Module Code - Title:
LI6072
-
APPLIED LINGUISTICS II
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module builds on the exploration of the interrelationships between language and society and to develop awareness of how such issues can be contextualised and investigated. Particular emphasis is placed on the relevance of language and discourse in, for example, the production of power and inequality and the analytical frameworks to investigate these issues.
Syllabus:
The module comprises three distinct but also interrelated themes, each of which will be dealt with in sequential blocks over the twelve week module:
1. Language and power in society. In this part, the issues of authority in language use and of language ideologies will be the focus. We will explore political, institutional and economic discourses in various types of media.
2. Multilingualism and multiculturalism in a globalised world. In this part, the various forces of globalisation will be explored, with a particular focus on postcolonial contexts, the spread of English worldwide, and its effects on minority languages and communities.
3. Language and identity. In this last part we will return to language use at the individual level. We will explore cases of language and migration
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the interrelationships between language, power and society and a knowledge of frameworks to critically analyse them
- Apply this knowledge to the analysis of different contexts, including specific professional contexts
- Synthesise complex theories and apply them to understanding real language data - Select appropriate frameworks for critical analysis of language issues.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a heightened sensitivity to role and application of applied linguistics in different professional domains.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module consists of lectures with a highly practical, analysis and discussion-based component using various frameworks of analysis and emphasis on criticality. It requires research into real-world uses of language. As such, and in relation to UL's graduate attributes, the module enhances students' conceptual knowledge and fosters analytical and critical thinking skills. It creates awareness of critical issues around language use and of every person's responsibility in constructing linguistic and cultural settings. Through reflection students are encouraged to think of creative solutions to these issues.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Blommaert, J.M.E. (2010)
The Sociolinguistics of Globalisation
, CUP
Bourdieu, P. (1991)
Language and Symbolic Power
, Polity
Duchene, A. and Heller, M. (2011)
Language in Late Capitalism: Pride and Profit
, Routledge
Fairclough, N. (2001)
Language and Power, 2nd ed.
, Longman
Other Relevant Texts:
Cotter, C. (2010)
News Talk. Investigating the Language of Journalism
, CUP
Heller, M. (2011)
Parts to Post-Nationalism: A Critical Ethnography of Language and Identity
, OUP
Wodak, R. and Meyer, M. (2015)
Methods of Critical Discourse Studies
, Sage
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MAALINTFA - APPLIED LINGUISTICS (INTERNATIONAL)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
jane.seely@ul.ie