LG220-5-SP-CO:
Language and Gender
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2025/26
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 5
Inactive
Monday 12 January 2026
Friday 20 March 2026
15
15 April 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module approaches the study of language and gender from a number of different angles. Focusing on linguistic research investigating gender differentiated patterns of language, the representation of gender in language, and the construction of gender identity through language. In particular, we review and critically discuss the findings of research within the quantitative sociolinguistic paradigm, findings from research that focuses on gender differentiation at the level of discourse/conversation and findings from research on language and power.
Aims and Objectives
• To introduce the students to some of the major issues in the study of language and gender.
• To review the empirical evidence, and to learn how to interpret data and discern patterns.
• To highlight problems in methodologies and analyses, and how these can influence, or have influenced, our view of the issue.
• To learn to use empirical evidence to construct informed arguments.
By the end of this module you will be able to:
1) critically evaluate different approaches to investigating gendered language use
2) use a range of linguistic tools and techniques in order to investigate how gender identity can be constructed through language use
3) apply an enhanced understanding of sociolinguistic perspectives and principles on language use, change and variation, including language attitudes and ideologies, to studies in language and gender
No additional information available.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Ella Jeffries, email: e.jeffries@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Ella Jeffries
Ella Jeffries, e.jeffries@essex.ac.uk, OfficeL 4.207, Number: 3762
No
Yes
Yes
Dr Roxanne Taylor
University of Huddersfield
Lecturer in English
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.
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