School of English
Module manager: Dr Kate Spowage
Email: k.s.spowage@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Students wishing to take this module must have passed an introduction to language study in the School of English or another department (such modules include ‘Analysing English’, ‘English: Context, Culture & Style, Key Concepts of Language: One, Key Concepts of Language; Two, a Level 1 module in Linguistics and Phonetics, or similar modules in other departments in Modern Languages.) If you do not meet this requirement, but do have a Grade A in English Language A-level, and you wish to take this module, you must consult the module tutor, as should any student who is uncertain whether they meet the pre-requisite requirements. Please note: This module is restricted to Level 2 and 3 students.
ENGL2022 English in Time and Space
This module is approved as a discovery module
In this module students will engage critically with topics, theories and research methodologies in the field of sociolinguistics, which is concerned with the complex relationship between language and society. Focusing on language in its social context, we will ask about linguistic variation (how small scale patterns of language use correlate with social categories such as class, gender and age) and the role of language in social life (including its relationships to power, national identity and ideology).
On completion of this module students should have acquired knowledge of the key terms and central concepts of the discipline (e.g. idiolect, dialect, sociolect, Standard English, non-Standard varieties of English, code-switching, accommodation) and, building on level 1 descriptive levels of language, be able to describe language and linguistic processes in society using accurate lexical, grammatical, phonetic and morphological terms.
Students should also have good knowledge and understanding of theoretical and empirical studies in sociolinguistics and be able to assess their importance and apply their knowledge in the critical discussion of current linguistic issues in society.
Students will have developed:
- the ability to use written communication effectively
- the capacity to accurately describe, analyse, and critically examine language in its social setting
- the ability to locate and engage with appropriate theoretical and empirical studies in sociolinguistics and to assess the importance of this work within their own analysis of data
- Research skills - independent thought and judgement in relation to selection and synthesis of ideas
- critical reasoning
- IT skills
- efficient time management and organisation skills
In this module students will engage critically with topics, theories and research methodologies in the field of sociolinguistics, which is concerned with the complex relationship between language and society. Focusing on language in its social context, we will ask about linguistic variation (how small scale patterns of language use correlate with social categories such as class, gender and age) and the role of language in social life (including its relationships to power, national identity and ideology).
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 18 | 1 | 18 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 172 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Reading and research using module reading list, lecture follow-up, seminar preparation, and wider reading and research within and beyond the module description.
Contribution to seminars.
Feedback on assessed work.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1,250-word essay. Students must submit/sit and pass all elements of assessment. Students who fail any element (even as a result of penalties)) will have to resit the failed element in order to pass the module. | 50 |
| Essay | 1,750-word essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Students must submit/sit and pass all elements of assessment. Students who fail any element (even as a result of penalties) will have to resit the failed element in order to pass the module.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 8/2/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team