Modern Languages and Cultures

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 LANGUAGE & SOCIETY
Code GRMN313
Coordinator Dr UAE Bavendiek
Modern Languages and Cultures
U.Bavendiek@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 10

12

        22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Presentation There is a resit opportunity. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  20 minutes    20       
Essay 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  1500 words    40       
Essay 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  1500 words    40       

Aims

To familiarise students with key concepts in sociolinguistics; To e nable students to apply key concepts in the analysis of samples of the German language and in the discussion of the social relevance of language variations; To develop an understanding of the link between language and (national) identity and the role of German in Germany, Austria and Switzerland; To develop an understanding of the importance of the German language and its variations for the identity of individual speakers; To develop an understanding of recent language changes and their causes and perceptions in society.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Understand sociolinguistic concepts such as dialect or sociolect and their significance as social markers in society.

(LO2) Recognise features of certain variations of the language.

(LO3) Understand the role that language plays for individual, group and national identity.

(LO4) Demonstrate a critical understanding of EU language policies and their effects.

(LO5) Understand how language works to change or maintain power relations.

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Global citizenship - Understanding of equality and diversity

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – argumentation


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Themes will be introduced in lectures and will be analysed and discussed in the seminars.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The purpose of the lectures is to introduce students to key concepts of sociolinguistics.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Students will be required to read texts relating to topics under discussion, to give presentations to inform each other of salient issues, to discuss topics and problems in class as well as to write two essays based on their independent research. They will practice taking a position, expressing an argument and finding a compromise or solution. Further study and essay work are supported by a bibliography and web-based resources
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: The purpose of the seminars is to consolidate students' understanding of key concepts and to apply such concepts to the analysis of German text samples.


Syllabus

 

Topics covered during the module may include: Introduction to sociolinguistic concepts; Language and national identity: German as a pluricentric language; Language and identity; Language and power; Revision and conclusion.


Recommended Texts

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