SEL3448 : Current Issues in Linguistics
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to School approval at module registration
- Module Leader(s): Professor Michelle Sheehan
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Clémentine Raffy
- Lecturer: Dr Giulia Mazzola
- Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SEL1028 | Introduction to Language Structure 2: Syntax, semantics and pragmatics |
Pre Requisite Comment
.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module examines current debates and cutting-edge scholarly research in linguistics, focusing primarily on key research from the last 5-10 years. Each year this module covers a specialist topic spanning the subject area's world-class research expertise in linguistic theory, language evolution, acquisition and development, and language variation and change. Primary literature in the chosen topic will be discussed at length, building critical thinking skills by concentrating on current state-of-the-art research in the field. Students will take an active role in leading the discussion, gaining key skills in presentation of complex research and an in-depth understanding of knowledge creation within the field.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module will cover current research and developments in an advanced topic in linguistics (for AY 26-27, The Langauge of Perception):
- The process of knowledge creation in linguistics, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary work and research design;
- Key ideas underpinning the relationship between language and perception;
- Key current methodologies and different approaches to issues relating to this topic.
For language and the five senses, the module will cover these theories and methods specifically in relation to current research in:
- lexical typology
-language and cognition
-psycholinguistics
-syntactic typology
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 100:00 | 100:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 67:00 | 67:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SEL8705 | Current Issues in Linguistics |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
LECTURES will revolve around engaging with current research via student-led presentations and discussion.
SEMINARS will cover key skills related to leading scholarly discussion, engaging with primary literature, and creating and delivering effective presentations.
DROP IN SESSIONS are for detailed discussion of assignments and formative feedback on presentations.
GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY is used to prepare for seminars and lectures as well as for the preparation and completion of assignments.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 2 | M | 60 | A portfolio including oral presentations about current primary research, and written reflections regarding engagement with primary research, approx 1500-2000 words. |
| Written exercise | 2 | A | 40 | Research plan, 1000 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The portfolio will assess students' ability to accurately distill and present coherent narratives of complex primary research, in addition to requiring reflection on research evaluation which will feed into their second assignment. Students will give 3x 20 minute presentations over the course of the module, and will receive feedback on these. They can choose two to revise/submit as part of their portfolio, which will also include critical reflections on the feedback
The written exercise will require students to identify a research question, select a suitable methodology and plan a research project to address this question.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL3448's Timetable