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English Corpus Linguistics - LAN00032H

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• Department: Language and Linguistic Science
• Module co-ordinator: Prof. Dunstan Brown
• Credit value: 20 credits
• Credit level: H
• Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
  • See module specification for other years: 2021-22 2023-24

Module summary

Corpus linguistics uses real world data for the analysis of language. In this module you'll learn about how we can use a corpus (body of texts) to discover patterns of usage in English and investigate variation and change. Assuming no prior knowledge, we'll teach the valuable skills you need to use standard text analysis software, check your own ideas and discover patterns yourself.

Related modules

Additional information

Either LAN00001C OR LAN00011C

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Spring Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

The aim of this module is:

• to introduce students to major ideas in the field of corpus linguistics
• to investigate and describe aspects of the structure of English as represented in corpus data
• to compare, contrast, and relate theoretical and empirical approaches to language study
• to teach basic statistical skills appropriate to linguistic analysis
• to teach the basics of good research design

The emphasis throughout is on data collection and analysis, descriptive adequacy, argumentation, and written/oral presentation skills.

Module learning outcomes

On completion of this module you should be able to:

• make use of corpus data to investigate different aspects of language use
• recognize and explain complex patterns in linguistic data
• form valid generalizations about language from corpus data
• express grammatical concepts clearly and concisely
• design and carry out a small research project using corpus data
• summarize and present findings in a style appropriate to the norms of the discipline
• understand and apply basic statistical concepts relevant to linguistic analysis

Assessment

Task	Length	% of module mark
Essay/coursework English Corpus Linguistics - Dossier	N/A	30
Essay/coursework English Corpus Linguistics - Project	N/A	70

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task	Length	% of module mark
Essay/coursework English Corpus Linguistics - Written Tasks re-assessment	N/A	100

Module feedback

Students will receive continuous verbal feedback in practicals and seminars. Written feedback on summative work will be provided within 20 working days.

Indicative reading

McEnery, Tony (2012). Corpus linguistics: method, theory and practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (Chapters 1, 2 and 5).

McEnery, Tony; Richard Xiao and Yukio Tono (2006). Corpus-based language studies: an advanced resource book. London: Routledge (Sections A1-A4, A6-A7 and B3-B4).