BA Linguistics and Philosophy

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)
- a coherent and detailed understanding of central theories and arguments in general philosophy, applied philosophy and the history of philosophy (Aim 2)
- the ability to critically evaluate specific approaches to the study of language and philosophy, demonstrating an understanding of the role of empirical evidence in relevant debate (Aim 3)
- the ability to identify limitations of current knowledge, and formulate well-supported arguments regarding the extension of that knowledge (Aim 4)
- the ability to identify the underlying issues in a debate, to analyse complex problems and to detect relevance and irrelevance (Aim 4)
- the ability to plan and carry out a thorough linguistic analysis of selected written and/or spoken data (Aim 5)
- 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 5)
- an advanced command of specific analytic techniques, minimally including either phonetic transcription or syntactic annotation (Aim 5)
- the advanced ability to engage critically with the problems explored in the writings of major historical philosophers (Aim 6)
- specialist knowledge and skills in at least two broad areas of linguistic and philosophical enquiry, facilitated through the choice and pursuit of research-led option modules and an independent research project (Aim 7)
- the ability to plan, design and execute a piece of independent research and enquiry with appropriate supervision (Aim 8)
- the ability to address ethical and methodological issues involved in collecting and analysing linguistic data (Aim 8)
- the ability to independently summarize and synthesize complex ideas in relation to the study of language and philosophy (Aim 9)
- the ability to present an extended coherent argument in an appropriate written or oral style, based on a substantial amount of independent research, with limited guidance (Aim 9)
- the ability to independently apply general and discipline-specific conventions of acknowledging and referencing source material (Aim 9)

Transferable (key) skills

The subject modules provide opportunities for students to practice and develop:
- The transferable skills necessary to non-vocational graduate employment, or to further academic study and/or professional qualifications;
- 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 information, ideas, problems and solutions to a variety of audiences which shows an awareness of both the possibilities of different media, and the importance of purposes and audience to the design of communication.

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire, as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
- qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment related to the area(s) studied;
- skills necessary for the communication of information;
- skills necessary for the exercising of personal responsibility and decision making.

Assessment

The achievement of the subject learning outcomes will be assessed by a variety of assessment methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the programme and will include:
- Demonstrating the ability to engage with a relatively broad range of aspects of the discipline;
- Drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- The ability to evaluate and criticise received opinion;
- Work that shows some evidence of independent thought, through either engagement with scholarship, application of theory to novel data, or depth of enquiry.

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 the ability to apply a broad range of aspects of the discipline;
- work that draws on a wide variety of material;
- the ability to evaluate and criticise received opinion;
- demonstrating a broad knowledge base;
- evidencing in-depth investigation.