Sociolinguistics (U00328)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PPL-3-SOCL-LI

This course builds on the introductory work students have undertaken in sociolinguistics in pre-Honours course. We continue to develop the skills needed for studying variation in language attitudes and language use that were laid down in Year 1 and 2, and students will be able to deepen their own experience as researchers and fieldworkers through the topic they choose for their final project.
The course also explores major aspects of the theory of language variation and change in more detail, such as:
the importance of change over time in a community,
the potential for change across an individual's lifespan,
the relationship between social identities like gender or social class and variation in language use,
how sociolinguistic methods inform the study of language contact and dialect levelling.
(If time allows, the course will also provide in-class training in how to undertake variationist analyses using the software package most widely-used in sociolinguistics.)

As in previous years, there is an emphasis on collaborative learning strategieslectures will be supplemented with numerous in-class exercises and discussions, and course participants will work on their final project in a small group. Readings, lectures and exercises are also supported by regular brief writing exercises in which students are encouraged to relate academic work to their direct observations and experiences in the world.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : English Language 2 OR Linguistics 2A and 2B OR Linguistics 2A and 2L.

? Prohibited combinations : Sociolinguistics of Modern Scots (U00459)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Language Sciences, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 9 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	10:00	10:50	Central
Lecture	Wednesday	10:00	10:50	Central
Lecture	Thursday	10:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, all participants will be able to:
analyse and interpret primary data
critically evaluate the reasoning behind data interpretation
critically evaluate the rationale for using qualitative or quantitative methods in analysing data
identify the major sociolinguistic issues addressed in a given study of language attitudes or language use
report on their own research showing a synthesis of the above
relate academic sociolinguistic research to their own experiences
provide and ask for peer-support, e.g. in data collection, tutoring.

In addition, depending on their final project, some students will have developed skills in:
face-to-face interviewing
quantitative analysis of data using Excel and/or Goldvarb
survey design
fieldwork in the wider community