Knowledge and understanding

• cognitive processes involved in language processing and mechanisms underlying language processing, with a special focus on multilingualism;
• theoretical implications of psycholinguistic research on models of language processing and cognition;
• experimental methodologies and paradigms used in the investigation of the cognitive mechanisms involved in language processing;
• current debates in psycholinguistics (for example, debate on the cognitive advantage of bilingualism; debate on inclusive language proposals, etc.);
• practical applications in communication: use of linguange in real communicative situations; evaluation of different targets, scopes and means of communication of the message; evaluation of the communicative consequences of lingustic choices.

Applying knowledge and understanding

• reasoning about the cognitive processes involved in language processing and the effect of multilingual exposure
• evaluating experimental paradigms and tools for the investigation of language use and language comprehension, also in consideration of the population (e.g., monolinguals vs. bilinguals) and the linguistic features of the language under investigation
• reasoning about implicit content triggered by linguistic items and analysis of non-literal interpretations
• interpreting behavioral measures (reading/reaction times measures, implicit measures of processing, such as eye-tracking measures and event-realted potentials)
• analyzing scientific reports critically
• implementing testable hypothesis of research on language

Making Judgment

• Development of students' critical analysis skills, particularly regarding the interpretation of experimental data used to support research hypotheses.
• Enhancement of students' ability to critically evaluate research hypotheses and models of data interpretation, including those related to recent scientific debates in the field of psycholinguistics —such as inclusive language and the benefits of multilingualism.

These objectives will be supported through active student participation during lectures and through group discussions on controversial topics, encouraging students' engagement and confrontation of diverse perspectives.

Communication Skills

• Development of active listening skills, the ability to argue one's ideas, and to engage in discussion within groups, including interdisciplinary ones.
• Development of the ability to understand and critically analyze different points of view.
• Development of the ability to communicate one’s perspective clearly and consciously, and to support one’s arguments by referring to scientific evidence as well as documented and verified data or information.

These objectives will be supported by encouraging students' active engagement in class discussions.

Learning Skills
Development of greater critical awareness and methodological sensitivity which will strenghten the students' ability to:

• analyze research data in a critical, detailed, and in-depth manner
• critically evaluate the interpretation of scientific data — including consideration of alternative hypotheses or explanations
• construct and defend arguments based on thoroughly analyzed and well-documented sources