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 MULTILINGUAL LIVERPOOL: READING THE CITY
Code MODL234
Coordinator Prof RJ Blackwood
Modern Languages and Cultures
Robert.Blackwood@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 5 FHEQ First 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 6

 6

     10

   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
Exam will be marked anonymously.  2 hours    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Group poster. Standard UoL penalties will apply. This work will not be marked anonymously.  -1000 words    30       

Aims

To introduce students to core theoretical topics in sociolinguistics;

To encourage critical awareness of multilingualism and language practices;

To apply decoding approaches to texts publicly available in Liverpool.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Read critically public texts, both in English and in the target language.

(LO2) Decode signs into the target language, bearing in mind the principles of semiotics, audience, design and other linguistic landscape theories.

(LO3) Develop an understanding of multilingualism.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - oral

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (including referencing skills)

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S5) Working in groups and teams - Group action planning

(S6) Global citizenship - Cultural awareness

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: weekly lectures on the topics outlined above
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Based on the themes presented in lectures, the seminars will focus on the application of the range of approaches highlighted in this module, including the ways in which texts in the public space can be read.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 - Field Work
Description: Site visit including teaching, data collection and analysis in the field.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Fieldwork undertaken in two hour blocks.

Syllabus
 

Topics covered:

Understanding space;

Introduction to semiotics;

Language and identity;

Questions of authenticity;

The multilingual city;

Translation of public texts.

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