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Module Description
Title
Code
Level
Researching Variation in English
LX554
Five
Credit rating
20
Prerequisites
None
Type of module
Compulsory
Aims
The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to
the SEEC level descriptors for level 5 study:




Learning outcomes
To build on knowledge gained in LX 553
To introduce student with a range of research approaches used
in the investigation of language variation
To prepare students to undertake and present findings of a
sociolinguistic research project
To enable students to investigate language variation in context
In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 5 study, by
the end of the module students should be able to:
1. identify a relevant area for research related to language
variation or language use
2. demonstrate a critical understanding of language variation
and factors which influence language use
3. demonstrate an engagement with relevant literature
4. conduct and report their own sociolinguistic research project
Content (Indicative)
(for contact time and noncontact time)
Indicative content:
Students will be introduced to sociolinguistic research skills which
will enable them to carry out a small scale study to explore an
aspect of language variation of their choice. They will gain
experience in identifying feasible research questions and how to
research appropriate and relevant literature.
Students will further gain knowledge and experience in a variety of
sociolinguistic research methods, including text analysis,
questionnaires, interviews, observations, quantitative and qualitative
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data analysis. Students will also address ethical issues and learn
how to report on data gathered, including writing up a research
report.
Learning and teaching
strategies
Contact Time:
Plenary input sessions followed by smaller group workshops.
Workshop and tutorial support for project work.
Non-contact Time:
Independent reading, study and research.
Learning support
Bayley, R. & C. Lucas (eds) (2007) Sociolinguistic Variation:
Theories, methods and applications. Cambridge: CUP.
Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project. 4th edition.
Buckingham: The Open University Press.
Berger, A.A. (2000) Media and Communication Research
Methods:an introduction to qualitative and quantitative
approaches. London; Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage
Chambers,J.K., Trudgill, P. and N. Schilling-Estes (eds) (2002) The
Handbook of Language Variation and Change. Oxford: Blackwell
Coupland, N. & A. Jaworski, (eds) 2009. The New Sociolinguistics
Reader, Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Denscombe, M. (1998), The Good Research Guide: for small scale
social research projects. Buckingham: The Open University Press.
Gillham, B. (2000) Developing a Questionnaire. New York:
Continuum.
Gregory, I. (2003) Ethics and research. London: Continuum.
Hart, C. (1998) Doing a literature review. London: Sage.
Hewson, C. et al. (2003) Internet research methods. London: Sage.
Johnstone, B. 2000. Qualitative Methods in Sociolinguistics. Oxford:
Oxford University Press.
Kumar, R. (2005) Research methodology: a step-by-step guide for
beginners. 2nd edition. London: Sage.
Llamas, C., Mullany, L. & P. Stockwell. 2007. The Routledge
Companion to Sociolinguistics. London: Routledge.
Macaulay, R. K.S. (2009) Quantitative Methods in Sociolinguistics.
Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Milroy, L. & M. Gordon (2003) Sociolinguistics: Method and
interpretation. Blackwell.
Paulston, C. B., & R. Tucker (eds) (2003) Sociolinguistics: The
Essential Readings, Oxford: Blackwell.
Robson, C. (2007) How to do a research project: a guide for
undergraduate students. Oxford; Malden, Mass.: Blackwell.
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Psathas, G. (1995) Conversation Analysis. London; Thousand
Oaks, Calif.: Sage.
Silverman, D. (2006) Interpreting qualitative data: methods for
analysing talk, text and interaction. 3rd edition London: Sage.
Wooffitt, R. (2005) Conversation Analysis and Discourse Analysis.
London: Sage.
BBC ‘Voices’ project http://www.bbc.co.uk/voices/ (last accessed
June 2010)
Assessment task
Assessment will be in the context of the University of Brighton
Assessment Policy and the Faculty Code of Practice in
Assessment, and students will be required to complete the following
task:
Project (Weighting: 100%)
Investigate an aspect of language use or variation using appropriate
sociolinguistic research methods (4000 words).
The task will be marked on a percentage basis.
Referral task: Reworking of original task.
Assessment criteria
General criteria for assessment are framed by the SEEC descriptors
for level 5. Against specific criteria, credit will be awarded as
follows:
In the project, the student will demonstrate an ability to




identify an area of investigation in relation to aspects of
language variation (LO1)
show a critical understanding of key issues relating to
language variation and factors which influence language
(LO2)
demonstrate engagement with appropriate literature on the
topic (LO3)
devise and conduct an independent research project and
report it appropriately(LO4)
All learning outcomes must be achieved in order to pass the module
at the threshold level.
Brief description of
module content and/or
aims for publicity
Area examination board
to which module relates
The module will enable students to build on the understandings that
they have developed in LX 553. Using these understandings, this
introduction to sociolinguistic research skills which will enable them
to carry out a small scale study to explore an aspect of language
variation of their choice.
BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics / English Language
and English Literature / English Language and Media
Module team/authors/coordinator
Ulla Spittler
Vy Rajapillai
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Sarah Varney-Burch
Semester offered
Semester 2
Timetable slot(s)
Site where delivered
Falmer
Date of first approval
July 2010
Date of last revision
Date of approval of this
version
Version number
Replacement for previous
module
Route for which module is
acceptable and status in
that Route
Course(s) which module
is acceptable and status
in course
School home
August 2012
2
BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics / English Language
and English Literature / English Language and Media - required
BA (Hons) English Language and Media / English Literature /
Linguistics - required
School of Humanities
External examiner(s)
Professor Angela Goddard
Key Information Set data:
Allocation of study hours
to activities
Activity
Where 10 credits = 100 learning hours
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, practical
classes and workshops, supervised time in workshop/ studio, fieldwork,
external visits, work-based learning
SCHEDULED
GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY
Study
hours
40
160
Independent study including wider reading/ practice, follow-up work,
completion of assessment tasks, revision etc
PLACEMENT
Learning away from the University that is not a year abroad or work-based
learning
Key Information Set data:
Type of assessment tasks
Summative assessment tasks which
lead to the award of credit or which are
required for progression (expressed as
a whole number)
Activity
WRITTEN
%
Written exam
COURSEWORK
100%
Written assignment/ essay, report, dissertation, portfolio, project output
PRACTICAL
Oral assessment and presentation, practical skills assessment
OTHER
Set exercises assessing application of knowledge, analytical, problemsolving or evaluative skills
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