Corpus Linguistics

Code

ENGL4158

School

English

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

Corpus linguistics provides methods for the study of collections of electronic texts (written texts, including literary texts, material from the internet, transcripts of spoken language, etc.). This module introduces some fundamental corpus methods that include retrieving and interpreting word frequency information, studying patterns of words in the form of concordances, and analysing key words. The module will illustrate methods through case studies. Throughout the module, you will also learn to analyse different types of texts and pursue your own research ideas. For the assessment, you will complete a small-scale corpus project on a topic of your choosing (in consultation with the tutor). This project can function to test and expand upon ideas that have emerged from your previous modules, and/or which could also be further developed for your summer dissertation. 

Target Students

Only available to postgraduate students.

Classes

• Two 7-hour-30-minute workshops each week for

Lecture and workshop Block taught over 2 days - duration of a session - 7.5 hours

Assessment

• 100% Project 1: 3000 word corpus project

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

• Students will be aware of fundamental methods in corpus linguistics
• Students will be able to understand some key terminology and concepts in corpus linguistics

Intellectual Skills

• Students will be able to carry out analyses of data using appropriate corpus tools and software

Professional Skills

• Students will be able to carry out analyses of data using appropriate corpus tools and software

Transferable Skills

• Students will be able to develop skills in problem-solving;
• Students will be able to apply different approaches as required;
• Students will be able to communicate ideas and findings clearly.

Conveners

• Dr Daniel Hunt