BA English Language and Linguistics

Year 3

(Award available for year: Bachelor of Arts)

Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes refer to the programme aims listed in the section Programme specification. On completion of the year and programme students should have:

- a coherent and detailed understanding of key terms and concepts associated with at least two broad areas of linguistic enquiry (Aim 1)
- the ability to apply critically the key terms and concepts in the study of the English language (Aim 2)
- an advanced understanding of the historical, social, political and cultural contexts of the English language (Aim 3)
- the ability to critically evaluate specific approaches to the study of language, demonstrating an understanding of the role of empirical evidence in relevant debate (Aim 4)
- the ability to identify limitations of current knowledge, and formulate well-supported arguments regarding the extension of that knowledge (Aim 5)
- the ability to plan and carry out a thorough linguistic analysis of selected written and/or spoken data (Aim 6)
- a thorough command of selected formal, qualitative and/or quantitative methods of linguistic analysis, and an ability to apply selected methods to unfamiliar data or theoretical issues (Aim 6)
- an advanced command of specific analytic techniques, minimally including either phonetic transcription or syntactic annotation (Aim 6)
- an advanced ability to discuss written and spoken style in terms of grammar, lexis, phonology and other salient features using qualitative and quantitative methods, and to use this skill in an independent research project (Aim 7)
- specialist knowledge and skills in at least two broad areas of English language and linguistics, facilitated through the choice and pursuit of research-led option modules and an independent research project (Aim 8)
- the ability to plan, design and execute a piece of independent research and enquiry with appropriate supervision (Aim 9)
- the ability to address ethical and methodological issues involved in collecting and analysing linguistic data (Aim 9)
- the ability to independently summarize and synthesize complex ideas in relation to the study of language (Aim 10)
- the ability to present an extended coherent argument in an appropriate written, oral or visual mode, based on a substantial amount of independent research, with limited guidance (Aim 10)
- the ability to independently apply general and discipline-specific conventions of acknowledging and referencing source material (Aim 10)

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire, as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
- the transferable skills necessary to non-vocational graduate employment, or to further academic study and/or professional qualifications;
- information technology skills for the manipulation and analysis of data;
- the exercise of initiative and acceptance of personal responsibility for continued development;
- the ability to assess complex and unpredictable situations, and to make reasoned decisions;
- the communication of ideas, problems and solutions to a variety of audiences, showing an awareness of both the possibilities presented by different media, and the importance of purposes and audience to the design of communication.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include:
- demonstrating knowledge of, and ability to apply, terms, concepts, information and techniques relevant to the disciplines;
- demonstrating the ability to construct a persuasive argument;
- drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- demonstrating the ability to evaluate and criticise received opinion;
- producing work that shows some evidence of independent thought; for example through engagement with scholarship, or application of theory to novel data, or depth of enquiry.