Essentials of Linguistics
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CELEN061 | Centre for English Language Education | 0 | 20 | Autumn China |
- Code
- CELEN061
- School
- Centre for English Language Education
- Level
- 0
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn China
Summary
This module is a basic introduction to the study of language and linguistics. It addresses questions such as ‘What does it mean to know a language?’ and ‘What do linguists study?’ The course equips students with the knowledge and skills to start analyzing language at the level of sounds, words, sentences, and discourse. The data is drawn from different languages, although the main focus is on English. Sessions on socio-linguistics illustrate that variation at every level of language structure is linked to class, age, gender, culture, and other factors. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to connect insights gained to their own experiences and observations of language. The ultimate goal is to develop a heightened sensitivity to linguistic phenomena and to raise interest in the study of linguistics.
Target Students
Available to students on the preliminary year programme at UNNC
Classes
- One 1-hour-30-minute seminar each week for 11 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: A portfolio of group work tasks in linguistics
- 60% final exam (1-hour): EoS written exam; short and long questions, linguistic analysis, problem solving tasks
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To provide an introduction to the study of linguistics and a grounding in basic concepts and terminology.To promote greater understanding of how language is determined by social factors and context.To encourage reflection on language issues in general.Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, students will have developed:
a. Knowledge and understanding
An awareness of the key position language holds in the sphere of human communication.
An awareness of the role of context in the production and interpretation of language.
A basic understanding of selected concepts in the six core areas of linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, and of the interaction between them.
An understanding of how and why language varies across speakers.
b. Study skills
Linguistic awareness, the ability to independently connect insights gained to other instances of language.
The ability to use a Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle) for self-study and course assignments.
Academic reading and listening skills: extracting and synthesizing key information from linguistic sources.
Basic skills in linguistics (working with languages, data collection and annotation, etc.)
The ability to engage in discussions on topical issues in the field.
c. Transferable skills
Analytical and interpretative skills.
Communication skills (including an awareness of the challenges involved in intercultural communication).
The ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
A certain degree of autonomy manifested in setting personal self-study goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time and meeting deadlines, etc.
Conveners
- Dr Magdalena Rybarczyk