Module Descriptors

This module is designed to encourage students to explore and critically reflect on the interconnection between Language, Identity and Power, more specifically the use and significance of language in forging, articulating, maintaining but also resisting identity in the context of power relations at all levels in society.

Drawing on Socio-Linguistics, Social identity Theory and Discourse Analysis students  will explore the position of national languages, the relationship between ‘national’/‘prestigious’ and ‘regional’/’lower status’ languages in Education and language planning as a reflection of political power relations; it will also encourage critical analysis and discussion of the processes of forging and resisting collective and personal identities in political discourse and the media. The module will also encourage critical understanding of the interface of language, power relations and identity construction in everyday communication situations.

The position of national Languages vis a vis the predominance of English in a globalised world and the protection and promotion cultural variety in the context of political power relations will also be discussed and explored.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Demonstrate knowledge that covers and integrates the main dimensions of language, identity and power.

L2. Demonstrate critical understanding of the principal theories of Power, and concepts and principles of Socio-Linguistics, Social Identity Theory, Discourse Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis

L3. Demonstrate critical understanding of current issues associated with the Interface of Language, Identity and Power.

L4. Critically evaluate instances of the interface of Language, identity and power in, for example, the media, political discourse, education contexts or everyday situations.

L5. Present reasoned arguments and express ideas in a clear, coherent, and grammatically sound academic style drawing on academic literature relating to the themes explored during the module

Extensive, detailed, and critical Knowledge that covers and integrates areas of Language, Power and Collective and Individual Identity.
A critical understanding of the principal theories, principles and concepts used in Socio-Linguistics, Social Identity Theory, Discourse Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis.
A critical understanding of a range of specialised theories, principles and concepts that concern language, identity and power
Critical awareness of current issues associated with the interface of Language, Power and Identity.

Apply a range of specialised skills, and research techniques and practices employed to explore factors which influence language used in particular contexts with specific purposes;
Demonstrate originality or creativity in the application of knowledge, understanding and practices which relate to the use of Language in power relations, with a particular focus on collective and individual identity.

Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to issues which are at the forefront or informed by developments in the area of Socio-Linguistics, Social Identity Theory and Discourse Analysis.
Identify, conceptualise and define new and abstract concepts and issues related to the way Language is used to create or challenge power relations and identities.
Develop original and creative responses to concepts and issues which relate to Language, Power and Identity.

Critically review, consolidate and extend knowledge, skills practices and thinking in the research area of the interface of Language and power and identity relations.

Communicate, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise;
Communicate with a range of audiences (as appropriate) and fellow professionals acting as a source of advice on particular aspects of Language, Power and Identity.
Use a range of software to support and enhance work at this level;
Contribute to the literature on, and public discussion of the topics covered in the module.

Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in professional and equivalent activities;
Demonstrate responsibility for own work and/or significant responsibility for the work of others;
Demonstrate leadership and initiative;
Demonstrate critical reflection on own and others’ work;
Demonstrate the management of complex ethical and professional issues.

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

Where a module has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:
All fulltime students (part-time and distant learning students should check with their programme leader for any queries) are required to attend all scheduled classes and participate with all delivered elements of the module as part of their engagement with their programme of study. Consideration will be given to students who have protection under the appropriate equality law. Please refer to UWS Regulations, Chapter 1, 1.64 – 1.67, available at the following link: http://www.uws.ac.uk/current-students/rights-and-regulations/regulatory-framework/

1.04

1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
   This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.