Module Sign-up Brochure 2021-22
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Module Sign-up Brochure 2021-22
Q1R2: Linguistics with German
Stage 1 going into Stage 2
1. Do your research
Read through the information on the SELLL website carefully, and make sure to watch our online video which has
detailed instructions on how to choose your modules, and navigate this brochure.
.
2. Sign up Online: Wednesday 19th May, from 9am
Have the rules for your programme, from this brochure, with you when you log onto S3P:
https://s3p.ncl.ac.uk/login/index.aspx
Compulsory modules will already be selected and optional modules will be listed for you to choose.
The portal will close on 26th May at 8:00pm.
Further guidance and screenshots are available here:
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/students/progress/assets/documents/S3PHelp-screenshots-modules-
March20.pdf
FAQs
How do I take an outside module?
Modules not listed on your degree regulations will not appear in this brochure, and will not be available to you in
S3P. Instead you will need to select ‘HSS dummy module(s)’. Then you will need to fill in a module change form at
the beginning of Semester 1 to change from the dummy module to your chosen outside module.
How long will module selection take?
A few minutes.
What if I suffer technical problems?
Please don’t panic. You can call IT on 0191 208 5559 to log the issue. Alternatively you can email english@ncl.ac.uk
and we will try to assist you.
Will I get my first choice of modules?
Not necessarily. We recommend that you login and submit your choices as soon as possible. We’d also recommend
having back-up modules in mind, in case your first choices are full. This is why it’s important to read the module
descriptions and make your decisions before the portal opens.
I need further advice and guidance. Who should I ask?
If your question is in regards to a specific module, please contact the module leader listed in the module
descriptions, via email. If the module leader is to be confirmed (TBC), the head of subject is listed and will also be
able to answer your questions. If you don’t understand your programme regulations please contact your Degree
Programme Director (DPD): adam.mearns@ncl.ac.uk. If, after reading the module descriptions, you’re struggling to
decide which modules to take you can contact your personal tutor via email.
I had arranged to have a semester abroad next year. What should I do?
If you haven’t done so already, please contact Gary Taylor-Raebel (Gary.Taylor-Raebel@newcastle.ac.uk) to discuss
your options.
What if I change my mind or make a mistake?
If your choices do not comply with your regulations, they will be rejected and we will contact you to choose all
your modules again – if you do not respond by the given deadline, modules will be chosen for you. If you change
your mind you will be given the opportunity to change your modules at a later date. Further information will be
released closer to the time.2
Rules of your Programme
You must have a total of 120 credits with either a 60/60, 50/70 or 70/50 credit split
across the semesters
Circle or highlight your choices, then add up your credits in the total column
Total Sem 1 Sem 2
Rules Code Module Title
Credits
SEL2000 Phonological Theory 20 20
Compulsory* SEL2089 Syntactic Theory 20 20
GER2061 Level C (HE Advanced) German 20 10 10
SEL2086 Introduction to Child and Adult Language 20 20
Acquisition
Optional SEL2091 Sociolinguistics and the Sociology of Language 20 20
Language / SEL2212 Early English: Texts, Patterns and Varieties 20 20
Linguistics** SEL2219 Monsters, Misery and Miracles 20 20
Pick 3 SEL2223 Speakers as Wordsmiths 20 20
SEL2229 Experimental Methods in Linguistics 20 20
SEL2230 Multilingualism 20 20
German HSS2110 Outside Module: 10 credits in semester 1 10 10
Modules HSS2210 Outside Module: 10 credits in semester 2 10 10
Pick up to HSS2120 Outside Module: 20 credits in semester 1 20 20
20 credits HSS2220 Outside Module: 20 credits in semester 2 20 20
TOTAL
* With DPD permission, a candidate may defer either SEL2000 or SEL2089, in order to increase the range of Optional
Language / Linguistics modules available to them. For e.g. where one Stage 2 semester 2 module has another a Stage
2 semester 1 module as a pre-requisite. The candidate will be required to take the deferred module at Stage 4.
**Students may replace one of the Optional Language/Linguistics modules with GER2031 Beginners’ Dutch or
another Stage 2 module with a GER code offered in the School of Modern Languages. Students will need to complete
a module change form at the beginning of Semester 1 in October 2021 to change your HSS code into your chosen SML
module.
German Modules to Consider
Total Sem Sem
Code Module Title
Credits 1 2
GER2031 Beginners’ Dutch 20 10 10
GER2010 A Cultural History of Berlin: Cabaret, Catastrophe, Capital 20 20
GER2013 Nature and Ecology in German Culture 20 20
GER2036 Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland bis 1990 20 20
For full module descriptions of outside modules, please refer to the online module catalogue:
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/module-catalogue/
Module Descriptions3
Further details of each module can be found in the module catalogue:
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/module-catalogue/
SEL2000: Phonological Theory
Module Leader: Dr Rory Turnbull
Semester 1, 20
Pre-requisites: Students must have completed SEL1027, or have the permission of the module leader to enrol on this
module. Erasmus students and transfers in from other universities must have an appropriate background, i.e. an
understanding of basic phonetics.
