Key ideas in linguistics

Aims

Aims

This module provides insights into some of the seminal ideas in linguistic research and research methods from the 20th century and beyond. Specific aims are:

• to expose students to a wider range of influential literature in Linguistics beyond the core subjects studied;
• to evaluate how the methods used in key linguistic research has contributed to the development of the field;
• to demonstrate, by appeal to the work studied, how good research can be made accessible to audiences with relatively non-specialised background by virtue of perspicuous presentation.

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• understand the linguistic theories presented in the research papers studied;
• understand why they became important to the field;
• understand how different types of evidence can be used to support arguments for different theoretical positions;

• evaluate competing interpretations of evidence and synthesise the ideas of others;
• develop a hypothesis from the predictions of a theory or model;
• evaluate the clarity of argument and presentation in a research paper.
• contextualise specific research projects within the broader field of linguistic thought.

Programme

Programme

The introductory 1-hr Lecture in week 1 of the Autumn term provides an overview of the key topics that the module will focus on. Following this, the module is divided into two key sections.

Section 1: Key controversies in linguistics

Seminars (2hrs each) in Autumn Term Weeks 4 and 8, Spring Term Week 4 will focus discussion of assigned readings on key controversies in linguistics, in the areas of phonetics & phonology, syntax, and language acquisition.

Section 2: Research methods that lead to advances in linguistic theory

Seminars (2hrs each) in Spring Term Weeks 7 and 9 and Summer Term Week 1 will focus discussion of assigned readings on essential components of research in linguistics and how particular research methods have shaped linguistic theory. Seminars in Summer Term Weeks 2 and 3 will focus on presentation skills and developing skills in linking linguistic theory with practice (e.g., formulating hypotheses and developing testable predictions).  

Assessment

Assessment

Formative assessment

• One 450 word abstract

Summative assessment

• Two 450 word abstracts (20% each)
• Two 750 essays  (30% each)