LSMSOR-Sociolinguistics

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: c.themistocleous@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to introduce students to the relationship between language and society and the study of language as a social phenomenon. Students will become familiar with diverse areas of sociolinguistic enquiry.

Aims:
This module aims to develop an awareness of the concepts, theories and approaches involved in the study of the relationship between language and society. Students will also gain a critical understanding of the research methods involved in the study of linguistic phenomena. They will also learn how extralinguistic/social factors, such as social class, age, gender, identity, influence language use in the society.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to demonstrate:
- Familiarity with major research and case studies conducted within the field of sociolinguistics;
- Systematic understanding and knowledge of sociolinguistic terms and concepts;
- Knowledge and understanding of a range of theories/approaches developed to explain and analyse sociolinguistic phenomena;
- Knowledge and understanding of a range of research methods which can be used and adapted in order to investigate sociolinguistic phenomena;
- Ability to discuss critically and evaluate sociolinguistic theories/approaches and methodologies;
- Ability to analyse data using relevant theories/approaches.
.

Additional outcomes:
The module aims to encourage students' critical analytical skills. Students will also have the opportunity to improve their group work and communication skills through discussions and exercises set in class.

Outline content:
The module will begin by looking at regional and social dialectology and familiarising students with different accents and dialects in the UK. Then we will focus on quantitative approaches to sociolinguistic research by looking at language variation and change and stylistic variation. Societal multilingualism is going to be the next topic of inquiry. Students will learn different models used for the investigation of multilingual speech communities (Sociology of Language and Ethnolinguistic vitality) and they will become familiar with the outcomes of language contact. Issues such as language maintenance, language death and revitalisation will also be addressed. We will then turn the focus on social aspects of code-switching, and we will look at different models that have been developed to explain and analyse language choice (eg, 'We-code/They-code', Markedness Model, 'Conversation Analysis'). We will then examine language attitudes and language ideologies and finally we will look at language and gender and language and identity. All these issues will be introduced with reference to recent sociolinguistic research. Students will analyse data using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
One two-hour lecture per week. During some two-hour sessions, discussion topics and data-driven exercises will be set.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Coursework:
Students will write one essay and sit one written 2-hour exam
This assessment constitutes 67% of the overall module mark.

In addition, students will write an extended annotated bibliography.
This piece of work constitutes 33% of the overall module mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination by coursework to be submitted by 1st September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019