A course in intermediate phonology, this module builds on the foundations laid in SEL1027, introducing theoretical
models of phonology. The aim is for students to investigate a number of phonological models, including both
derivational and optimality theoretic, in order for them to come to an understanding of how evidence and
argumentation are used in phonological theory building.
Component When Set % Comment
Problem Solving Mid 20 This will consist of a phonological
Exercise 1 analysis problem set
Problem Solving End 40 A phonological analysis exercise
Exercise 2
Essay End 40 2000-word essay
SEL2089: Syntactic Theory
Module Leader: Dr Geoffrey Poole
Semester 1, 20 credits
Pre-requisites: Students must have completed SEL1027, or have the permission of the module leader to enrol on this
module.
Following on from SEL1027, this module provides a more comprehensive and deeper understanding of the syntax of
natural language with modern English as the main object of study. It is a required course for students on Linguistics
degrees, but is open to any student who has taken SEL1027. Topics to be addressed include phrase structure (X’-
Theory), argument structure (theta-roles), Case, agreement, noun phrase structure, binding, various kinds of
movement, ellipsis, locality, Logical Form, architecture of grammar, syntactic variation. Not necessarily all of these
are covered every year.
Component When Set % Comment
Written Exam End 75 take-home exam. Any notes, books,
materials, internet, etc. may be used.
Essay End 25 1000-word précis
GER2061 – Level C (HE Advanced) German
Module Leader: Antje Moench
Semesters 1 & 2, 20 credits total
Pre-requisite
Students must have successfully completed GER1071 or equivalent to enrol on this module.
In consonance with the overall aims of the degrees offered in the SML, this module will:4
1. Focus on further developing students' written and oral communicative competences in German gained in
Level B (including fluency, grammatical and lexical accuracy and range; register and pronunciation);
2. Continue to prepare students for the future study of German (including written and oral/aural
communicative skills, and intercultural awareness and competence) and/ or for their future learning
experience (including independent learning and study skills - reflective skills);
3. Continue to facilitate students' ability to establish and maintain effective social and working relations with
speakers of German in written and spoken media during their intercalary year. This includes students’ ability
to use and understand authentic material and produce their own written and spoken output.
The module will be taught and assessed in German.
Component When Set % Comment
Formative Assessments
Written Exercise Mid Formative Students are able to obtain feedback on
language and structure on a written
piece of homework
Summative Assessments
Oral Exam Mid 20 On campus, live presentation and
discussion, Week 12
Written Exercise Mid 20 Combining reading/writing
Written Exercise Mid 20 Combining listening/writing
Written Exam End 40 On campus examination
SEL2086: Introduction to Child Language Acquisition
Module Leader: Dr Cristina Dye
Semester 1, 20 credits
Pre-requisites: Students must have completed SEL1027, or have the permission of the module leader to enrol on this
module. Although not required, this module is particularly suited to students with backgrounds or interests in
interdisciplinary studies including psychology, education and/or neuroscience.
This module aims to provide students with an introduction to the main theories, questions, methods of
investigation, and discoveries in the two fields of a) child language development and b) adult second language
acquisition.
Component When Set % Comment
Written Exam Mid 50 Mid-module 48-hour take-home exam to
objectively test student understanding of
foundational notions in child language.
Poster Mid 20 The team poster presents an analysis of
second language acquisition data on the
acquisition of morphosyntax/syntax
Essay End 30 A 2000-word essay on the acquisition of
phonology.
SEL2091: Sociolinguistics & the Sociology of Language
Module Leader: Dr Daniel Duncan
Semester 1, 20 credits
Pre-requisites: Students must have completed SEL1027 and SEL1032, or have the permission of the module leader
to enrol on this module.
The module aims to:5
Introduce the basic terms, concepts and premises underlying: (i) Labovian sociolinguistics (ii) Fishman's
sociology of language paradigm (iii) World Englishes.
Give a broad understanding of fieldwork techniques used within these sub-disciplines and offer students the
experience of preparing for and conducting their own sociolinguistic interview from which the data is to be
transcribed using an established protocol.
Emphasis will also be placed (particularly in seminars) on acquiring skills for the resolution of linguistic
analyses and the interpretation of tables/graphs.
Students will learn to:
Apply the terminological distinctions, principles, methods and concepts used within these sub-disciplines to
actual and novel case studies that explore the inter-relationships between language and society.
Outline the major difficulties with the Labovian paradigm in terms of the way in which it handles linguistic
and extralinguistic variables.
Examine alternative approaches to the Labovian paradigm.
Understand the principles and practicalities of collecting, coding and transcribing vernacular data.
Further explore specific issues raised at the individual level in Labovian Sociolinguistics at the
community/national level. The focus will therefore be on language(s) rather than idiolect/sociolect/dialect.
Particular attention will be paid to promoting an understanding of the relationship between language and
nationalism/ethnicity as well as questions of language loyalty, attitude, status and the power relations
apparent in language contact situations.
