Use the Tab and Up, Down arrow keys to select menu items.
Advanced study of aspects of the use of language in social contexts.
Until relatively recently, the points at which those interested in linguistic variation and those interested in linguistic theory had crossed paths over the course of their respective histories were fairly minimal. In the first part of this course, we explore reasons for this separation in early linguistic theory and then consider the merits and consequences of more recent efforts to synthesise work on language variation with work on (both generative and usage-based) linguistic theory. Of course, sociolinguistics is not ‘theory-free’ and a great deal of work in sociolinguistics has incorporated insights from theoretical advancements within the variationist tradition, sociology and social psychology. In the second semester, we therefore explore the connections between studies of language variation and social theory. In this course, we consider both variation and theory in the broadest possible sense, drawing examples from studies of synchronic and diachronic variation and change, at all levels of the grammar, and connecting with a range of different theoretical frameworks. Prerequisite: Subject to approval of the Programme DirectorRestrictions: None
By the end of the course, students will: - Understand the central principles of several main theoretical frameworks used in linguistics- Be familiar with using new types of software to analyse variation- Follow arguments and offer your own opinions on current linguistics debatesAs a student in this course you will not only acquire subject specific skills, you will also acquire a number of transferrable skills. For example, by the end of this course you will be able to... - Read critically and objectively- Analyse variation data- Write a research proposal and an application for Human Ethics approval- Design, create and deliver a poster presentation- Write up a research project of your own- Work as part of a team
Subject to approval of the Programme Director.
Lynn Clark
Type of assessment number weighting % dateAnnotated bibliography 1 20% 31st May Research project proposal 1 10% 12th JulyPoster presentation of final project 1 20% during class in final week of semester 2Final project 1 50% 6th November
There is no required textbook for this course. Essential readings will be assigned each week and posted on Learn but students working at this level are expected to supplement this with their own reading.To access the Learn page for the course, go to www.learn.canterbury.ac.nz, and log in with your usual UC username and password. You will see a menu of the courses you are enrolled in.Other material, which may be helpful, can be found at the Library Subject Guide for Linguistics: http://canterbury.libguides.com/Information about the Linguistics Department, including degree requirements, can be found at: http://www.saps.canterbury.ac.nz/ling/
Library portalThe course outline is available on LEARN (only for students enrolled in this course). LEARN Timetable See: https://mytimetable.canterbury.ac.nz/
TimetableSee: https://mytimetable.canterbury.ac.nz/Enrolment and withdrawal datesThe final date to complete change of enrolment to add or to withdraw from a course with a full tuition fee refund is 2 March 2013 for Semester One and Whole Year courses and 20 July for Semester Two courses. The final date to withdraw (no refund) is 30 April 2013 for Semester One courses, 30 June for Whole Year courses, and 31 August for Semester Two courses. Details about this process are contained in your Enrolment Offer. Otherwise phone the Contact Centre on +64 3 364 2555 or 0800 VARSITY (827 748).
Domestic fee $1,562.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .