Module manager: Judith Eberharter
Email: j.eberharter@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
GERM2070 GERM2071
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In this module, students will explore the diverse linguistic landscapes of German-speaking countries—primarily Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—investigating the complexities of dialectal variation, language identity, and cultural diversity. Additionally, students will gain insight into the impact of social factors such as gender, class, ethnicity, and power on language use and the ideologies that underlie language practices. 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.
Students taking this module will explore the relationship between language and society in the framework of sociolinguistics, with a particular focus on the German-speaking context, by investigating how language reflects and shapes social structures, identities, and ideologies. By examining a wide range of topics, including language and power, language and identity, and social factors, students will develop the analytical tools needed to understand the ways in which linguistic practices are influenced by, and in turn influence, social norms, power relations, and cultural identities. The sessions provided throughout the module will be a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops, which will allow students to explore a range of materials including academic sources, music, social media posts and literature.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of key developments and debates in sociolinguistics, particularly in relation to language variation, and language ideologies in the German-speaking context.
2. Critically evaluate a variety of sociolinguistic research materials, including academic studies, media representations, and real-world linguistic data.
3. Apply core sociolinguistic concepts and theories, and evidence from both primary and secondary sources to make well-supported arguments.
4. Engage critically with broader social issues raised in the module and how they shape language practices and societal structures.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Design and conduct research by applying sociolinguistic methods.
6. Present a structured and nuanced argument
7. Communicate to an audience using sociolinguistic terminology and concepts.
8. Identify and critically evaluate different types of sources.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will receive formative feedback on their choice of topic and source material twice throughout the module. The final session is designed as an essay clinic to provide further support and feedback.
The students will be given 2 deadlines throughout the module to support the development of their case study. Students will be asked to submit a written piece once about their topic and primary source choice, followed by a literature review. Furthermore, students will be asked to present their topic and sources in small groups in the seminars to allow for peer feedback and student-led group discussions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Project | 100 |
| 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: 03/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team