SE1110: Introduction to Language and Society

School Language and Communication
Department Code ENCAP
Module Code SE1110
External Subject Code Q310
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Frances Rock
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

This double module is an introduction to language and cultures. We examine a range of approaches which help explain the complex but fascinating relationship between language and social life. For example, we look at the role of language in intergroup and intercultural communication; the ways that language can be used to establish identity e.g. gender, age, social class. These are all important areas of understanding for a wide range of academic disciplines such as sociology, media, education, psychology, politics and philosophy and this module offers interesting connections with those disciplines. 

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • demonstrate familiarity with the most fundamental scholarly approaches to sociolinguistics;
  • understand the notion of variation;
  • recognise and discuss the relevance of social and linguistic variables to language and social life;
  • read academic texts of different levels of complexity;
  • critically assess the value of key concepts in sociolinguistics;
  • express an argument clearly and using appropriate terminology in speech, essay writing and under examination conditions;
  • research and write an academic essay and engage constructively with academic writing. 

How the module will be delivered

Timetabled sessions include 2 lectures and 1 seminar per week. During seminars, you may be required to make presentations and participate in discussion. Lectures are usually supplemented with PowerPoint slides and handouts summarising content at a reasonable level of detail. These are usually made available on Learning Central soon after the lecture. Audio and video are used in this module. Transcripts are provided where the audio or visual texts are analysed in detail or are a core element of the lecture or seminar.

Both lectures and seminars will often require you to analyse practical examples of spoken language and to critically examine sociolinguistic research. There will usually be specific preparation tasks to complete in advance of each seminar. During seminars, you will be required to contribute actively to the discussions. You will be given sufficient time to prepare your contribution, either before the class or in pair or group work in class.

Students are encouraged to discuss any specific access needs with staff in advance of taking this module. 

Skills that will be practised and developed

Critical and other forms of reading and writing; analysis of written and spoken language data; presentation; discussion; listening; peer assessment.  This module develops a range of descriptive, analytic and critical skills and abilities which students will have first begun to build in years 1 and 2 of their degree.  This module refines those skills and refines a reflexive understanding of those skills by considering their application in ‘real world’, legal settings and to ‘real world’ legal problems.  The general ability developed, therefore, of considering problems by the application of descriptive, critical and analytic skills and abilities is key to many, if not all, workplace settings.

How the module will be assessed

Coursework (50%); and Written Examination (50%)

The coursework provides an opportunity to explore a topic in more depth. The essay titles are provided in a purpose-built document by week 2 of the module. Your essay should demonstrate a good critical understanding of key issues, theories and concepts covered in weeks 1-5 of the module and should develop a clear and convincing argument presented according to the academic conventions outlined in the English Language and Communication Course Guide and the ENCAP Undergraduate Handbook.

The exam invites two equally weighted argumentative essays on topics covered in the second half of the module. You will need to read widely in advance of the examination and produce answers which evidence this reading.  It is however essential that you also reflect on what you have read and use it to construct your own answer to the questions set.  This answer should show an ability to reflect on the topic required by the question and to address pertinent issues critically and carefully. Not all topics covered in weeks 6-11 will be included in the examination so wide reading is necessary.

The module is assessed according to the Assessment Criteria set out in the English Language and Communication Course Guide. Otherwise, there are no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 50 Introduction To Language And Society 1
Written Assessment 50 Coursework N/A

Syllabus content

  • Sociolinguistics: Origins, definitions and approaches
  • Introducing language variation across different social groups: English accents and dialects  
  • Multilingualism
  • Global shifts in the use of languages
  • Sociolinguistic variation in speech communities (1):  Class and style
  • Sociolinguistic variation in speech communities (2):  Gender
  • Sociolinguistic variation in speech communities (3):  Age
  • Sociolinguistic aspects of sign languages
  • Language variation and the negotiation of identities and relationships
  • Attitudes to language variation: Methods and Implications

Essential Reading and Resource List

Recommended textbook: Meyerhoff, M.  (2011) Introducing Sociolinguistics.  London: Routledge.

Suggested textbooks and readers (you will want to access these books and others like them – you do not need to purchase them all):

Coupland, N. and Jaworski, A. (eds.) (1997) Sociolinguistics: A Reader and Coursebook. London: Macmillan.

Downes, W. D. (1998) Language and Society. London: Fontana.

Holmes, J. (2008) An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. 3rd Edition. London: Longman.

Hudson, R.A. (1996) Sociolinguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Mesthrie, R., Swann, J., Deumert, A. and Leap, W. (2000) Introducing Sociolinguistics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Meyerhoff, M. and Schleef, E. (2010)  The Routledge Sociolinguistics Reader.  London: Routledge.

Montgomery M 2(008) An Introduction to Language and Society Third Edition: London: Routledge.

Penhallurick R. (2010)  Studying the English Language 2nd Edition: London: Palgrave.

Wardhaugh, R. (2010) An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. 6th Edition. Oxford: Blackwell.


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