Module LANG43115: Sociolinguistics

Department: Durham Centre for Academic Development

LANG43115: Sociolinguistics

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• 1 Introduce students to key events and researchers in the evolution of sociolinguistics
• 2 Introduce students to key terminology, theories and concepts in the field of Sociolinguistics
• 3 Help students understand the relationship between society and language
• 4 Help students discover their own personal language identities, attitudes and contexts
• 5 Help students identify and critically evaluate the role of Sociolinguistics in language, policy, planning and education
• 6 Help students critically evaluate and apply sociolinguistic research methods

Content

• We explore what is meant by Sociolinguistics and key research events and theories that contributed to its evolution. We examine research into language variation and its connection to identity and attitudes, focussing on the relationship between language and societal factors such as gender, race and class. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own contexts to better comprehend personal sociolinguistic identities and attitudes. We also consider language change in this age of the Internet and globalisation, and the role of multilingualism. Impacts of language planning, policy and power on language use are examined through case studies.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of key events and researchers and how they contributed to the evolution of Sociolinguistics
• Knowledge of key theories underpinning research in the field of Sociolinguistics
• Knowledge of key terminology from the field of Sociolinguistics
• Understanding of the relationship between society and language
• Understanding of personal language identities, attitudes and contexts
• Understanding of policies and educational implications of sociolinguistic matters
• Understanding of key research methods used in Sociolinguistics

• Ability to apply key theories underpinning discussions and research in Sociolinguistics
• Ability to employ key terminology and concepts in discussions, presentations and texts about matters related to Sociolinguistics
• Ability to recognise how language use is affected by society
• Ability to reflect on personal language identities and attitudes in individual contexts
• Ability to critically evaluate policy and educational approaches affected by Sociolinguistics
• Ability to critically evaluate and apply sociolinguistic research methods
• Ability to carry out case study research and analysis

• Ability to communicate analysis and arguments clearly and in an appropriate style
• Ability to reflect on and discuss key literature, research, the theories and concepts studied
• Ability to critically evaluate and apply research methods
• Ability to work both individually and collaboratively on activities and assessments
• Ability to learn through traditional and digital approaches to education

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module adopts a flipped learning approach, delivering key content and activities provided ahead of the seminars. These seminars focus on practical engagement, utilizing case studies, key research, and methods for data collection and analysis. This prepares students to critically evaluate these methods and build a foundation for their own mini research projects. Through discussions and activities, students will explore their sociolinguistic identities and attitudes, reflecting on how the concepts and theories studied relate to their personal contexts. Weekly seminars will run from weeks 1 to 8, with group tutorials scheduled for weeks 9 and 10.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Weekly reflections and discussions with tutor feedback and peer feedback. Peer review of research work. Tutorials to aid with research planning. Tutor feedback on group presentation, which will inform the content of the research project.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University