Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

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Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module examines current debates and cutting-edge scholarly research in linguistics, focusing primarily on key research from the last 5-10 years. Each year this module covers a specialist topic spanning the subject area's world-class research expertise in linguistic theory, language evolution, acquisition and development, and language variation and change. Primary literature in the chosen topic will be discussed at length, building critical thinking skills by concentrating on current state-of-the-art research in the field. Students will take an active role in leading the discussion, gaining key skills in presentation of complex research and an in-depth understanding of knowledge creation within the field.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will cover current research and developments in an advanced topic in linguistics (for AY 26-27, The Langauge of Perception):

- The process of knowledge creation in linguistics, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary work and research design;
- Key ideas underpinning the relationship between language and perception;
- Key current methodologies and different approaches to issues relating to this topic.

For language and the five senses, the module will cover these theories and methods specifically in relation to current research in:

- lexical typology
-language and cognition
-psycholinguistics
-syntactic typology

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

- In-depth knowledge of key literature relating to contemporary and current work in the relevant advanced topic;
- Ability to distll and explain key concepts, methods and theories relevant to current cutting-edge research;
- Understand the connections across different key concepts, methods and theories.

Intended Skill Outcomes

- Ability to create polished and narratively coherent presentations from complex primary research covering the relevant advanced topic;
- Capacity to undertake critical reading of complex, cutting edge primary literature in linguistics, with a focus on the relevant advanced topic;
- Ability to identify a research question and plan a research project, selecting a viable methodological approach to address it;
- Effective skills for debate and discussion of both pros and cons of particular arguments, methods, and theories.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

LECTURES will revolve around engaging with current research via student-led presentations and discussion.

SEMINARS will cover key skills related to leading scholarly discussion, engaging with primary literature, and creating and delivering effective presentations.

DROP IN SESSIONS are for detailed discussion of assignments and formative feedback on presentations.

GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY is used to prepare for seminars and lectures as well as for the preparation and completion of assignments.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The portfolio will assess students' ability to accurately distill and present coherent narratives of complex primary research, in addition to requiring reflection on research evaluation which will feed into their second assignment. Students will give 3x 20 minute presentations over the course of the module, and will receive feedback on these. They can choose two to revise/submit as part of their portfolio, which will also include critical reflections on the feedback

The written exercise will require students to identify a research question, select a suitable methodology and plan a research project to address this question.

General Notes

N/A