This module will be offered on the new BA Arts programmes. As part of the new BA, a pathway in Linguistics is being introduced. Linguistics modules are very popular electives and attract large numbers of registrations. A high number of students opt for a linguistics focussed final year project. As the modules are taught in English they are very popular choices also with Erasmus and study abroad students. These modules will all be made available as options on the current BA in Applied Languages, thus increasing student choice. The introduction of these new LI modules is therefore designed to meet the institutional strategic objectives of increased student choice and increased opportunities for internationalisation.This is the first of two modules designed to provide students with skills in the full range of approaches to studying language in society. These skills are needed for three interrelated purposes: to complement the theories and principles that that they are learning about in their other modules and go provide them with the necessary skills to apply these to practical contexts; to equip students with the skills required to design and complete a language-focussed final year project; to facilitate the student's development as a life-long reflective researcher of language

The module is practical in nature and will focus on two interrelated aspects: formulating research questions and on types and methods of data collection. The syllabus will be organised as follows:Selecting and formulating research questions in linguistics and sociolinguistics; types of data and methods of data collection - overview; 1. sociolinguisitic interviews; 2. written surveys and questionnaires; 3. experimental methods; 4. linguistic landscapes; 5. computer-mediated data and methods.

On successful completion of this module, participants will : be able to formulate appropriate research questions to address specific issues and problems;identify the types and sources of data required to investigate a particular issue; appreciate a range of different methodologies for addressing particular research questions have knowledge and practical experience of a range of appropriate methodologies

On successful completion of this module, participants will demonstrate: greater awareness of different ways of carrying out research appreciation of the central role of research in their studies and everyday life

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Faculty teaching the module are all members of the Centre for Applied Language Studies and are among the most research active in the Faculty. Each member will teach the methods which they use in their own research, enabling students to benefit from deep expertise and experience. In this way, students have the perfect opportunity to become knoweldgeable in the latest methods and applications. The module is highly practical in nature and students will comlete a number of assignments both individually and in groupwork, which will develop their collaborative capacity. Within these assignemnts, there will be room for individual tailoring and creativity will be actively encouraged. A fundamental focus will be on instilling a high level of research integrity and ethical understanding in order to foster responsibility. The objective of both this module and its follow-on module is to foster a proactive approach to identifying and solving real world language problems among students, not just in their student lives but throughout their working lives also.