Component When Set % Comment
Written Exercise 1 Mid 50 Data collection and analysis
assignment, 1250 words in total.
Written Exercise 2 End 50 1750 words in total addressing topic in
the sociology of language
SEL2212: Early English: Texts, Patterns and Varieties
Module Leader: Dr Adam Mearns
Semester 2, 20 credits
Pre-requisites: Students must have completed SEL1032, or have the permission of the module leader to enrol on this
module.
Module aims:
To develop students' competence in reading texts from a variety of periods in the history of English;
To develop students’ ability to analyse linguistic features of texts;
To build on the knowledge and skills relating to language change gained in SEL1032 (Language Variation and
Change);
To enhance students’ knowledge of the processes by which the English language has evolved into its
present-day state;
To develop competence in using dictionaries, historical corpora and other electronic resources.
Component When Set % Comment
Essay Mid 40 1500 words
Written Exercise End 60 Section 1: text analysis. Section 2:
essay (c.2500 words total)6
SEL2219: Monsters, Misery & Miracles: Heroic Life in Old English Poetry
Module Leader: Dr Aditi Nafde
Semester 1, 20 credits
No Pre-requisites
This module introduces students to the poetry of the early middle ages in its original language, thereby allowing
them to study the very beginnings of literature in English. Old English poetry covers a wide range of genres, including
wisdom literature, religious verse, heroic and elegiac poetry, and innuendo-laden riddles. The module will explore
literature that negotiates between the Germanic, heroic, Christian, and quotidian cultures that pervaded the age and
were especially relevant to the North of England. As such, this module is uniquely placed to address topics of race,
gender, and othering, which have a deep and sometimes troubling association with an English past.
This module will focus on three main texts in their original language. It will start by examining the earliest dream
poem in English, instrumental in establishing the conventions for describing religious experience, The Dream of the
Rood. This will be followed by a deeply moving poem about loss and loneliness, The Wanderer. Finally, the module
will examine one of the greatest poems about heroes, monsters, and warfare, Beowulf.
Students will 'slow read' these text by creating their own translations of the original Old English. They will gain an
understanding of the key features of the language and its poetics and, in doing so, will have the opportunity to
examine and reflect on their own poetic impulses. Students will also situate these texts in their literary contexts by
reading a wider range of other Old English poetry in translation, as well as reflect on the place of Old English
literature today.
Component When Set % Comment
Essay End 100 3000 word essay
Written Exercise Mid Formative N/A
SEL2223: Speakers as Wordsmiths – The Creation of New Words in Present-Day
English
Module Leader: Dr William van der Wurff
Semester 2, 20
Pre-requisites: Students must have completed SEL1027, or have the permission of the module leader to enrol on this
module. Any exchange students must have basic introductions to grammar and phonetics to enrol.
Module aims:
1. Exploring the formation and diffusion of new words in English, using modern digital tools
2. Exploring relevant concepts and topics in lexicology, morphology, corpus linguistics and linguistic data
collection
The themes to be covered in the lectures (further discussed/applied in the small group classes) will include: data and
methods of data collection, the structure of different types of new words, the issue of morphological productivity,
issues in measuring lexical frequency, new lexis in recent English, and theoretical issues involved in the study of
these topics.
Component When Set % Comment
Essay End 65 Final essay, testing ability to collect and
analyse data for the purpose of
answering a research question (2500
words)
Written Exercise Mid 35 Testing knowledge and understanding
of the concepts covered in the teaching
(equivalent to 1500 words)7
SEL2229: Experimental Methods in Linguistics
Module Leader: Dr Christine Cuskley
Semester 2, 20 credits
Pre-requisites: Students must have completed SEL1027 and SEL1032, or have the permission of the module leader
to enrol on this module.
The course will focus on general philosophical, methodological, practical, and ethical issues that arise in the course
of research in linguistics. Topics will include: science communication, the scientific method, computational
approaches to language and linguistic research, null hypothesis testing, tools for collecting experimental data (online
and in-lab), and basic data wrangling and statistics. The course will also introduce students to specific methods and
tools allowing them to undertake survey-based or experimental research, and independently design their own
experimental methods.
Component When Set % Comment
Essay 1 Mid 60 2500 word essay critically reviewing a
specific experimental method
Essay 2 End 40 1500 word research methods proposal
SEL2230: Multilingualism
Module Leader: Dr Rebecca Woods
Semester 2, 20 credits
Pre-requisites: Students must have taken SEL2086 in semester 1 to enrol on this module.
This module focuses on the acquisition, retention and use of two or more languages throughout the lifespan of an
individual. It considers how two or more languages are represented in one mind, how languages interact in use, as
well as building on and extending students' knowledge of first and second language acquisition and language change.
It also considers issues around the role of languages in shaping identity and society.
Component When Set % Comment
Poster Mid 25 Production of a lay-facing poster on an
aspect of multilingualism relevant to a
specific, clearly identifiable group in
society.
Written Exercise End 75 3000-word written piece comprising 2
equally-weighted exercises: (i) original
data analysis, (ii) short essay on central
topic.You can also read
