Undergraduate Course: Methods in Theoretical Linguistics (LASC10109)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | In this course you will become familiar with the core techniques used by theoretical linguists to build theories, design hypothesis-driven studies to test those theories, and disseminate your findings. |
| Course description |
This course helps you to develop a practical understanding of how to conduct research in theoretical linguistics. Topics to be covered include:
- Objects of study and large-scale research goals in theoretical linguistics;
- What is a linguistic theory? How do hypotheses relate to theories?
- Types of argument in theoretical linguistics;
- Types of evidence, and the relationship between theory and data;
- How to produce and disseminate theoretical research, and how to review theoretical work.
The course is designed to help you identify your own research question in theoretical linguistics, and conduct research to address your research question.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have completed at least 3 Linguistics/Language Sciences courses at grade B or above. We will only consider University/College level courses. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 27,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
169 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Peer review 10% (500 words)
Abstract 30% (750 words)
Final assignment 60% (2500 words)
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| Feedback |
Students will be provided with in-class briefings before the abstract and peer review assignments are due. They will be offered one-to-one or small group briefings for their research reports (depending on the course enrolment numbers). |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of theory in linguistic research
- Derive predictions from established theories
- Develop, test, and reformulate hypotheses
- Identify and evaluate appropriate data sources for testing empirical hypotheses
- Develop skills in the presentation of structured theoretical arguments
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
By taking the course, students will develop skills in:
- critical thinking
- structured argumentation
- hypothesis formulation
- hypothesis testing
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Robert Truswell
Tel: (0131 6)51 5511
Email: Rob.Truswell@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Susan Hermiston
Tel: (0131 6)50 3440
Email: Susan.Hermiston@ed.ac.uk |
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