Dr. Richard Weist

Dr. Weist's Curriculum Vita (Microsoft Word 91 KB)

Research

My research has been on two major problems in the area of first language acquisition.

The first problem concerns the relationship between language and thought. To what extent does our conceptual development enable us to acquire linguistic concepts, and to what extent does the structure of our language shape the acquisition process and ultimately our thinking? In this regard, I have conducted a number of projects with Poland and Finland on how children learn to talk about time and space.

The second research project is focused on the system that governs sentence composition. We are looking at the way in which the structure of the child's verbs reveals this system.

Teaching

Regarding teaching, I am particularly interested in how the mind works. A good way to get perspective on this problem is to study the workings of the mind while it is changing. Therefore, I enjoy teaching Cognitive Development. I sometimes teach a more general course called Child Psychology, and sometimes a more specific course on child language. Because it is fun, I teach a course on Perception. In addition, I mentor individual students on independent research projects.

Department and University Service

In the department, I have always worked on curriculum issues such as the design of our major and interdisciplinary programs that integrate psychology and linguistics.

Selected Student - Faculty Collaboration