MODULE 1 Sociolinguistics and Lexis
Sociolinguistics
This module examines ways in which language varies according to social context (that is, broadly speaking, according to who is speaking / writing, to whom, where, and for what purpose) and the relationships between different language varieties. The role of English as an international language is discussed, along with the functions of different languages in societies where two or more languages are used, and relationships between cultures and languages. Connections between language and ideology, and language and gender, are explored, along with other ‘micro-level’ topics including accent, dialect, and register. You are encouraged to undertake comparative work related to language in the society in which you live.
Lexis
What is the relationship between grammar and lexis? Recent work, particularly stemming from the Birmingham University COBUILD projects, suggests that far from being separate levels the two are inextricably interwoven. Is there a real distinction? If there is not then is it worth maintaining an artificial distinction for pedagogic purposes? Within lexis how do words relate to one another? How do lexical relations help structure text? What does it mean to say that someone ‘knows’ or has ‘learnt’ a word? Concern with lexis is now moving towards a more central position in Applied Linguistics. How do we react to this trend?
MODULE 2 Written Discourse and Classroom and Spoken Discourse
Written Discourse
The Written Discourse module considers the relationship between language, other semiotic signs and society. It introduces theories of discourse analysis and focuses on detailed textual analysis. This will enable you to develop a critical understanding of the key concepts involved in Discourse Analysis and of how language reflects, mediates or - arguably - creates our everyday reality. You are also introduced to two very important developments in Discourse Studies: Critical and Multimodal Discourse Analysis. By exposing you to current approaches to interaction, you should improve your own production, both oral and written. A third objective of the course is a practical one – you are expected to do Discourse Analysis, in other words, we hope you will apply some of the theoretical input acquired to you own data.
Classroom and Spoken Discourse
This offers a general description of spoken discourse looking in particular at classroom discourse. It develops a linguistic approach to the analysis of discourse and shows how this can sharpen our awareness of spoken interaction, and in particular of the way teachers and pupils use language in the classroom. This provides us with an approach to a number of issues related to methodology. We take a look at the broad differences between spoken and written discourse. We consider the problems of introducing and handling a range of spontaneous discourses in the classroom.
MODULE 3 Functional Grammar
Understanding Text (Functional Grammar)
The module introduces the key elements of the influential linguistic theory known as Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), an approach developed since the 1960s by the British-born, Australian linguist, Michael Halliday and his colleagues. Under this approach, language is analysed as a form of social interaction, and the grammatical description of the language is formulated so as to account for its communicative functionality within particular social and cultural contexts. This will focus on how systemic linguistics can be applied to a variety of text analysis tasks relevant to different fields such as language and literacy teaching, translation studies, English for special purposes, the language of classroom interaction, media and cultural studies, and critical discourse analysis.
Module 4 Corpus Linguistics
Birmingham University has a worldwide reputation for work in Corpus Linguistics, and is the home of 450 million-word Bank of English corpus. This provides access to data which helps researchers to answer important questions about language. For example: What are the 500 most frequent words in the language? Are they the same for spoken and written English? Is the use of any largely confined to negative and interrogative clauses (as many grammars would have us believe)? The aim is to help you become familiar with corpus analysis techniques so that you can carry out your own corpus research projects and/or use corpora in your day-to-day work.
Module 5 Options
Module 5 allows you to follow either one of two pairs of modules : one oriented towards the study of language teaching and learning, the other towards the study of translation theory and practice. EITHER
MODULE 5[a]
Language Teaching Methodology
This introduces a number of concepts central to the methodology of teaching second languages. You will encounter a wide range of ideas, which we hope will allow you to reflect on your own teaching experience.
Classroom Research and Research MethodsThis introduces concepts and techniques used in research in and into second language classrooms. This involves looking at two traditions: ‘action’ research, which usually involves examining classroom interactions with the intent of modifying or improving teacher behaviour; and experimental research, which involves looking at linguistic or other outcomes, with the purpose of making general statements about, for example, how language is (best) acquired.
OR:
Module 5[b]
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Translation Studies
This introduces the most significant aspects of translation in terms of theory and practice. It concentrates on general issues that arise when a text is rendered into another language by drawing on key areas in linguistic and textual analysis. The process and product of translation are considered in relation to social and cultural contexts. The theoretical background is exemplified by a variety of translated texts from different languages.
Research Methods in Translation Studies
This looks at ways of examining and comparing source and target texts, and shows how both qualitative and quantitative comparisons can provide important insights into the question of quality control in translation. You look at the use of introspection and protocols by practising translators. and some of the technical tools available to, and used by, translators.
Module 6 (Options)
For Module 6, you choose any two of the following modules, and complete one coursework assignment.
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Second Language Acquisition
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Pedagogic Grammar
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ELT Management
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Testing
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Teaching Young Learners