2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LING1060 Language Projects

20 creditsClass Size: 36

Module manager: Deak Kirkham
Email: d.e.a.kirkham@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Pre-requisites

MODL1060

Language: Structure and Sound

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module develops students' skills in conducting independent language research and engaging with research papers in linguistics. The module revolves around a series of group and independent projects in which students investigate aspects of the structure and use of languages of which they have little or no prior knowledge, and communicate the results of their research in the form of verbal presentations and written reports. Students also organise a conference at which they present summaries of research papers in linguistics on topics of their choosing. The module allows students to discover for themselves how rich and varied the grammars and usage patterns of the world’s languages are, and to practice communicating research results in several different ways.

Objectives

This module aims to:
(1) introduce students to the language structures and sociolinguistics of selected languages
(2) familiarise students with variety in and differences between the world’s languages
(3) develop students' skills in analysing data from unfamiliar languages
(4) develop students' individual and group research skills
(5) develop students' group work and group presentation skills

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
(1) demonstrate an understanding of the structural and sociolinguistic characteristics of a number of the world's languages
(2) locate relevant linguistic information and synthesise this information for a target audience, both individually and as part of a group
(3) deliver clear and engaging presentations to peers
(4) organise and manage a conference event as part of a large group
(5) present a linguistically engaging argument in written form

Skills outcomes
(These are covered in Learning Outcomes above).

Syllabus

This module consists of a lecture programme and a practical programme, running in parallel. Initial lectures cover core issues in language variety and language analysis before turning to skills input to support the practical strand. The practical strand itself has two elements: firstly, a series of group presentations on grammatical and sociolinguistic aspects of certain of the world's languages; secondly, the presentation of a linguistics paper. This second element is presented at a conference which students also organise. Finally, students prepare an 'independent language project' in written form and on a language of their choosing.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Student-led discussion	1	2.00	2.00
Seminar	20	1.00	20.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students are expected to devote 178 hours of private study time to this module, with the following suggested breakdown:
- Preparation for group projects: (3x20=) 60 hours
- Organisation of and preparation for student-led conference: 28 hours
- Completion of individual project: 90 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative, oral feedback is provided on the group presentations in class, and written feedback is provided on the associated reports. Feedback is provided on the analytical depth and range of information collected and presented, as well as on presentation of the report and the way in which the group has worked together to produce it. The timing of feedback provision is such that students receive feedback on the first group project report (which is not numerically assessed, but must be completed for a pass on the module), before they submit the second, and they receive feedback on at least two group project reports before they submit their individual reports. Formative feedback is also provided on the conference presentations (which again are not numerically assessed, but must be completed for a pass on the module). The feedback will focus on the clarity of the presentation, the balance of contributions from co-presenters, and the responses given to live questions in the conference itself.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Group Project	1,000 word report	25.00
Group Project	1,000 word report	0.00
Group Project	1,000 word report	25.00
Presentation	First Year Linguistics Conference	0.00
Project	2,000 word Individual Project Report	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 12/09/2019

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