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Methods in Language Variation & Change - LAN00006H

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Carmen Llamas
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22

Module aims

In this module, you will develop research skills for studying sociolinguistic phenomena, and particularly language variation and change. This course will walk you through the process of carrying out a variationist study, from the logic of selecting a variable to study through to data analysis. The course will be very 'hands on'. Much of your work for the course will be done in seminars and in partial collaboration with your classmates

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module you will know:

  • how to frame a set of research questions in the context of relevant literature
  • basic principles of research design for analyzing variation
  • basic techniques for analyzing variation in corpus data
  • how to present quantitative summaries of data effectively
  • some basic statistical techniques
  • how to manage workload on an independent research project

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Project		 N/A 70
Essay/coursework
Research Proposal		 N/A 15
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Presentation		 N/A 15

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Reassessment: Essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Feedback on formative work

Comments in teaching sessions and office hours.

Feedback on summative work

Mark and written comments to be returned within twenty working days.

Indicative reading

Milroy. L. & Gordon, M. (2003) Sociolinguistics: method and interpretation. Oxford: Blackwell.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.