Module manager: Dr Leendert Plug
Email: l.plug@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module introduces students to the scientific study of language. It focuses on how speech sounds are produced and function as part of the sound systems of languages, and on the internal structure of words and sentences. Students learn basic terms and concepts in linguistics and develop a range of analytical skills. Having completed this module, students can go on to take more advanced modules in linguistics. 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.
Through lectures, practical seminars and online resources, this module aims to:
(1) introduce students to linguistics and its subdisciplines phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax
(2) cover core concepts in the study of language grammars and speech sounds
(3) develop students' awareness of cross-linguistic variation
(4) develop students' practical language analysis skills
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
(1) accurately apply basic concepts in phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax when analysing linguistic data from a range of languages
(2) address questions about language in ways that are inconsistent with the aims and methods of relevant subdisciplines of linguistics
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
(3) analyse real-world data to assess theoretical arguments
(4) effectively communicate complex ideas in an academic style
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 170 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Seminars involve formative monitoring of students’ understanding of the core module content, and their use of the learning resources developed for the module. Seminars explicitly practise and give feedback on the data analysis skills needed for the summative assignment. A formative writing task allows students to gain written feedback on their academic writing (about a topic in general linguistics) prior to their submission of the summative essay (the topic of which may vary from year to year). Lectures allow students to raise and lecturers to address areas of concern as the module progresses. The final lecture includes explicit guidance on the exam and provides an extended opportunity for students to ask questions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team