This Masters level course offers an overview of a range of qualitative approaches that have been adopted within the field of sociolinguistics (broadly defined). The course engages with key theoretical and practical questions, including how data are selected, collected, and analysed in different paradigms. Students will engage critically with existing research and put their understanding into practice with hands-on analysis of data.

10 x 2hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus

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The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Set exercise (1,500 words) - 40%

■ Practical Skills Assessment (2,000 words) - 60% 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course aims to:

■ introduce students to a range of qualitative methodologies used within the field of sociolinguistics.

■ familiarise students with key practical and theoretical issues in sociolinguistics, through a range of qualitative approaches.

■ support students to develop their own practical skills with regard to data collection and analysis.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically appraise practical and theoretical issues as they relate to qualitative research in sociolinguistics;

■ Describe and evaluate a range of qualitative methodologies used in the study of language and society;

■ Collect and analyse data using qualitative approaches within sociolinguistic research.