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 2025/26
Students should have taken an introductory module in English Language or Linguistics at Leeds or elsewhere (e.g. English: Creativity, Variation, and Use). If they have not done so, but wish to take the module, they should get in touch with module leader.
| ENGL3482 | Language Policy, Planning, and Politics |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
We use our own language, but not in conditions of our choosing. For centuries, at least, human actors have attempted to shape our sociolinguistic worlds through language policy and planning. This module will introduce students to the field of Language Policy and Planning, while also aiming to nurture a spirit of critical, political engagement with the ‘language problems’ that precede and emerge from formal and informal language policies. We will examine attempted interventions in language use, norms, debates, and sociolinguistic relations, and ask why particular choices are made, who they benefit, and what alternatives might be available. This will involve an exploration of theoretical and empirical research in formal and informal language policy, planning, and politics, and a particular focus on case study research. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the field of Language Policy and Planning, with a special emphasis on the politics of language and critical approaches. The central objectives are:
- To introduce students to theories and case studies in Language Policy.
- To challenge students to critically evaluate ‘language problems’ and responses to them.
- To equip students with an understanding of how language policies differ across time and space.
- To equip students with the skills need to analyse the politics of language policy.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1- Demonstrate an understanding of language policy and planning as a field of research.
2- Apply a case study methodology in the design and execution of an independent applied linguistics project in language policy.
3- Examine real-world ‘language problems’ and proposed or enacted solutions.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4- Design and execute an independent research project.
5- Collect and synthesise relevant data.
6- Understand some of the ways in which policy decisions affect people, communities, and spaces around the world.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Workshop | 9 | 2 | 18 |
| Seminar | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Independent online learning hours | 3 | ||
| Private study hours | 175 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will be expected to complete work ahead of each seminar, and they will receive formative feedback, including peer feedback, throughout the seminars. Opportunities will also be made available for peer feedback via such digital technologies as Padlet and Mentimeter. Further feedback will be available through office hour appointments. The module will also include short (20 minute or less) videos, produced by the module leader weekly, which will provide cohort-wide formative feedback. These are accounted for as ‘Independent Online Learning’ above.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Assignment | 35 |
| Coursework | Case Study | 65 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 27/10/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team