Modiwl QXL-1110:
Introduction to Language
Introduction to Language 2023-24
QXL-1110
2023-24
School Of Arts, Culture And Language
Module - Semester 1
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Marco Tamburelli
Overview
The course provides an overview of and introduction to a wide range of topics in the study of natural language, including:
- What is language?
- Morphology: words and their structure.
- Phonetics and Phonology: language sounds and sound systems.
- Syntax: sentence structure.
- Semantics and Pragmatics: meaning and context.
- Study Skills - essays, exams and presentations.
- Adopt a Language project.
Other topics that may be covered will include a selection from:
- Language variation.
- Language change.
- Language acquisition.
- Language pathologies.
- Language and the brain.
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -D: Student has achieved the minimum acceptable standard of understanding and/or knowledge in all the learning outcomes. Student can demonstrate a minimum level of understanding of the basic concepts and be able to apply them to data with some degree of accuracy.
-good -B: Student has achieved a better-than-average standard of understanding and/or knowledge in all learning outcomes, and has a clear and accurate understanding of concepts; ability to apply concepts to data critically and thoughtfully; evidence of wide reading and clear and accurate reference to source materials; free from misunderstanding and errors of content; free from irrelevant material.
-excellent -A: Student has achieved a thorough standard of understanding and/or knowledge in all learning outcomes; or student has demonstrated an exceptional level of achievement in one or more learning outcomes together with a good overall standard: student has achieved a thorough understanding of the subject, both in terms of content and theory; student is able to apply concepts clearly and accurately; substantial evidence of critical and original thought and analysis; clear, logical argument; high level of communicative competence; free from irrelevant material and errors of spelling and punctuation; evidence of extensive reading beyond basic texts and clear and accurate references to source material.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will achieve a basic understanding of a wide range of topics in the study of natural language.
- Students will demonstrate familiarity with the core areas of linguistics
- Students will develop a basic ability to analyse natural language data, and to carry out phonetic transcription.
- Students will develop knowledge of basic terminology and techniques for the analysis of natural language.
- Students will develop the ability to plan and write an academic essay, plan and prepare an oral presentation,and to prepare appropriately and effectively for examinations.
Assessment method
Class Test
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Assignment 2: BlackBoard Test This is the final BlackBoard based exam for QXL-1110 Introduction to Language. The exam is worth 55% of the mark for the module and is accessible from any computer with internet access. It includes multiple choice, true/false, and open-ended questions. It assesses material covered during the whole semester, including the 'adopt-a-language' project.
Weighting
55%
Due date
12/01/2024
Assessment method
Class Test
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Assignment 1: Linguistic Analysis A BlackBoard based assignment accessible from any computer with internet access. This assignment focuses primarily on analysing some specific linguistic aspect as well as how to present an analysis in an essay format and assesses material covered during the first half of the semester.
Weighting
45%
Due date
10/11/2023
Assessment method
Group Presentation
Assessment type
Ffurfiannol
Description
A presentation to be delivered in small groups. This will prepare students for the assessed presentations that are part of 2nd and 3rd year modules.
Weighting
0%
Due date
24/10/2023