Course description
Course Description
The MA in Varieties of English explores the variety that exists in English, both geographically and socially. It considers how English came to be spoken in many parts of the world, the structural differences between different varieties of English, and the relationship that this variation has to its speakers' gender, ethnicity, regional origins and other social factors.
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: VARIATION IN ENGLISH I
Compulsory: VARIATION IN ENGLISH II
Core: DISSERTATION: MA
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Familiarity with approacheds to the study of variation in English
A2 : Understanding of the nature and status of linguistic data
A3 : Practical and theoretical knowledge of the major paradigms and interpretive traditions in studies of variation in English
A4 : Knowledge of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation and evaluation criteria used in contemporary variation research on English
A5 : Knowledge of methods and tools employed in contemporary dialectological and sociolinguistic work to collect, transcribe, analyse and present data
A6 : Critical, in-depth comprehension of one or more descriptive and explanatory sociolinguistic or dialectological approaches to English variation studies
Teaching Methods
Methods employed to achieve outcomes A1-6 below can include:
lectures, seminars and classes,
tutorials, eg. for project work,
library and internet materials,
printed/web course materials,
independent learning,
independent research,
computer laboratory practicals,
office/email consultation with staff,
written/oral feedback on work.
Assessment Methods
Methods employed to achieve outcomes A1-6 below can include:
coursework essays
coursework exercises
research project
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Critically evaluate contrasting theories/accounts/explanations/approaches, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between theory and data
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
Methods employed to achieve outcomes B1-3 can include:
lectures, seminars and classes
problem-solving in data sessions
tutorials, eg. for project work
library and internet materials
printed/web course materials
independent learning
independent research
computer laboratory practicals
office/email consultation with staff
written/oral feedback on work
Assessment Methods
Methods employed to achieve outcomes B1-3 can include:
coursework essays
coursework exercises
research project
oral presentations
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 data from accents and dialects of English
C3 : Propose, plan, undertake, write up and present an independent survey or report (e.g. on research undertaken individually or in collaboration with others, or on a case study), with a minimum of guidance
Teaching Methods
Methods employed to achieve outcomes C1-3 can include:
seminars and classes
laboratory practicals
tutorials, eg. for project work
independent learning
independent research
office/email consultation with staff
written/oral feedback on work
library and internet materials
printed/web course materials
Assessment Methods
Methods employed to achieve outcomes C1-3 can include:
coursework essays
coursework exercises
research project
oral presentations
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : a. Communicating effectively in writing, including writing essays and reports and program documentation using the appropriate register and style b. Communicating effectively in speech, including making oral contributions to discussion, and (where required) making oral presentations (of reports etc.)
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 : Under guidance, working independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management in tackling and solving complex problems
D6 : Using oral and written feedback provided on assessed or unassessed written or oral work, discussions with staff, fellow students and visiting scholars, insights gained from modules, workshops, talks, reading and research, developing a critical and reflective approach to the development of one's own work and the knolwedge and skills required to progress
Teaching Methods
Methods employed to achieve outcomes D1-5 can include:
seminars/classes/tutorials for projects
oral class presentations
web-based course materials
independent learning
individual/team research project.
There is also office consultation with staff, email consultation with staff, and written/oral staff feedback on work.
Students are encouraged to undertake work with others to achieve common goals eg in research planning, management and presentation
Assessment Methods
Methods employed to achieve outcomes D1-5 can include:
coursework essays
coursework exercises
research projectMethods employed to achieve outcomes D1-5 can include:
