Linguistic theory: Sociolinguistics 1 15-LT-SOC1-EL-11

Learning contents:

1. Introduction: What is the subject master of sociolinguistics?
2. The sources and origins of sociolinguistics
3. Languages and their varieties
4. Language variation
5. Dialects and dialectology
6. Language and gender
7. Language and age
8. Language and ethnicity
9. Sociolects and occupational varieties
10. Stylistic variation
11. Language attitudes studies
12. Social communication: media discourses
13. Intercultural communication
14. Application of sociolinguistic research

Module learning aims

- making students familiar with the theoretical basis and the terminology of sociolinguistics - making students familiar with the subject of studies in sociolinguistics on the example of the English language - developing students’ skills in describing and critical understanding of the processes of communication in a social and cultural context - developing students’ ability to present and critique own and others’ views in academic debate - developing students’ ability to do individual work as well as successfully communicate in teamwork

Information on where to find course materials

Moodle, AMU Library, Biblioteka Filologiczna Novum

Major

English linguistics: Theories, interfaces, technologies

Methods of teaching for learning outcomes achievement

reporting on assigned texts and prepared contents discussion designing an experiment presentations (oral land /or written) giving examples of applications of sociolinguistic research participating in a closing debate

Course module conducted remotely (e-learning)

Course present on the moodle platform: topics, literature, selected readings and assignments posted

Student workload (ECTS credits)

3 ECTS

Cycle of studies

1st cycle

Module type

compulsory

Year of studies (where relevant)

Year 1

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences

basic knowledge in linguistics acquired at secondary school; B1 level of proficiency in English

Course coordinators

Agnieszka Kiełkiewicz-Janowiak

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student:

1. knows and understands the origins and subject matter of sociolinguistics
2. knows basic topics, concepts and terms in sociolinguistic studies
3. knows the complex character of language and, in particular, its diversity
4. is able to apply the learned terminology to describing and analysing processes occurring in the English language and selected other languages
5. knows the methodology of researching language attitudes
6. understands the processes of communication in a social and cultural context
7. is able to prepare a presentation on topics in sociolinguistics
8. is able to prepare oral presentations in English on topics in sociolinguistics and sociolinguistic research
9. is able to participate in a debate on topics in sociolinguistics and sociolinguistic research
10. knows the practical applications of the acquired knowledge in sociolinguistics

Assessment criteria

Assessment methods (F - formative, S - summative):

F - assessment of student’s active participation in class
F - assessment of student’s ability to quote examples from the literature and own observation
F - assessment of student’s ability to design an experiment
F - assessment of student’s oral and written presentations
F - assessment of student’s participation in a debate

S - final test

Assessment criteria;

excellent (bdb; 5,0): the student has excellent knowledge and understanding of the concepts and processes researched in sociolinguistics, has in-depth knowledge of the origins and development of sociolinguistics; is well familiar with the meaning and applications of sociolinguistic terminology and is able to use it in speech and writing

very good (+db; 4,5): the student has very good knowledge and understanding of the concepts and processes researched in sociolinguistics, has good knowledge of the origins and development of sociolinguistics; is familiar with the meaning and applications of sociolinguistic terminology and is able to use it in speech and writing, yet commits minor mistakes

good (db; 4,0): the student has good knowledge and understanding of the concepts and processes researched in sociolinguistics, has good knowledge of the origins and development of sociolinguistics; is familiar with the meaning and applications of sociolinguistic terminology and is able to use it in speech and writing, yet commits occasional errors

satisfactory (+dst; 3,5): the student has satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the concepts and processes researched in sociolinguistics, has fair knowledge of the origins and development of sociolinguistics; is familiar with the meaning and applications of sociolinguistic terminology and is able to use it in speech and writing, yet commits errors

sufficient (dst; 3,0): the student has some knowledge and understanding of the concepts and processes researched in sociolinguistics, has some knowledge of the origins and development of sociolinguistics; is familiar with the meaning and applications of sociolinguistic terminology and is able to use it in speech and writing, yet commits errors

failing (ndst; 2,0): the student little knowledge and understanding of the concepts and processes researched in sociolinguistics, has little or no knowledge of the origins and development of sociolinguistics; is not familiar with the meaning and applications of most of sociolinguistic terminology, and is not able to use it in speech and writing without major errors

Bibliography

Holmes, Janet and Nick Wilson. 2016. An introduction to sociolinguistics. (5th edition.) London: Routledge.
Meyerhoff, Miriam. 2011. Introducing sociolinguistics. (2nd edition.) London: Routledge.
Mesthrie, Rajend, Joan Swann, Ana Deumert and William L. Leap. 2009. Introducing sociolinguistics. (2nd editio.) Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 15-LT-SOC1-EL-11 in USOSweb