LS1GL: Globalization and Language

Module code: LS1GL

Module provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Tony Capstick, email: tony.capstick@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

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 decolonisation 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 analyse the effects of technology and migration on the linguistic situation in different regions of the world, including how urban centers are becoming increasingly multilingual and ‘superdiverse’, and the political and social consequences of this.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Describe and explain some of the 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 and discuss how they reflect people's attitudes towards different languages and the political and social consequences of language use.
3. Use linguistic data related to the spread of English as a global language or the spread of multilingualism to explore superdiversity.
4. Communicate and debate about issues concerning language and globalisation.

Module content

The module has 10 core topics:

1. Globalisation theory
2. World Englishes
3. Language discrimination
4. English in Higher Education
5. Language online
6. Linguistic landscapes
7. Superdiversity
8. Translanguaging
9. Displacement
10. Multilingualism

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module is delivered through interactive task-based lectures in which content delivery is interspersed with group activities on set tasks and discussions.

Study hours

At least 22 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Students meet in groups to discuss their reflections on the World Englishes project. They write up their reflections in three blogs. The first blog is submitted for formative assessment and receives individual feedback. The second blog receives global feedback. The third is submitted as part of the final collated blog submission.

Reassessment

Additional costs