Year One
Linguistics Understanding Language
What is language? What is it made of? What rules do we follow when we put sounds together to create words and when we combine words to create sentences? How many languages are spoken in the world today and in which ways are they similar or different? These are some of the questions that you will explore on this module Using examples from different languages you will analyse real-life language data in order to develop the practical skills required for linguistic analysis
Read more about the Linguistics Understanding Language moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Language in Society
In this module you will learn to unpack the ways in which language shapes and is shaped by society You will analyse critically how language operates in different linguistic and cultural settings using a range of theoretical concepts empirical research and methodologies to understand describe and interpret language use in society This includes an investigative study of language use during which you will also develop your communication and study skills
Read more about the Language in Society moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Describing English Language
In this module you will learn about the structure of the English language and critically reflect on the nature of its grammatical ‘rules’ using relevant terminology By the end of the course you will be able to apply this descriptive framework to any text in English and understand the effect of grammatical choices on different styles of writing
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The History and Spread of English
The English language is an international phenomenon with the number of speakers learning it as an additional language outnumbering those who acquire it as their first On this course you will gain a comprehensive understanding of its historical and global complexity You will learn about its roots and how it has developed and gain an enhanced awareness of current issues related to its worldwide spread and influence on other languages
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First Language Acquisition
Learning a language is an amazing feat but one that children seem to manage to do without much effort In this module you will learn how this happens You will develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the key concepts terms theories and research evidence related to the acquisition of language in children You will also study relevant research methods so that you can perform an analysis of child language
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Research Academic and Professional Skills
Providing a foundation for modules ET214 (Qualitative Research) and ET215 (Quantitative Research Methods) this module will help you develop the research academic and professional skills needed to succeed at university and beyond You will explore research data-collection and analytical methodologies using real-life examples of language culture and communication You will develop an analytical toolkit to serve you in multiple contexts including your future career You will also become familiar with research conventions including ethical approval literature review communication and critical understanding of academic writing
Read more about the Research Academic and Professional Skills moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Intermediate Year
Phonetics and Phonology
This module expands on concepts introduced during ET118 Linguistics Understanding Language in order to provide core knowledge and skills for students in phonetics and phonology as essential fields of language study It aims to
Familiarise students with the phonetic and phonological systems of the world’s languages
Introduce methodologies from a range of linguistic disciplines to document study and analyse language data
Engage students in linguistic analysis within a language and cross-linguistically both synchronically and diachronically
Introduce research about and approaches to subfields of linguistics
Read more about the Phonetics and Phonology moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Morphology and Syntax
What structures do the world’s languages have in common and how are they different? How can we classify languages? Why do languages change? This module expands on concepts introduced during Linguistics Understanding Language in order to provide core knowledge and skills for students in the core linguistic domains of morphology and syntax You’ll learn about more advanced morpho-syntactic features of a wide range of the world’s languages and how these features interact with semantics You’ll explore methodologies to document study and analyse real-world language data You’ll also be introduced to research in subfields of linguistics such as typology and language change
Read more about the Morphology and Syntax moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Sociolinguistics
Why do we speak differently in different situations? Can you identify the features of a Geordie and a Scouse accent? Do men and women speak differently and if so why? These are questions you will explore as we examine the relationship between language use and social context Building on module ET119 (Language in Society) you will develop a greater understanding of linguistic variation With the opportunity to conduct your own research study you can expect to complete your course armed with a set of theories insights and skills to enable you to address such questions and to explore your own questions about the role of language in society
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Qualitative Research
In this module you will develop your ability to conduct qualitative research on language culture and communication related topics and issues As well as content from engaging lectures and seminars you will drive your own learning by designing carrying out and writing up your own original qualitative research project on a language culture and communication issue or topic you are interested in You will be guided every step of the way through constructive feedback and reflective tasks as you put your qualitative toolkit into practice to build your own theoretical ideas about language culture and communication Additionally this module is designed to give you an opportunity to develop skills and attributes you need to be able to conduct research in the future including resilience intellectual curiosity confidence in making decisions personal and project management and critical thinking The ability to conduct research is a highly sought-after skill by employers as the world becomes increasingly reliant on research-informed insights and this module arms you with a toolkit to meet this need
Read more about the Qualitative Research moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Analysing Written Discourse
Why are some texts easy to read and others not so easy? What makes a piece of writing persuasive? What can you learn about the ideology of an organisation from the texts it produces? In this module you will learn how to analyse the function of written and electronic texts in detail You will become familiar with a wide range of text-analytical frameworks and techniques applying them to various types of data You will be introduced to a range of approaches to theorising the links between texts and the society of which they are a part so that you can understand and discuss how society influences discourse and vice versa
Read more about the Analysing Written Discourse moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2022 23 of study)
Analysing Spoken Discourse
What does spoken language contribute to the world? In this module we will investigate the importance of spoken interaction for creating relationships establishing identity and consolidating community We will explore the concept of language itself and trace how theories have incrementally increased current linguists' understanding We will note the growing realisation of the interaction between context and meaning as well as the fundamental position of spoken discourse in the fabric of society The module will provide you with skills of recording and transcribing what you hear around you in order to analyse natural every day conversation From that analysis you will be able to gain insights into a range of issues such as power dynamics identity work politeness and discursive practices
Read more about the Analysing Spoken Discourse moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2022 23 of study)
Language Teaching Methodologies
On this module you will study the principles research and current issues underlying the teaching of English as an additional language You will learn to evaluate teaching materials and to develop your own tasks for teaching the English language This will give you a very good practical and theoretical foundation for your teaching career either in the UK or abroad
Read more about the Language Teaching Methodologies moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Final Year
Quantitative Research Methods
Building on the foundations in ET120 Research Academic and Professional Skills you will progress to developing your research skills through deeper insights into the generic principles of planning collecting and analysing quantitative data In addition to weekly engagement with real-life problem-solving tasks you will be a member of a group project conducting empirical research You will appreciate the purpose and application of different quantitative research designs and their relevance in applied contexts such as organisational analysis and consulting At the end of the module you will be able to critically review quantitative data and understand its power as well as its limitations and also demonstrate the skills needed to generate analyse and interpret such data in the workplace
Read more about the Quantitative Research Methods moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Dissertation
Do you have a topic or question about Language Culture and Communication or English Language and Linguistics that you would like to explore in depth? By the time you get to the third you are likely to have a lot of potential areas of interest For the dissertation module you get the opportunity to develop a project around one of these interests and with the support of a supervisor conduct research and write it up! As well as developing content knowledge in an area of interest to you the dissertation will help you enhance your research critical and creative thinking time management and academic writing skills The dissertation module also provides excellent training if you are interested in undertaking postgraduate study beyond the BA
Read more about the Dissertation moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from to Example optional modules may include
Dialects
Issues in TESOL
Intercultural Pragmatics
Multilingualism and Culture
Professional Communication
Language Society and Power
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