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Module

SPE1058 : Linguistics I

  • Offered for Year: 2025/26
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Elaine Lopez
  • Owning School: Education, Communication & Language Sci
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 5
Semester 2 Credit Value: 5
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

This introductory linguistics module considers theoretical concepts in linguistics, exploring morphology, lexis, syntax and semantics. Current psycholinguistic frameworks of lexical organisation, the storage and processing of morphologically complex forms and models of the comprehension and expression of language are introduced. Regional, social, gender and age-related variation in language structures are considered. The module provides a foundation for the linguistic analysis of clinical data in stage 2.
In relation to HCPC Standards of Proficiency, module addresses aspects of the following standards (in some cases when combined with other modules):

7.3 understand the characteristics and consequences of verbal and non-verbal communication and recognise how these can be affected by difference of any kind, including, but not limited to, protected characteristics, intersectional experiences and cultural differences
12.7 understand linguistics and phonetics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics and all levels of typical processing and the differences for individuals whose home language is not English

Outline Of Syllabus

Semester 1 will cover morphology lexis, syntax and semantics. Semester 2 will cover sentential semantics and psycholinguistic models of the comprehension and expression of language.
In relation to the RCSLT curriculum guidelines, this modules covers aspects related to 4.4.1 general linguistics and clinical applications, sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture221:0022:001 hour per week each semester
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion125:0025:00Preparation for Exam
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading221:0022:00Preparation for lecture sessions
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops61:006:003 sessions each semester to consolidate learning
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study125:0025:00N/A
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Introductory materials will be provided on Canvas prior to the lectures. Interactive lectures (with interspersed practical activities) will introduce key concepts. Workshops will then allow students to work through practical examples for consolidation of their knowledge.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination902A100Inspera Exam (90 minutes) - Linguistics
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
PC Examination1A45 Minute Canvas Quiz, focused on semester 1 content. Quiz in same format as summative assessment.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam assesses both conceptual understanding, and ability to conduct syntactic and semantic analysis of speech. Exam consists of mixture of multiple choice, short answer and longer answers.
Prior to the exam, students will have an opportunity to practise, with online quizzes and practical examples within the seminars. There will be a formative Canvas quiz in semester 1, focusing on semester 1 content.

Reading Lists

Timetable