Hence students are
encouraged to begin working on their paper early enough to accommodate last-minute
emergencies. In-class presentations are in alphabetical sequence of student’s last names.
Re-scheduling of class presentations is strongly discouraged. Under unavoidable
circumstances, class presentations may be re-scheduled by prior notification and mutual
exchange with another student.
4. Special Needs: If you are a student with disabilities and require accommodations in seating
or testing, please contact me at the beginning of the semester with a certificate from the
University’s Disability Support Service’s Office acknowledging a disability that warrants
some type of accommodation, and appropriate accommodations will be made
(http://www.counseling.umd.edu/DSS 301-314-7681).
5. Disruptive Behavior: Students are expected to treat each other as well as the instructor and
teaching assistant with respect. Students are not to be disruptive in class. Disruptive
behavior includes but is not limited to, excessive talking, walking in the classroom, and use
of personal technological devices etc. This is a violation of the UM’s code of conduct for
students (http://www.jpo.umd.edu/). Disruptive students will be given a warning before
they are asked to leave the classroom. They will be referred to the Director of Judicial
Programs for further action.
6. Use of all personal technological devices in the classroom: In this class, use of all personal
technological devices (e.g., laptop computers, cell phones, MP3/IPods, gaming devices,
calculators) is strictly prohibited. The instructor reserves the right to prevent use of these
devices. Students in violation of this policy will be referred to the Director of Judicial
Programs for further action. If these devices are seen and/or used during the class, the
student will be asked to leave the class immediately. If these devices are seen and/or used
during an exam, the exam will be collected from the student and the student will no longer
be allowed to continue taking the exam. The exam score will be noted as 0.
4
Univ of Maryland, HONR 279M, Fall 2010 Syllabus
Yasmeen Faroqi-Shah
The exception to this policy is students who have a Disability Support Service (DSS)
certificate permitting them to use technological devices such as laptop computers in the
classroom.
7. Religious Observances: Every attempt will be made to provide students an opportunity to
make-up an exam that is missed due to religious observances. It is the student’s
responsibility to provide prior notification regarding this as per the Exam make-up policy
outlined above.
8. Inclement Weather and campus closings: The class will meet unless the university is
officially closed. In order to determine if the University is closed you can call the SNOW
HOTLINE:301 405-SNOW (7669) or check the University’s web page at www.umd.edu. In
the event of prolonged campus closings, the course content may be disseminated via ELMS,
either as streaming videos or live Wimba classes.
9. Copyright: The lectures I deliver in this class and the course materials I create and distribute
are protected by federal copyright law as my original works. My lectures are recorded or
delivered from written lectures n order to ensure copyright protection. You are permitted
to take notes of my lectures and use course materials for your use in this course. You may
not record, reproduce, or distribute my lectures/notes for any commercial purpose without
my written consent. Persons who sell or distribute copies or modified copies of my course
materials, possess commercial copies of my notes (i.e., Terpnotes), or assist another person
or entity in selling or distributing those materials may be considered in violation of the
University Code of Student Conduct, part 9(k).
Course evaluations
I take your evaluation of my course very seriously. Each year I revise my syllabus, course
assignments, and exam questions based on the feedback I receive on the course evaluation. I
am not only interested in the scores that you give this class but I am also very interested in the
specific comments you have about this course. I want to encourage each student in this class to
evaluate not only my class but all of your classes.
Your participation in the evaluation of courses through CourseEvalUM is a responsibility you
hold as a student member of our academic community. Your feedback is confidential and
important to the improvement of teaching and learning at the University. CourseEvalUM will
be open for you to complete your evaluations for fall semester courses between November 30
and December 12 at www.courseevalum.umd.edu. By completing all of your evaluations each
semester, you will have the privilege of accessing online, at Testudo, the evaluation reports for
the thousands of courses for which 70% or more students submitted their evaluations.
5
Univ of Maryland, HONR 279M, Fall 2010 Syllabus
Yasmeen Faroqi-Shah
Course Outline: Tentative schedule
Week of
Tentative Topic
Readings*
8/31/10
Introduction, Psycholinguistics
Ch. 1, Ch. 11; Harley, ch. 1, p.3-11
# 9/7/10
Psycholinguistics (continued)
Fromkin & Ratner
9/14/10
The brain, brain damage
9/21/10
Left brain –right brain
Ch. 2, Pinel ch.2 , National
Geographic, 1995
Ch. 3; Pinel ch. 14
9/28/10
Aphasia and language components
Ch. 4, Ch. 5; Saffran
10/5/10
Right hemisphere syndrome
Ch. 7
10/12/10
Apraxia & Dysarthria
Brookshire
10/19/10
Brain imaging
10/26/10
Language representation
Dingwall, p.73-92;
Posner & Raichle, Ch. 4
Posner & Raichle, Ch. 5; Damasio
11/2/10
Language representation
Ullman
11/9/10
Student presentations
Term paper due on 11/11/2010
11/16/10
11/23/10
Student presentations; no class on 11/19
(travel)
Student presentations
11/30/10
Student presentations
12/7/10
Student presentations , wrap up
12/17/10
Final exam 1:30pm-3:30pm online (the class does not meet for this exam)
*This is a reading list prepared at the beginning of the semester and is subject to minor
changes. The most accurate reading list will be on the first lecture slide of each topic. All
readings that are not from your textbook will be made available on ELMS.
#First reading summary due on 9/9/2010
6