Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Language Power and Identity
Module Code	LC544
School	SALIS
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The main aim of the module is to engage with some of the fundamental linguistic issues which are relevant to questions of power, interculturality and cultural difference. Language is commonly deemed to occupy a position of primary importance in relation to cultural identity. What this means in terms of relations between language, culture and thought is the basic theme of the module.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of key issues concerning the relationship between language and culture. These will include: multilingualism and linguistic diversity; minority language issues; World English and Englishes; the social uses of language; identity construction; critical pedagogy.
2. Display critical engagement in module themes through in-class presentations and academic essay writing
3. Apply theories pertaining to language, power and identity to contemporary contexts

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	Active participation in lectures
Independent learning	108	Reading in preparation for class; researching essay topic; writing essay
Assignment	12	Preparing key text for peer-led presentation in class key text
Group work	6	Preparing peer-presentation
Library	100	Reading core module material
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The main theme will be examined (in a combination of lectures and seminars) under the headings mentioned above, which will be studied by means of discussion of a range of specific sub-topics, examples of which are the following:.
1. Multilingualism and Linguistic Diversity. Does language define our cultural identity? Language spread and language dispersal. Nationalist views of language. Ethnicity. Intercultural communication..

2. Minority Language Issues. Language maintenance and shift. Language policies and language planning. Case studies..
3. World English and Englishes. Linguistic imperialism..

4. Language as social action. How do we get things done using language? Ethnography of communication. Discourse patterns and representation..
Critical approaches: critical pedagogy, critical multiculturalism.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	End of semester essay	70%	n/a
Oral presentations	Peer-led discussion of key texts	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Block, D: 2007, Second Language Identities, Continuum, London,
Bourdieu, P.: 1992, Language and Symbolic Power, Cambrisge,
Coates, J.: 1998, Language and gender: A reader, Blackwell, Oxford,
Cronin, M.: 2000, Across the Lines: Travel, Language and Translation, Cork University Press, Cork,
Cronin, M.: 2006, Translation and Identity, Routledge, New York,
Crystal, D.: 2002, Language Death, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
Edwards, J.: 1994, Multilingualism, Penguin, London,
Freire, P.: 1970, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Penguin, London,
Holborow, M.: 1999, The Politics of English, Sage, London,
Holmes, J. and M. Meyerhoff.: 2003, The Handbook of Language and Gender, Blackwell, Oxford,
Jenkins, J.: 2003, World Englishes: A Resource Book for Students, Routledge, London,
Pavlenko, A. & Blackledge, A. (Eds): 2004, Negotiation of identities in Multilingual Contexts, Multilingual Matters, Clevedon,
Phipps, A. & Gonzalez, M.: 2004, Modern Languages: Learning and Teaching in an Intercultural Field, Sage, London,
Singh, I & Stilwell, P.J. (Eds): 2003, Language, Society and Power: an introduction. Second edition, Routledge, London,