Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Introduction to Language Study
Code ENGL107
Coordinator Dr PS Cooper
English
P.Cooper@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 4 FHEQ First Semester 30

Aims

This module aims to provide students with specialist skills in the linguistic analysis of language data which will enable students to identify and describe examples of linguistic variation in English. Students will develop specialist skills allowing them to select the correct phonetic symbols (from the International Phonetic Alphabet) and linguistic terminology when discussing linguistic phenomena. The module seeks to embody an approach to learning that empowers students to discuss linguistic variation in relation to relevant and appropriate scholarly work and to recognise the expressive resources of language. Students will develop subject-specific knowledge that will allow them to explain how relevant theoretical concepts (topical and ethical) apply to real language data.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Identify and describe examples of linguistic variation in English.

(LO2) Discuss linguistic variation in relation to relevant and appropriate scholarly work.

(LO3) Explain how relevant theoretical concepts (topical and ethical) apply to real language data.

(LO4) Select the correct phonetic symbols (from the International Phonetic Alphabet) and linguistic terminology when discussing linguistic phenomena.

(LO5) Recognise the expressive resources of language.

(S1) Read closely and critically.

(S2) Write clearly, accurately and effectively.

(S3) Apply scholarly bibliographic skills appropriate to the subject.

(S4) Present information within wider contexts.

(S5) Plan, organise and report to deadline.

(S6) Articulate their own and other people’s ideas concisely, accurately and persuasively both orally and in writing.

(S7) Develop working relationships with others in teams, especially through constructive dialogue (for example, by listening, asking and responding to questions).

(S8) Understand the role of narrative and emotion in decision-making.

(S9) Be sensitive to cultural contexts when working with others.

(S10) Adapt to different demands and tasks.


Syllabus

 

Key topics will typically include: the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), phonetics, phonology (of RP versus other varieties of English); standard versus non-standard grammatical constructions, variation in non-standard varieties according to nonlinguistic factors such as (typically) age, gender, region, class, style, historical period, ethical issues relating to the collection and study of English Language data, etc.

New topics will be introduced in lectures. These topics will have accompanying exercises that will be worked through and discussed in seminars/workshops. Some workshops may typically include practical sessions where students are shown how to use specialist resources (i.e. online corpora) and/or software (such as Praat, etc.). Weekly readings will also accompany the topics introduced on this module and will complement and expand on material discussed in lectures and seminars.

Lecture, seminar, workshop content will all be made available electronically th rough VITAL. Weekly readings will (where possible) be made available from library e-books. Otherwise, all readings will be available as physical texts in the library. Wherever possible and appropriate, chapters, readings, etc. will be digitised via the library’s digitisation services.

Students are expected to do all assigned weekly readings. Additional texts on the reading list will be optional and predominantly used by students when doing their assessed work. However, students will also be encouraged to find their own supplementary resources in addition to that provided on the reading list.

Students may also be asked to complete readings in preparation for seminars/workshops. Students will typically be given a worksheet to complete in advance of seminars/workshops.

Students will also be expected to download lecture slides and seminar/workshop material to supplement their learning and notetaking. Lecture recordings (or equivalent) will be made available to stud ents via the Stream Capture system after the lecture. It is expected that they will review these resources over the course of the semester and in preparation for their take-home exam.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture: Large group session used for the transmission of information, facts, and concepts central to studying English Language. Topics discussed in lectures will be followed up on in seminars and workshops. Students will have a 2-hour lecture per week. Lectures will typically (but not always) include interactive tasks such as small group work, etc.

Seminar: Small group session for discussion of module topics. Pre-work for seminars will be required. This work will be flagged up in lectures and distributed via VITAL. In some of these sessions (depending on staff availability and specialist expertise) students will normally be able to make use of specialist resources (e.g. online corpora) or industry-standard specialist software (e.g. Praat, etc.). There will be a 1-hour seminar per week.

Independent study time should be spent reading around the subject matter (indicative reading lists will be provided), preparing for the seminars (completing worksheets) and working toward s the assessment (formative, coursework and exam).


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 22

        11

267

300
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 0
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
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opportunity
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CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
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Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.