LS2SLG: Sociolinguistics

Module code: LS2SLG

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

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Christiana Themistocleous, email: c.themistocleous@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Professor Rodney Jones, email: r.h.jones@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE LS1ELS AND ( TAKE LS1SG OR TAKE PL1LING1 ) (Compulsory)

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

This module is an introduction to sociolinguistics with an emphasis on how sociolinguistic theories a can help students to understand and solve practical problems in the real-world such as discrimination, inequality and political polarisation. It aims to train students with tools and concepts both from traditional sociolinguistics and from more recent approaches .  The module will benefit students by equipping them with analytical methods and concepts that they can apply in everyday situations, including workplaces, and preparing them to explore more specialised topics in sociolinguistics in optional modules. It will also give them an opportunity to write a literature review and conduct a research project in preparation for their dissertations, as well as to work collaboratively with other students. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Describe the main areas of research, theories, and methodologies in the field of sociolinguistics; 
2. Apply sociolinguistic concepts and methods to identifying and solving problems in the real-world; 
3. Conduct sociolinguistic research in groups involving the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; 
4. Argue about issues involving the relationship between language and society through a critical reading of sociolinguistic literature.  

Module content

The module has eleven core topics 

1. Introducing sociolinguistics 
2. Imagining languages and their speakers  
3. Resources and repertoires 
4. Modes and media of communication 
5. Language variation 
6. Code-mixing, translanguaging and crossing 
7. Style and identity 
8. Language attitudes, mocking and appropriation 
9. Linguistic landscapes 
10. Mobility, contact and flows 

In addition, each week students will apply what they have learnt to a specific real-world problem. These include:  

1. Language and citizenship 
2. Language and inequality 
3. Youth language and belonging 
4. Marginalization and harassment online 
5. Language policies and language use in classrooms 
6. Performing gender and sexuality 
7. Language and racism 
8. Conflict and politics in linguistic landscapes 
9. Language and migration 

The module uses the following core textbook:  

Jones, R. & Themistocleous, C. (2022) Introducing Language and Society. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module is delivered through interactive lectures in which content delivery is interspersed with group activities. Each lesson begins with a group discussion which students prepare for beforehand through reading and engaging in digital content. Time is also allotted in class to discuss students’ group projects and critical literature reviews.  

Students meet independently with their groupmates to plan and execute their group research projects.  

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.

Oral feedback on in-class group tasks.

Reassessment

Additional costs