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Module

SEL8500 : Research Methods in Language and Linguistics

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Gabriel Martinez Vera
  • Co-Module Leader: Miss Louise Cowan
  • Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

The module equips students with the methodological skills set as well as the analytical and critical abilities required to conduct PGT level research. More specifically, the module will:
•       equip students with a wide range of tools required to carry out research in linguistics, including their chosen subfield
•       enable students to critically appraise published research
•       hone students' writing skills, with particular focus on argumentation
•       develop students' oral skills in presenting their own work

Outline Of Syllabus

SEMESTER 1
Linguistics component
- Focus on the scientific research process

Library component
- Introduction to the Library’s resources and services
- Searching the research literature
- Referencing and annotation software
- Scholarly communication in the 21st century

SEMESTER 2
Linguistics component
- Focus on data analysis skills
- Dissertation preparation

Library component
- Library refresher

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion1160:00160:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture201:0020:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching201:0020:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will be used primarily to impart information and provide an overall coherence for the module.
Seminars, tutorials and practicals will build skills as well as focus on problem-solving and numeracy. They also aim to enhance interpretation of divergent approaches to language, improve oral presentation skills and build team work in a specific area.

Semester 2 will focus on developing students' skills needed for their dissertations.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1A50Critical evaluation of research methods (1,000 words)
Research proposal2A50Summative 2,000 word essay detailing research proposal
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise1MFormative 1,000 word scaffolded diagnostic essay
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment measures students' incremental development in the skills underpinning the processes involved in carrying out shorter and longer pieces of work in linguistics or English language in general, and in their specific area of interest.
NOTE: This module receives a numerical mark that contributes to the student's degree.

Reading Lists

Timetable