LSMILR-Issues in Linguistic Research

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: j.v.laws@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to bring students to a shared understanding of the range of research that is conducted within linguistics (in the broadest sense), particularly in relation to the models of language assumed by researchers, the kind of data linguists gather along with modes of analysis, the style of research (whether hypothesis-driven, empirical, qualitative, quantitative), and the current research issues in different sub-fields.

Aims:
This module aims to bring students to a shared understanding of the range of research that is conducted within linguistics (in the broadest sense), particularly in relation to the models of language assumed by researchers, the kind of data linguists gather along with modes of analysis, the style of research (whether hypothesis-driven, empirical, qualitative, quantitative), and the current research issues in different sub-fields.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate awareness of how their topic is located within the wider framework of their chosen sub-field within linguistics, applied linguistics or clinical linguistics
• Demonstrate awareness of how their topic relates to neighbouring fields beyond the chosen sub-field (this being interpreted quite broadly)
• Show a critical approach to the issues discussed

Additional outcomes:
An increase in the student's ability to read and evaluate work in neighbouring fields.

Outline content:
The module begins with sessions on 'The place of linguistic research within scientific enquiry' and on 'The nature of linguistic data'. These are followed by sessions by subject specialists who are asked to provide an outline of their field (setting it off from neighbouring fields), a discussion of how research questions are typically formulated (including whether the field involves experimentation, hypothesis testing, quantification, etc.), and exemplification through the presentation of a research project they themselves have conducted. Topics to be covered are selected so as to both reflect and complement the interests of the particular student group. The following topics are, however, covered every year: Qualitative and ethnographic methods in language research, The quantitative approach in sociolinguistics, Paradigms in applied linguistic research, Speech science research.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures preceded by introductory reading provided by the lecturer and course text, and following by recommended readings from lists provided in supporting materials. Seminar sessions will include practical exercises to illustrate approaches covered in the module.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Students will be required to submit by the first day of the Spring term a 2000-word essay on how their proposed research topic is located within its own sub-field, and explain how this sub-field fits more broadly into the field in which they are working (such as sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, language acquisition, language impairment).

Formative assessment methods:
Reading an article and preparing the presentation of a paper for the following week.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Reassessment arrangements:

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 5 July 2019