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 AWARENESS
Code MODL105
Coordinator Dr UAE Bavendiek
Modern Languages and Cultures
U.Bavendiek@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 4 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
AS / A-level or beginner in French, German, Italian or Spanish.  

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
In this module critical awareness and new concepts will be developed by drawing on the learners' already existing knowledge of languages and on their previous language learning experiences. In the classes, students will be introduced to key linguistic ideas. Reflection on language learning and an introduction into basic theories of the language learning process will empower the students as language learners. A contrastive approach will be used in order to facilitate the understanding of grammatical structures and units. Translation will be a key part of the module, giving the students a chance to apply their knowledge about language.
8
The seminars will take place in small, language specific groups. Key concepts will be applied to and investigated in relation to the French, German, Italian and Spanish language, respectively.
      4
Students are expected to prepare a storyfy presentation or learning materials and advice in groups.
22
Timetable (if known) The lectures are designed to introduce students to key concepts of linguistics.
  		           
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
Coursework  1,500 words  Semester 1  40  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Group project 
Coursework  2,000 words  Semester 1  60  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Translation Notes (applying to all assessments) Assignment 1: Group project; Assignment 2: Translation. Deadlines will be confirmed in module handbooks and on VITAL. Where required, reassessment will take the form of the original assessment.  

Aims

Develop students'' awareness of and explicit knowledge about language;

Introduce students to key concepts of linguistics;

Enhance students'' skills of critical analysis of language, including hypothesis testing and rule formation;

Develop students'' understanding of similarities and differences between human languages;

Develop students'' awareness of and explicit knowledge about language learning that will help them become more efficient language learners.

Learning Outcomes

Manage language learning processes more efficiently.

Understand key aspects of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics which are relevant for language learners.

Talk about and describe language using the correct terminology. 

Reflect critically on selected language-related issues.

Relate knowledge about text features to the translation of text.

Communicate more efficiently in the first and foreign language.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - In this module critical awareness and new concepts will be developed by drawing on the learners'' already existing knowledge of languages and on their previous language learning experiences. In the classes, students will be introduced to key linguistic ideas. Reflection on language learning and an introduction into basic theories of the language learning process will empower the students as language learners. A contrastive approach will be used in order to facilitate the understanding of grammatical structures and units. Translation will be a key part of the module, giving the students a chance to apply their knowledge about language.

The lectures are designed to introduce students to key concepts of linguistics.

Group Project - Students are expected to prepare a storyfy presentation or learning materials and advice in groups.

Seminar - The seminars will take place in small, language specific groups. Key concepts will be applied to and investigated in relation to the French, German, Italian and Spanish language, respectively.

Syllabus
1 

Topics covered during the module may include:

Introduction: what is language, what is linguistics?

Language awareness: the role of consciousness;

A history of language learning;

Language learning strategies;  

Language typology and universals: How do languages ''work''?

Levels of linguistic description;

Pitfalls of translation;

Translation.

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


Core reading for the module:

Cook, Vivian (2016) Second Language Learning and Language Teaching, 5th edition, New York, Taylor and Francis.

Yule, George (2010) The Study of Language, Cambridge, CUP.