Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

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Aims

This module explores sociolinguistics, a diverse field of research concerned with the study of the relationship between language and society. The people we are, and the communities and societies we inhabit, shape and are themselves shaped by our use of language. Broadly, the module is concerned with variation in the use of language and its social implications. This includes how people’s use of language is relevant to their memberships of social groups at the micro-level, how examining patterns of language use within societies or communities can support a deeper understanding of these broader social structures at the macro-level, and what are the social implications and applications of such knowledge about language use. The module introduces key concepts and topics relevant to the study of language use and variation in different social contexts, drawing on theory and practice from the diverse field of sociolinguistics.

The aims of the module are to enable students to:
1.       understand and critically engage with key concepts in the study of language and society,
2.       recognize different forms of linguistic variation, and interrogate how they relate to social structures of different kinds and/or to stylistic and situational factors,
3.       explain and critique research on linguistic variation in a range of social contexts, and
4.       apply theories and concepts in sociolinguistics to critically examine their own experiences of language use in social contexts.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will cover a selection of key topics in sociolinguistics that are of importance for understanding the development of the field and its current relevance, such as:

1. notions of language, dialect, accent and standard
2. linguistic variation: relationships between linguistic and extra-linguistic variables (e.g. age, class, gender, social networks)
3. stylistic variation: relationships between language use and variables such as topic, setting
4. attitudes to language, and the notion of 'acceptability'
5. language policy and planning
6. different types of linguistic community
7. the impact of globalization and mobility on sociolinguistic theory

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:
•       explain key concepts and theories for understanding and researching the relationship between language and society;
•       evaluate the role of linguistic variation in social differentiation of various kinds;
•       demonstrate understanding of dimensions of stylistic variation in language and their social significance;
•       distinguish between macro-level and micro-level sociolinguistic research and research methods, and recognize which methods are suitable for use to investigate which topics; and
•       appraise and assess the usefulness of sociolinguistic theories and concepts for investigating aspects of intercultural communication in today’s world.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:
•       summarise, explain and critically evaluate sociolinguistic theories, concepts, and empirical research in writing for an academic audience;
•       summarise, explain and critically evaluate sociolinguistic theories, concepts, and empirical research in writing for a general (non-academic) audience;
•       critically reflect on the process of making academic texts and concepts accessible for a general audience; and
•       apply key concepts in sociolinguistics to analyse their own experiences involving language use in social contexts that they are familiar with.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide an introduction to the weekly content, establish a basic level of understanding of the topic, provide opportunities for discussion, group activities and personal reflections, and signal areas for individual further study and essential and further reading. Group activities are often linked to pre-class weekly reading

Structured Guided Learning activities provide students with weekly opportunities to consolidate learning through guided tasks linked to the weekly topic.

Independent study will enable wider reading, further personal self-reflection and assignment preparation.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The research blog post assessment will assess both students' understanding of a piece of sociolinguistic research (in terms of the theories and concepts used, the research methods involved, and the outcomes), and their ability to explain sociolinguistic research and present sociolinguistic information to a general audience. The critical essay (60%, end of the module) is a more traditional academic essay which will assess students' holistic understanding of the whole course content and their critical thinking and academic writing skills.

General Notes

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