Research Methods in Linguistics I 3305-MBJ1-1U
The course is designed to support students in preparing their Master’s theses based on linguistic topics of their own choosing. In class, students will discuss the empirical research methods selected for their projects, as well as the stages of the research process.
• The theoretical part will cover topics such as research design, including the analysis of dependent and independent variables and relevant analytical procedures. It will also address the basics of descriptive and inferential statistics, along with methods used in applied linguistics, discourse analysis and sociolinguistics.
• In the practical sessions, students will engage in: (a) detailed analyses of the methodologies used in published linguistic studies, evaluating how they align with the theoretical foundations discussed in class; (b) individual presentations (based on the topic chosen in collaboration with their supervisor), aimed at developing critical reading skills and the ability to defend personal viewpoints.
Through these classes, students will be better equipped to develop a well-structured plan for their Master’s thesis.
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Term 2025Z: | Term 2024Z: |
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE
Upon completing the course, the student knows and understands:
• the specific subject matter and methodologies relevant to Iberian studies, and is able to creatively develop and apply this knowledge in professional contexts, and is familiar with linguistic research terminology, especially the most recent developments in the field (K_W01);
• the connections between modern linguistics and other areas of the humanities and social sciences (K_W02);
• the basic concepts and principles related to intellectual property protection and copyright law, as well as the importance of managing intellectual property assets (K_W03);
• scientific and cultural phenomena in Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly regarding how new linguistic research trends intersect with broader humanistic discourses (K_W04);
• the terminology, theories, and methodologies relevant to linguistic studies (K_W05);
• the latest achievements of linguistic research centers and schools (K_W06);
• the basic principles of starting and developing different forms of entrepreneurship (K_W07).
SKILLS
Upon completing the course, the student is able to:
• apply research skills, including critical analysis of linguistic methodologies, selection of appropriate methods, creation of research tools, and the development and presentation of findings — enabling original solutions to complex linguistic problems (K_U01);
• independently acquire linguistic knowledge, expand research abilities, and take autonomous steps to develop their skills and manage their career as a linguistics researcher (K_U02);
• use their language skills to understand and produce both spoken and written texts, employing specialized linguistic terminology (K_U03).
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
Upon completing the course, the student is prepared to:
• collaborate effectively in a team, taking on various roles as required by the nature of linguistic research (K_K01).
Assessment criteria
Final Grade Composition:
• Presentation on the Master’s thesis topic – 40%
• Test grade – 30%
• Attendance and class participation – 30%
In accordance with Resolution No. 98 of the University Council for Education (dated December 8, 2023), the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in coursework and thesis preparation is permitted only with the instructor’s approval and must align with the objectives of the course. The purpose, scope, and method of using AI must be clearly defined and explicitly acknowledged in the submitted work, including a clear indication of where AI tools were used. Students are fully responsible for the content of their work, including compliance with copyright laws, accuracy and reliability of sources, avoidance of bias, and adherence to academic integrity standards.
Bibliography
The literature will be tailored to the individual research interests of the seminar participants.
In addition, class content will draw on the work of the following authors:
• Babble, E. (2000). Fundamentos de la investigación social. México, D.F.: International Thomson Editores.
• Bień, J., Brzozowska-Zburzyńska, B., López González, A. & Nowikow, W. (2018). Lingüística hispánica en Polonia: tendencias y direcciones de investigación. Łódź: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego.
• Dixon, R.M.W. (2010). Basic Linguistic Theory. Volume 1. Methodology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Dörnyei, Z. (2003). Questionnaires in Second Language Research: Construction, Administration, and Processing. Mahwah, N. J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Litosseliti, L. (ed.) (2018). Research Methods in Linguistics (2nd ed.). London:
Bloomsbury.
• Martin, J. R. & Rose, D. (2007). Working with Discourse: Meaning Beyond the Clause (2nd ed.). London: Bloomsbury.
• Paltridge, B. & Phakiti, A. (eds.) (2015). Research Methods in Applied Linguistics. A Practical Resource (2nd ed.). London: Bloomsbury.
• Perlin, J. (2004). Metodologia językoznawstwa diachronicznego. Warszawa: Dialog.
• Titscher, S., Meyer, M., Wodak, R. & Vetter, E. (2000).Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis. London: Sage.
• Wodak, R. & Meyer, R. (eds.) (2003). Métodos de análisis crítico del discurso. Barcelona: Gedisa.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: