SEL3460 : Multilingualism
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to School approval at module registration
- Module Leader(s): Dr Niamh Kelly
- Lecturer: Dr Gabriel Martinez Vera
- 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 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
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 Multilingualism, focusing primarily on key research from the last 10 years. This topic covers the acquisition and use of two or more languages throughout the lifespan of an individual. It considers how two or more languages are represented in one mind, how languages interact in use, and also considers issues around the role of languages in shaping identity and society.
Primary literature 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 Multilingualism:
- The process of knowledge creation in the field, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary work, academic publishing, and peer review;
- Classical theories in language and linguistics underpinning contemporary work in multilingualism;
- Key current methodologies in multilingualism and their application.
The module will cover these theories and methods specifically in relation to current research on topics such as:
- Code-switching
- Heritage language
- Bimodal billingualism (spoken, signed)
- Translanguaging
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 |
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 | 1 | 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 | 1 | A | 40 | Mock academic peer review exercise, 1000 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The portfolio will assess students' ability to accurately distil 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 one to two 5-15 minute presentations over the course of the module, and will receive feedback on these. They will revise and submit these as part of their portfolio, which will also include critical reflections on the feedback.
The written exercise will be a structured mock peer review: students will select a primary piece of research from the module, and prepare a full academic review and corresponding publication recommendation. This will assess their ability to provide constructive action-oriented review, as well as their ability to understand complex primary research.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL3460's Timetable