Module Code - Title:
LI6102
-
EMERGING AND ESTABLISHED TECHNOLOGIES IN LANGUAGE STUDIES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module is designed to explore the interrelationships between language,
emerging and established technologies, including GenAI and machine learning tools and to develop awareness of how these dynamics can be contextualised and investigated. Particular emphasis is placed on the relevance of language and sociolinguistic studies in the machine learning era and their significance for language professionals. A general overview of the concepts underlying each of these main themes of the module will be followed by critical explorations and analyses designed to answer questions such as: what impact do generative AI tools have on shaping the study of languages? Which major theories of emerging and established technologies influence language studies? What is the role of critical digital literacies, especially the critical AI literacy, in language studies?
Syllabus:
The content is built around the key questions addressed by the module which includes theoretical perspectives on emerging and established technologies and how they influence language studies, critical explorations of the ways in which generative AI tools can impact on the study of languages, and the definition and development of critical digital literacies, especially the critical AI literacy, in language studies. The module also explores connected issues such as digital literacies, criticality, theories of connectivism and post-connectivism, digital gaming, virtual and augmented reality and the language of social media, and developing technical skills relating to each of the main topics of the module.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate close familiarity with the main issues involved in Language Studies and digital technologies.
Effectively evaluate dedicated and generic GenAI tools that may be used in the study of languages.
Analyse the potential of Serious Games for language study purposes.
Assess the changing language styles of social media users.
Conduct a contrastive analysis of an area of GenAI and language usage in various social settings, including virtual and augmented reality.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate a heightened sensitivity to major issues in language and sociolinguistic studies with emerging and established technologies.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module delivery incorporates a practical approach which will involve a hands-on and authentic experience of the content. The pedagogical approach focuses on interactivity, collaboration and structured discussion as a mode of learning (Graduate Attribute: Articulate). This is to support and develop participants' confidence in their knowledge as they articulate and explore complex areas and concepts. A strong practical applied and critical approach will be present in the lab-based sessions, for example in the ethical use of GenAI tools (Graduate attributes: Curious and Responsible).
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Bahree, A. (2024)
Generative AI in Action
, Manning Books, Shelter Island, New York.
Smith, B.C (2019)
The Promise of Artificial Intelligence: Reckoning and Judgement
, Cambridge MA: the MIT Press
Hendricks, V. F., & Vestergaard, M. (2019)
Reality Lost: Markets of Attention, Misinformation and Manipulation
, Springer Nature
Other Relevant Texts:
Hockly, N. (2024)
Nicky Hockly's 30 Essentials for Using Artificial Intelligence
, Cambridge University Press, UK.
Van Dijk, J. (2020)
The Network Society
, SAGE
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
liam.murray@ul.ie