|Semester 1 Credit Value:||10|
This module in dialectology explores key dimensions of language variation, and introduces students to the aims, data and methodologies associated with regional, social and perceptual dialectology. It sensitizes students to the societal repercussions of language variation, and examines the theoretical importance of studying language variation and change. The focus will be on exploring variation in UK and non-UK Englishes, though reference will be made to other languages throughout. In addition, this module trains students in discipline-specific study and writing skills, including: locating and referencing scholarly sources, summarising and paraphrasing the work of others, and constructing convincing arguments in linguistics.
This module will cover the following:
1. the key terms and concepts in language variation research
2. the main frameworks for studying language variation (regional, social & perceptual dialectology)
3. the social applications and theoretical implications of language variation research
4. library and referencing skills
5. academic writing skills
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. define and use correctly key terms and concepts associated with language variation research;
2. identify, describe and illustrate key dimensions of language variation;
3. summarise, describe, evaluate and contrast the methodologies associated with regional, social & perceptual dialectology;
4. recognise and explain the social applications and theoretical implications of language variation research;
5. locate and correctly reference reliable digital and non-digital resources relevant to linguistics;
6. produce effective and convincing academic writing.
On successful completion of this module, students will have developed the following transferable skills:
1. problem-solving skills (formulating researchable research questions; identifying methods suitable for addressing a variety of resaerch questions);
2. analytical & numerical skills (identifying variation; interpreting results of dialect studies and quantitative patterns of variation);
3. communication & writing skills (summarising and paraphrasing secondary sources; writing effectively & coherently to develop convincing arguments).
|Graduate Skills Framework Applicable:||Yes|
|Guided Independent Study||Assessment preparation and completion||1||82:00||82:00||N/A|
|Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities||Lecture||9||1:00||9:00||N/A|
|Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities||Small group teaching||9||1:00||9:00||N/A|
Lectures are used, primarily, to impart information and provide an overall coherence for the module. They focus on enhancing students’ knowledge base in linguistics and develop their academic skills. Seminars are used to consolidate students’ understanding of the lecture and reading materials. They focus on developing students’ skills in assessing and comparing diverse methodological frameworks as well as their academic skills in referencing and writing. Both lectures and seminars support the preparation of the formative and summative assignments. Guided independent study is also used for the preparation and completion of assignments.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
|Essay||1||M||40||1,200-word essay exploring the application of methodologies|
|Essay||1||A||60||1,800-word essay answering one of a set of essay questions|
|Written exercise||1||M||Library & referencing skills exercise which must be completed or students cannot proceed to summative assignments.|
|Oral Presentation||1||M||Oral presentation (group-style)|
The first assignment (essay 1) asks students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the lectures and seminars to planning their own research project (formulating research questions, deriving hypotheses from the literature, selecting appropriate data collection methods). It thus ensures that student critically engage with lecture/seminar content. The second assignment (essay 2) encourages students to explore selected module topics in greater depth, and provides them with the opportunity to showcase the academic writing skills developed in this module.
Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2016/17 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 2017/18 entry will be published here in early-April 2017. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.