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LS2SLG: Sociolinguistics
Module code: LS2SLG
Module provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics; School of Humanities
Credits: 20
Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)
When you'll be taught: Semester 1
Module convenor: Dr Christiana Themistocleous, email: c.themistocleous@reading.ac.uk
Module co-convenor: Professor Rodney Jones, email: r.h.jones@reading.ac.uk
Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE LS1ELS AND ( TAKE LS1SG OR TAKE PL1LING1 ) (Compulsory)
Co-requisite module(s):
Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):
Module(s) excluded:
Placement information: NA
Academic year: 2024/5
Available to visiting students: Yes
Talis reading list: Yes
Last updated: 21 May 2024
Overview
Module aims and purpose
This module is an introduction to sociolinguistics with an emphasis on how sociolinguistic theories a can help students to understand and solve practical problems in the real-world such as discrimination, inequality and political polarisation. It aims to train students with tools and concepts both from traditional sociolinguistics and from more recent approaches . The module will benefit students by equipping them with analytical methods and concepts that they can apply in everyday situations, including workplaces, and preparing them to explore more specialised topics in sociolinguistics in optional modules. It will also give them an opportunity to write a literature review and conduct a research project in preparation for their dissertations, as well as to work collaboratively with other students.Â
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:Â
- Describe the main areas of research, theories, and methodologies in the field of sociolinguistics;Â
- Apply sociolinguistic concepts and methods to identifying and solving problems in the real-world;Â
- Conduct sociolinguistic research in groups involving the collection, analysis and interpretation of data;Â
- Argue about issues involving the relationship between language and society through a critical reading of sociolinguistic literature. Â
Module content
The module has eleven core topicsÂ
- Introducing sociolinguisticsÂ
- Imagining languages and their speakers Â
- Resources and repertoiresÂ
- Modes and media of communicationÂ
- Language variationÂ
- Code-mixing, translanguaging and crossingÂ
- Style and identityÂ
- Language attitudes, mocking and appropriationÂ
- Linguistic landscapesÂ
- Mobility, contact and flowsÂ
In addition, each week students will apply what they have learnt to a specific real-world problem. These include:Â Â
- Language and citizenshipÂ
- Language and inequalityÂ
- Youth language and belongingÂ
- Marginalization and harassment onlineÂ
- Language policies and language use in classroomsÂ
- Performing gender and sexualityÂ
- Language and racismÂ
- Conflict and politics in linguistic landscapesÂ
- Language and migrationÂ
The module uses the following core textbook:Â Â
Jones, R. & Themistocleous, C. (2022) Introducing Language and Society. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Â
Structure
Teaching and learning methods
The module is delivered through interactive lectures in which content delivery is interspersed with group activities. Each lesson begins with a group discussion which students prepare for beforehand through reading and engaging in digital content. Time is also allotted in class to discuss students’ group projects and critical literature reviews. Â
Students meet independently with their groupmates to plan and execute their group research projects. Â
Study hours
At least 22 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.
 Scheduled teaching and learning activities |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Lectures | 22 | ||
Seminars | |||
Tutorials | |||
Project Supervision | |||
Demonstrations | |||
Practical classes and workshops | |||
Supervised time in studio / workshop | |||
Scheduled revision sessions | |||
Feedback meetings with staff | |||
Fieldwork | 10 | ||
External visits | |||
Work-based learning | |||
 Self-scheduled teaching and learning activities |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Directed viewing of video materials/screencasts | 18 | ||
Participation in discussion boards/other discussions | 5 | ||
Feedback meetings with staff | 5 | ||
Other | 60 | ||
Other (details) | Library research and writing | ||
 Placement and study abroad |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Placement | |||
Study abroad | |||
 Independent study hours |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Independent study hours | 80 |
Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.
Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.
Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.
Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.
Assessment
Requirements for a pass
Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.
Summative assessment
Type of assessment | Detail of assessment | % contribution towards module mark | Size of assessment | Submission date | Additional information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Artefact production | Mini research project (poster) | 40 | Poster of approximately 1,000 words with graphs, illustrations, etc. | Semester 1, Teaching Week 11 | Students work together in groups to conduct a small research project based on a list of suggested topics and report their findings using the genre of the academic poster |
Written coursework assignment | Essay (critical literature review) | 60 | Approximately 2,000 words | Semester 1, Assessment Week 1 | Students write a critical literature review on a key issue in sociolinguistics using five source articles |
Penalties for late submission of summative assessment
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:
Assessments with numerical marks
- where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
- the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
- where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
- where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
Assessments marked Pass/Fail
- where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
- where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Formative assessment
Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.
Oral feedback on in-class group tasks.
Reassessment
Type of reassessment | Detail of reassessment | % contribution towards module mark | Size of reassessment | Submission date | Additional information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Artefact production | Mini research project (poster) | 40 | Poster of approximately 1,000 words with graphs, illustrations, etc. | Before the August re-sit period, to be agreed with the Deptartment | |
Written coursework assignment | Essay (critical literature review) | 60 | Approximately 2,000 words | Before the August re-sit period, to be agreed with the Deptartment | A student who chooses to re-submit this assignment at the second attempt will be required to submit an assignment based on a different task, equivalent to that set for the first submission. |
Additional costs
Item | Additional information | Cost |
---|---|---|
Computers and devices with a particular specification | ||
Printing and binding | ||
Required textbooks | Jones, R. & Themistocleous, C. (2022) Introducing Language and Society. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. | Approximately £23 |
Specialist clothing, footwear, or headgear | ||
Specialist equipment or materials | ||
Travel, accommodation, and subsistence |
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.