Nottingham Trent University

Module Specification

Basic module information

1 Module Title: Sociolinguistics
2 Module Code: LING20105
3 Credit Points: 20
4 Duration: Half-year
5 School: Arts and Humanities
6 Campus: Clifton
7 Date this version first approved September 2017
to run:

8 Pre, post and co-requisites:

These are modules that you must have studied previously in order to take this module, or

modules that you must study simultaneously or in a subsequent academic session

Pre, Co, Post Module Code Module Title

9 Courses containing the module

Level Core/Option Mode Code Course Title

5 Option FT BA Joint Honours Humanities

5 Option PT BA Joint Honours Humanities

5 Option SW BA Joint Honours Modern Languages

5 Option PT BA Joint Honours Modern Languages

FT EURX003 European Exchange (Full year)

FT EURX001 European Exchange (First half year)

FT INTX003 International Exchange (Full year)

FT INTX001 International Exchange (First half year)

10 Overview and aims

Language variation refers to the way in which language changes in response to

different social contexts. Language varies with situation and with social identity.
In the course of this module we will explore different aspects of language
variation. We will examine language variation in the contexts of: language and
gender, language and ethnicity, language and geography, language and age,
language and social class. We will also discuss the role of the social subject in
constructing their own identity linguistically.

September 2015
 The aims of this module are:
- To increase students' knowledge of language in terms of: its nature and
structure, its use and effects and the social and cultural contexts in which it
operates;
- To provide students with theoretical context for issues in linguistic description
and analysis;
- To develop in students a critical and informed stance on language-related issues in
relation to contemporary debates in Sociolinguistics.

11 Module content

A typical syllabus might include elements of:

Accents and dialects; Dialectology; Language Variation with Social Class; Ethnicity;

Gender; Age; Sexuality; Speech Communities.

12 Indicative reading

Holmes, J. (2001) An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. 2nd Edition. Harlow: Longman.

Meyerhoff, M. (2006) Introducing Sociolinguistics. London: Routledge.

Montgomery, M. (2008) An Introduction to Language and Society. 3rd Edition.

London:Routledge.

Stockwell, P. (2002) Sociolinguistics. London: Routledge.

Wardhaugh, R. (2002) An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. 4th Edition. Oxford:Blackwell.

13 Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes describe what you should know and be able to do by the end of the module

Knowledge and understanding. After studying this module you should be able to:
- Apply critical thinking and logical analysis to the study of language;

- Demonstrate awareness of language variation in different social and cultural

contexts;

- Demonstrate awareness of the use of language and the power of its effects;

- Demonstrate and critically evaluate methodological approaches appropriate to

Sociolinguistics.
Skills, qualities and attributes. After studying this module you should be able to:

September 2015
 - Sensitivity to language

- Tolerance and openness to different cultures and forms of expression

- Use of information resources

- Ability to sustain a reasoned argument

- Respect for accuracy

- Respect for evidence

- Independent learning
- Understanding of the importance of Sociolinguistics in the wider world and work-
place

14 Teaching and learning

Range of modes of direct contact
This indicates the range of direct contact teaching and learning methods used on this module,

e.g. lectures, seminars

Interactive lectures, seminars, workshops, student presentations

Total contact hours: 35

Range of other learning methods
This indicates the range of other teaching and learning methods used on this module, e.g.

directed reading, research

Directed reading, research, group work, independent learning

Total non-contact hours: 165

15 Assessment methods
This indicates the type and weighting of assessment elements and sub-elements in the
module
Element Weighting Type Description (include any sub-elements)
number
1 100% Exam 2 hours short answer questions + essay

Diagnostic/formative assessment

September 2015
 This indicates if there are any assessments that do not contribute directly to the final module

mark

Formative feedback is provided during seminar work, workshop tasks, following group
and individual presentations, and after the mock exam.

Further information on assessment

This section provides further information on the modules assessment where appropriate

Exam will consist of two sections: a short answer section covering each of the topics in the

syllabus; a section giving a choice of essays which allow the students to show independent

reading and research on top of the taught elements.

Document management
16 Module Title: Sociolinguistics
17 Module Code: Ling 20105
18 Subject (JACS) Code: Q100
19 Cost Centre: 138
20 School: AAH
21 Academic Team: ECM
22 Campus: Clifton
23 Other institutions providing Please complete in box 23 a-d - if applicable
teaching:
Institution %
23a Other UK Higher Education or
Further Education Institution-
Please name
Percentage not taught by NTU
23b Other public organisation in the
UK- Percentage not taught by
NTU
23c Other private organisation in the
UK - Percentage not taught by
NTU
23d Any other Non-UK organisation -
Percentage not taught by NTU
24 Date this version was formally January 2017
approved by the School
Academic Standards and Quality
Committee (SASQC) or
Development Approval Group
(DAG):

September 2015