Course description
Course Description
The MA in Sociolinguistics of the Arab World provides a foundation in the sociolinguistics and language variation of Arabic. It also gives students the theoretical and analytical tools to evaluate and understand current issues in Arabic sociolinguistics, and prepares them to undertake original research.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
Compulsory: SOCIOLINGUISTIC METHODS I
Compulsory: SOCIOLINGUISTIC METHODS II
Compulsory: SOCIOLINGUISTICS I
Compulsory: SOCIOLINGUISTICS II
Compulsory: VARIATION IN ARABIC 1
Compulsory: VARIATION IN ARABIC II
Core: DISSERTATION: MA
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Knowledge of the linguistic history of Arabic, and the salient features of the major Arabic dialects
A2 : An informed view of the parameters of variation in spoken Arabic.
A3 : practical and theoretical knowledge of major paradigms and interpretive traditions in sociolinguistics
A4 : Knowledge of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories and styles of argumentation and evaluation criteria used in contemporary sociolinguistic work.
A5 : Skills in academic argumentation and academic writing.
A6 : Experience in linguistic analysis of raw data.
Teaching Methods
A1-5 are addressed in lectures, seminars, class and tutorial discussions; A6 is addressed in practical sessions in data analysis. There is also office and email consultation with staff as well as written and oral feedback on work
Assessment Methods
A1-6 are assessed by coursework in the form of essays or small scale projects which require data collection. The dissertation is instrumental in the achievement of A4-6
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Critically evaluate contrasting linguistic theories/ accounts/explanations/approaches, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between theory and data or practice
B2 : Abstract and synthesise information from a range of sources (lectures/seminars/classes, journals, books, internet, etc.) identifying central concepts and findings
B3 : Make observations and generalisations about behaviour (or data, or other materials) and analyse relevant types of behaviour, data, or materials using relevant methodologies
Teaching Methods
B1-3 are developed in seminars, classes and tutorials. B2 is developed in directed reading of library and internet materials, as well as printed instructional course materials. There is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as oral and written feedback on work.
Assessment Methods
B1-3 are assessed by written coursework. The dissertation is central in assessing B3.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Retrieve information from a variety of sources (e.g. Library, WWW, CD-rom)
C2 : Utilise techniques and tools relevant to the collection, analysis and presentation of sociolinguistic data
C3 : Propose, plan, undertake, write up and present an independent piece of work (e.g. a survey, or report, or project, or set of materials) with a minimum of guidance
Teaching Methods
Throughout the scheme practical skills C1-3 are developed through independent learning in preparation for classes, seminars, essays and presentation. These skills are mobilised in preparation for the dissertation. Office and email consultation with staff, as well as written/oral feedback on work is provided through both the coursework and dissertation phases of the degree
Assessment Methods
Coursework and essays play an important part in the assessment of skills C1-3. C2 and C3 become particularly salient in the marking of the dissertation.
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Communicating complex ideas effectively in writing, writing essays, reports and reviews using the appropriate register and style.
D2 : Using advanced computational tools and software packages to obtain, store and process information stored in electronic form (e.g. from the Library, WWW or CD-rom), and (where appropriate) to analyse data and results
D3 : Under guidance, interpreting relevant statistical information and, where required, showing familiarity with complex procedures of symbol manipulation
D4 : Analysing complex data-sets or behaviour, abstracting insightful generalisations and testing abstract hypotheses
D5 : Planning and executing projects in collaboration with others
D6 : Under guidance, working independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management in tackling and solving complex problems
Teaching Methods
D1, D2, D4 and D6 are taught throughout the scheme in preparation for lectures, seminars, tutorials and coursework assignments. Oral presentation in class may be used to develop skills of oral communication in parallel with D1; students are also encouraged to collaborate with others to achieve common goals, e.g. in project planning, management and presentation. Seminars and tutorials are used to develop D3 and D5
Assessment Methods
Coursework essays are used in the development of all key skills. Coursework exercises/projects specifically develop D3 and D5. The dissertation constitutes an overall assessment of these skills in judging communication, problem solving and independent learning.
