Programme aims
1. Introduce students to contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language in society, familiarising them with the principles of sociolinguistic theory and description and with aspects of sociological theory and method.
2. Develop knowledge and understanding of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation, evaluation criteria and research methods used in contemporary research on sociolinguistics, language variation and related areas of sociology, as well as associated methodological, theoretical and descriptive issues.
3. Equip students with a wide range of transferable cognitive, practical and key skills, and a foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language, language learning, and language teaching and how researchers in another country approach the study of language
A2: A selection of work on theory and description in sociolinguistics, sociology and language variation
A3: Key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles or argumentation, evaluation criteria and research methods used in contemporary research on sociolinguistics, language variation and related areas of sociology, as well as with associated methodological, theoretical and descriptive issues
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods are employed which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work.
Assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Abstract and synthesise information from a range of sources (lectures/seminars/classes, journals, books, internet etc.) identifying those ideas or findings which are most significant
B2: Make observations and generalisations about data or behaviour or other materials, using appropriate analytic techniques
B3: Abstract and synthesise information from a range of sources (lectures/seminars/classes, journals, books, internet etc.) identifying those ideas or findings which are most significant
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods are employed which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work.
Assessment methods
Cognitive skills are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.
C: Practical skills
C1: Gather and process information from a range of different sources
C2: Plan, undertake and present an independent piece of work which involves reviewing existing work on a given topic, making use of standard referencing conventions
C3: Utilise specialised techniques for the collection, analysis, presentation or evaluation of materials, data or behaviour
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods are employed which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email/web consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work.
Assessment methods
Practical skills are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate ideas, information and arguments in a manner which is relevant, focused, effective, and clear, using an appropriate register, style and format, and with an international audience in mind
D2: Use appropriate computational tools and software to obtain, store or process information electronically and (where required) produce materials in electronic form
D3: Make and understand basic numerical and statistical generalisations about data
D4: Analyse complex data, materials or behaviour, using appropriate specialised techniques, formulating and testing research hypotheses, identifying problems and evaluating solutions
D5: Working with others to discuss and resolve issues and problems and set and achieve joint goals and objectives
D6: Using oral and written feedback provided on assessed or unassessed written or oral work, discussions with staff, fellow students and visiting scholars, insights gained from modules, workshops, talks, reading and research, developing a critical and reflective approach to the development of one's own work and the knowledge and skills required to progress
Learning methods
Communication skills are taught through lectures, seminars, classes, advice in the Departmental Handbook, and feedback from teachers on assessed work.
Generic IT skills are taught on induction courses run by the University and the Department, with more specialised IT skills (where appropriate) being taught on some LG and SC modules.
Analytic and study skills (D3, D4, D5) are taught through lectures, seminars, and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; advice in the Departmental Handbook; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff.
Assessment methods
Key skills are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.