| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SEL1027 | Introduction to the Structure of Language 1: Syntax and Phonology |
For incoming exchange students: basic introductory course(s) in syntax and phonetics/phonology.
N/A
The module aims to:
o Introduce the basic terms, concepts and premises underlying the study of language variation and change.
o Provide an understanding of key techniques used in sociolinguistic fieldwork and in collecting and examining data from synchronic and diachronic linguistic corpora / databases.
o Introduce and develop the skills required for the analysis, visualization and interpretation of language variation and change data.
o Apply and extend syntactic and phonological theory from SEL1027 in examining language variation and change data.
This module will cover the following:
1. The key terms and concepts in language variation and change research
2. The practical techniques involved in conducting empirical research in language variation and change (sociolinguistic fieldwork and the interrogation of linguistic corpora and databases)
3. The implications for syntactic and phonological theory of language variation and change research, and the societal applications of such research.
4. The nature of linguistic data itself, with particular reference to the material studied in SEL1027.
On successful completion of this module, students will:
1. be able to define and use correctly key terms and concepts associated with language variation and change research
2. be able to describe and apply techniques used in sociolinguistic fieldwork and the analysis of linguistic corpora, and with their advantages/disadvantages
3. be able to locate and correctly reference reliable digital and non-digital resources relevant to language variation and change research
4. understand (a) the practical and theoretical implications of language variation and change data for research in theoretical linguistics, and (b) the societal applications of research in language variation and change
5. be able to produce effective and convincing academic writing
On successful completion of this module, students will have developed transferable skills in the following areas:
1. problem-solving skills (formulating appropriate and feasible research questions; identifying methods suitable for addressing a variety of research questions in language variation and change)
2. analytical and numerical skills (identifying and interpreting patterns of variation and change in quantitative linguistic data; evaluating the results of earlier studies; analysing texts from different historical periods and varieties of English at the orthographic, lexical, morphological, phonological and syntactic levels)
3. communication and writing skills (summarizing and paraphrasing secondary sources; writing effectively and coherently to develop convincing arguments)
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 55:00 | 55:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 33:00 | 33:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 1 | 35:00 | 35:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | a mix of seminars and skills workshops |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 44:00 | 44:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
LECTURES: Will be used, primarily, to introduce the key concepts and terms associated with research in language variation and change, and to provide overall coherence for the module.
SMALL GROUP SESSIONS: Will be used, primarily, to introduce and build skills related to research in language variation and change, focusing in particular on: (a) research methods and techniques; (b) issues in and approaches to data collection and preparation, corpus linguistic analysis, and the visualization of quantitative linguistic data; (c) the analysis and interpretation of linguistic data; and (d) the theoretical implications and societal applications of research in language variation and change. They also aim to enhance general presentation skills and build team-work.
Guided independent study will involve: (a) following up on reading and other resources identified in the lecture materials; and (b) practising the skills introduced in the small group sessions using materials provided.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 30 | Approx. 1250 words |
| Essay | 2 | A | 70 | Approx. 2500 words |
The mid-module essay assesses the students' practical abilities to present and interpret data, as well as giving them the opportunity to practise and get feedback on their academic writing. The end-of-semester essay focuses on the students' discursive writing skills and their ability to integrate data into an analytical framework and to discuss its implications.
N/A
Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2023/24 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2024/25 entry will be published here in early-April 2024. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.