LS1GL-Globalization and Language

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Tony Capstick

Email: tony.capstick@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this module students will explore the role of language in globalization. They will examine the reasons for the spread of languages around the globe historically and in the future (especially in the context of political developments such as Brexit, and the increasing importance of World languages such as English). They will also explore debates about linguistic imperialism and the political dimensions of language use and language policies. Finally, they will explore the effects of technology and migration on the linguistic situation in Latin America, New Zealand and the Middle East, including how urban centers are becoming increasingly multilingual and ‘superdiverse’, and the political and social consequences of this. Teaching is drawn from across the School of Literature and Language.

Aims:

This module aims to equip students with the theoretical and analytical tools to analyse and reflect critically on the relationship between language and globalization, especially as it relates to the political, economic, and social dimensions of the role of English as a global language and the quickly changing linguistic situation across the world as a result of increased migration.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

1. Describe and explain some important political, economic, and social reasons for the spread and influences of different languages, especially in relation to the spread of global languages.  


2. Analyse media, literary and academic texts on the spread of English, language standards, language policies, migration and multilingualism, and discuss how they reflect people's attitudes towards d ifferent languages and the political and social consequences of language use.


3. Gather and analyze linguistic data related to the spread of English as a global language or the spread of multilingualism/superdiversity.


4. Communicate and debate about issues concerning language and globalization.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Globalization and global English; the global politics of language, the linguistic marketplace; language maintenance and marginalization; language policy and globalization; language online; linguistic landscapes and super diverse cities; globalization and language teaching; attitudes towards languages and multilingualism.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Interactive lectures, small group discussions, online discussions, project work.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Guided independent study:	180
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	90
Set exercise	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Students work to produce 3 blogs each of which is related to global issues and/or language, agreed by their instructor. 90%


2. Online tests. 10% There will be 4 online tests throughout the module related to key readings identified by the module convener

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive on-going feedback from the instructor and from other students in the form of comments and in class discussions, and on their ongoing performance on reading quizzes.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework and/or examination by 17 August in the year the course is taken.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020