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 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.
ENGL2024
This module is not 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 relate to 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).
This aim of this module is to develop students’ understanding of key terms and central concepts in sociolinguistics. It builds on foundational skills in the practical and theoretical analysis of language, using accurate terminology. Through lectures, seminars, and assessments, students will expand their understanding of theoretical and empirical studies in sociolinguistics, assess their importance, and apply their knowledge to the critical discussion of current linguistic issues in society.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Analyse language in its social setting
2. Locate and engage with appropriate theoretical and empirical studies in sociolinguistics to solve problems.
3. Assess the importance and significance of existing sociolinguistic research in their own sociolinguistic analysis
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Exercise independent thinking and critical judgement in relation to the selection and synthesis of ideas
2. Communicate detailed ideas effectively
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| 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 | ||
Students will receive formative feedback throughout their seminars, where ideas will be discussed. They will also receive formative comments on their submitted coursework. They will also have the opportunity to engage with tutors in their office hours to seek further formative feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Assignment | 50 |
| Coursework | Project | 50 |
| 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: 16/07/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team