UNIVERSITY OF KENT MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS 1. Title of the module: Guided Reading in Linguistics 2. School which will be responsible for management of the module: SECL 3. Start date of the module: September 2014 4. The number of students expected to take the module: 1-2 5. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal: None 6. Level of the module: M 7. The number of credits and ECTS value which the module represents: 15 (7.5 ECTS) 8. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern): Autumn or Spring. 9. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules: None. However students may select this module in the Autumn term only if they possess in depth knowledge of an area covered by one of the core MA modules and wish to proceed with the study of a particular topic in this area, with a view to pursuing a dissertation in this topic; e.g. a student who has taken advanced syntax modules as an undergraduate or has done an undergraduate dissertation in syntax, may petition (see 15 below) to replace “Structure” with Guided Reading in the Autumn term.. In the Spring term the module will be available to students who are interested in a specific topic (with a view to pursuing a dissertation in it) that is not covered by MA modules already scheduled for that term. Students will have to demonstrate that they have sufficient background in the area they want to focus on in Guided Reading. In either event prospective students will be assessed by the Director of the MA and the convener with the assistance of other members of the English Language and Linguistics department. Given the number of students in the MA (6-10) and the conditions students must meet to be assessed suitable for Guided Reading, we do not anticipate that more than one or two students will be taking this option which is designed to offer more advanced students taking the MA in Linguistics the opportunity to progress faster in their main area of interest (provided they can demonstrate they have the appropriate background). 10. The programme(s) of study to which the module contributes: MA Linguistics 11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes: UNIVERSITY OF KENT On successful completion of the module students will: 1. have acquired an in depth knowledge of a particular topic within linguistics 2. be able to appropriately present their understanding of linguistic research by means of charts, graphs, tables, matrices, diagrams and quotations both orally and in writing 3. be able to evaluate and interpret research, develop lines of argument, and make sound judgments in accordance with the central theories and analytical concepts in their sub-field 4. be able to assess the merits of contrasting theories and explanations, including those from other disciplines 5. have demonstrated in-depth and advanced subject-specific knowledge of a particular specialized area of linguistics or language research, e.g. the structure and variety of language, stylistics, language learning and teaching, intercultural and intercommunity language issues, formal and experimental areas of research 6. have engaged in critical reflection, verbal discussion and written analysis of key material 12. The intended generic learning outcomes On successful completion of the module students will be able to: 1. Engage in critical reflection, verbal discussion and written analysis of various core theoretical texts, gathered research data, exemplar texts, secondary critical commentary and analysis, and to devise and sustain arguments relating to this analysis using ideas and techniques at the current forefront of the discipline 2. Demonstrate the ability to undertake sustained and high-level independent reading and learning and reflect critically on their own academic work 3. Present sustained cogent arguments, predominantly in written form but also orally during meetings with their convener 13. A synopsis of the curriculum The aim of this module is to develop further the students’ ability independently to plan, research, formulate arguments and communicate research findings in a coherent manner. 14. Indicative Reading List To be determined jointly by the convenor and the individual student in light of the convenor’s expertise and the specific topic in which the student wishes to acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding. 15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended learning outcomes Students will be expected to discuss the possibility of taking the Guided Reading in Linguistics module with the ELL Director of the MA in Linguistics upon their arrival at Kent. The Director will assess whether the level of knowledge in the particular area the student wishes to focus for Guided Reading is adequate for them to proceed to independent in depth study of that area (as required for Guided Reading); based on this assessment, the Director will decide on whether Guided Reading in Linguistics is a suitable alternative to one of the scheduled modules. UNIVERSITY OF KENT Guided Reading offers such students the opportunity to go in depth into a specific area, building either on their existing knowledge or on the work done during the core part of the programme (imparting learning outcomes 11.1-6, 12.1-2). The study involved in this module will be decided in consultation with the module convenor, who will provide students with appropriate reading to be done in their own time. Progress will be checked by the convenor in biweekly one hour meetings with the student(s), with a maximum of 5 60-min meetings for the term in which the module is taken (imparting learning outcomes 11.1 & 5, 12.1-3). Total Contact Hours: 5 Total Study Hours: 150 16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes 100% coursework The module will be assessed by a 3000 word essay, which will assess learning outcomes 11.1-6 and 12.1-3 17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space None. 18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed. 19. Campus(es) where the module will be delivered Canterbury If the module is part of a programme in a Partner College or Validated Institution, please complete the following: 20. Partner College/Validated Institution: N/A 21. University School (for cognate programmes) or Faculty (for non-cognate programmes) responsible for the programme: N/A SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies (as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals" ................................................................ .............................................. Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of Graduate Studies (delete as applicable) Date UNIVERSITY OF KENT ………………………………………………… Print Name Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing" ................................................................. .............................................. Head of School Date ……………………………………………………. Print Name SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN A PARTNER COLLEGE OR VALIDATED INSTITUTION (Where the module is proposed by a Partner College/Validated Institution) Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable): "I confirm that the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable) has approved the introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing" N/A ................................................................. Nominated Responsible Officer College/Validated Institution of .............................................. Partner …………………………………………………. Print Name ………………………………………………….. Post …………………………………………. Partner College/Validated Institution Date UNIVERSITY OF KENT Module Specification Template Last updated February 2011