Module Definition Form (MDF)
Module code: MOD003958 Version: 1 Date Amended: 24/Jul/2013
1. Module Title
Languages in Contrast
2a. Module Leader
Michelle Sheehan
2b. Department
Department of English and Media
2c. Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences
3a. Level
6
3b. Module Type
Standard (fine graded)
4a. Credits
15
4b. Study Hours
150
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Type Module Code Module Name Condition
Pre-requisite: MOD003781 Semantics and Pragmatics Compulsory
Pre-requisite: MOD000325 Revealing English Structure 1 & 2 Compulsory
Pre-requisite: MOD000351 English Phonetics and Phonology Compulsory
Co-requisites: None
Exclusions: None
Courses to which this module is restricted:
LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT INFORMATION 6a. Module Description
This module gives you the opportunity to explore the relationship between English and other languages. You will discover how human languages differ, and which properties they share, across the full range of linguistic systems: lexis, syntax, morphology and phonology. You will also learn about the number and distribution of the world’s languages and how they are thought to be related to one another. The course is delivered through a weekly lecture and one-hour seminar. The lecture will introduce you to the main concepts involved in linguistic typology and historical linguistics, using examples from a range of human languages. In preparation for the seminar you will use these concepts to analyse linguistic data, with a focus on inductive reasoning. This means using information about a sample of language to draw conclusions about a language or languages in general, taking into account the frequency and distribution of different features, and the correlations between them. You will receive formative feedback on your work through the subsequent discussion of these exercises in class. Your learning will be assessed on the basis of a piece of coursework in which you compare and contrast English with another language, with reference to the concepts discussed in the module.
6b. Outline Content
* Language families and ‘genetic relatedness’ between languages
* Distribution and status of the world’s languages
* Tools of historical linguistics
* Tools of typological analysis
* Lexical typology
* Syntactic typology
* Morphological typology
* Phonological typology
6c. Key Texts/Literature
The reading list to support this module is available at: http://readinglists.anglia.ac.uk/modules/mod003958
Generated on 24/05/2017, 07:22:36 Page 2 of 4 6d. Specialist Learning Resources
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/guide/languages.shtml
http://www.ethnologue.com/
http://www.eva.mpg.de/lingua/resources/glossing-rules.php
http://www.thelinguists.com/dvd/
http://wals.info/
7. Learning Outcomes (threshold standards)
On successful completion of this module the student will be No. Type expected to be able to:
1 Knowledge and Understanding Identify the key typological features of Present-day standard British English
Compare and contrast English with another language, in terms of 2 Knowledge and Understanding distribution, phylogeny and typological features
Intellectual, practical, affective and Use the correct typographical conventions to present, gloss and discuss 3 transferrable skills linguistic examples
Intellectual, practical, affective and Apply the concepts of frequency, distribution and correlation, as 4 transferrable skills appropriate, in a piece of academic writing
8a. Module Occurrence to which this MDF Refers
Year Occurrence Period Location Mode of Delivery
Template For Face To 2016/7 ZZF Face to Face Face Learning Delivery
8b. Learning Activities for the above Module Occurrence
Details of Duration, Learning Activities Hours Learning Outcomes frequency and other comments
Lectures 12 1-4 Lectures 1 hr x 12 weeks
Other teacher managed 12 1-4 Seminar 1 hr x 12 weeks learning
Reading, analysis of linguistic Student managed learning 126 1-4 data, preparation of coursework.
TOTAL: 150
Generated on 24/05/2017, 07:22:36 Page 3 of 4 9. Assessment for the above Module Occurrence
Assessment Learning Fine Grade or Qualifying Assessment Method Weighting (%) No. Outcomes Pass/Fail Mark (%)
010 Coursework 1-4 100 (%) Fine Grade 30 (%)
3,000 words. Compare and contrast English with another language, with reference to the concepts discussed in the module.
In order to pass this module, students are required to achieve an overall mark of 40%. In addition, students are required to: (a) achieve the qualifying mark for each element of fine graded assessment of as specified above (b) pass any pass/fail elements
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