The World in the Lens of Linguistics: Variety and Change 3301-2ST-J-KON002
The objective of the course is to familiarize students with the relevance of linguistic research for various academic disciplines and other spheres of life. The course focuses on the notions of (1) language variation (social, regional, stylistic), its manifestations and methods of research as well as (2) language change occurring at various levels (phonological, semantic, lexical, etc.), its reasons, course, and methods of observation, together with the discussion on the changing norms of language standard(s).
The course will be divided into three modules, each of which will comprise presentation and discussion of selected theoretical notions, followed by an analysis of printed and electronic materials.
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Students will be able to:
- K_W01: Identify and characterize on an advanced level the place and status of linguistics, with specific focus on language variation and change within the humanities;
- K_W02: Describe on an advanced level the current trends in linguistic research, with focus on language variation and change, within English studies;
K_W06: Characterise economic, legal and other factors relevant for various kinds of professional activities related to language variation and change;
Abilities
Students will be able to:
- K_U01: Apply advanced terminology and notions pertinent to sociolinguistics, dialectology, and language change studies;
- K_U04: Analyze linguistic phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis in the context of societal, historical and economic factors on an advanced level;
- K_U08: Participate in group projects, collaborate with others and be a team leader in conducting collaborative research and presentations related to language variation and change;
- K_U09: Present knowledge in a coherent, precise and linguistically correct manner in English on level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, ensuring an appropriate register and form;
Social competences,
Students will be ready to:
- K_K03: Take responsibility for performing one’s professional duties, with due respect for the work of others, obey and develop the ethical norms in professional and academic settings related to language variation and change;
- K_K04: Assess critically one’s own knowledge and skills related to selected aspects of sociolinguistics, dialectology, and language change
Learning outcomes refer to the topics discussed during the classes as well as students' own presentations of their research.
Assessment criteria
- attendance
- participation in discussions (20 %)
- presentations (80 %)
3 absences are allowed
Oral exam in the form of questions about a group project prepared by students
Bibliography
Chambers, J. K. Sociolingustic Theory. 2009. Blackwell Publishers Ltd.
Hock, H.H. and B.D. Joseph. 2009. Language History, Language Change, and Language Relationship. Walter de Gruyter.
Hughes, A. and P. Trudgill – D. Watt. 2005. English Accents and Dialects. Hodder Arnold.
Kortmann B. and C. Upton (eds.) 2008. Varieties of English. Vol. 1-4. Mouton de Gruyter.
Machan, T.W. and Ch. Scott. 1992. English in Its Social Contexts. Oxford University Press.
McGuire W. and A. McMahon. 2011. Analysing Variation in English. Cambridge University Press.
McMahon, A. 1994. Understanding Language Change. Cambridge University Press.
Trousdale, G. 2010. An Introduction to English Sociolinguistics. Edinburgh University Press.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: