2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MODL1060 Language: Structure and Sound

20 creditsClass Size: 80

Module manager: Dr Leendert Plug
Email: l.plug@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces students to the scientific study of language. It focuses on how speech sounds are produced and function as part of the sound systems of languages, and on the internal structure of words and sentences. Students learn basic terms and concepts in linguistics and develop a range of analytical skills. Having completed this module, students can go on to take more advanced modules in linguistics.

Objectives

Through lectures, practical seminars and online resources, this module aims to:

(1) introduce students to linguistics and its subdisciplines phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax
(2) cover core concepts in the study of language grammars and speech sounds
(3) develop students' awareness of cross-linguistic variation
(4) develop students' practical language analysis skills

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
(1) demonstrate an understanding of core concepts in the study of language grammars and speech sounds
(2) demonstrate an understanding of core aims and methods of phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax

Skills Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
(3) demonstrate skills in analysing real-world data to assess theoretical arguments
(4) effectively communicate complex ideas in an academic style

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			170.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Seminars involve formative monitoring of students’ understanding of the core module content, and their use of the learning resources developed for the module. Seminars explicitly practise and give feedback on the data analysis skills needed for the summative assignment. A formative writing task allows students to gain written feedback on their academic writing (about a topic in general linguistics) prior to their submission of the summative essay (the topic of which may vary from year to year). Lectures allow students to raise and lecturers to address areas of concern as the module progresses. The final lecture includes explicit guidance on the data analysis assignment and provides an extended opportunity for students to ask questions.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	Essay	30.00
Assignment	Data analysis task	70.00
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: 02/02/2024

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