Literature and Languages
Postgraduate Applicants
M.Litt in English Language & Linguistics - NEW for September 2011!
Structure and Content |
Teaching Staff |
Arts Training Module |
Dissertation |
Further information |
Structure and Content of the Programme
In the Autumn semester all students take the core programme module, Structures of Language, which provides a thorough grounding in the central areas of theoretical linguistics which form the basis for your studies, namely: sound (phonetics and phonology); grammar (syntax and morphology) and meaning (semantics and pragmatics).
You will also study four option modules, which will allow you to develop your expertise in specific areas of English Language and Linguistics.
Full-time students take one option module in the Autumn semester in addition to the core, and three further option modules in the Spring semester.
Part-time students take the core module (Structures of Language) in their first semester and two options in their second. In Semesters 3 and 4 students will study one option module and one Arts Training module.
The option modules offered each year vary, depending on the availability of teaching staff, but include:
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Old and Middle English
provides a linguistic introduction to both Old and Middle English.
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Language and Cognition
focuses on the psychology of language and the relationship between language and cognition, examining how language is acquired and processed, exploring cognitive approaches to grammar, and investigating theories of metaphor and conceptual blending.
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Language Learning: Theory and Research
looks at the research necessary to understand the processes involved in learning a second language.
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Sociolinguistics and Varieties of English
investigates language in its social context, by exploring the many regional and social varieties of English, and the multi-faceted relationship between language, culture and society.
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Historical Linguistics and the History of English
introduces the principles of historical linguistics and language change, in order to investigate the history and development of English from its beginnings to its emergence as a world language.
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Evolutionary Linguistics
investigates hypotheses on the origin of human language, evolutionary approaches to language change, and the development of complexity in linguistic structure.
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Discourse Analysis
examines modern English discourse using techniques of conversational analysis, critical discourse analysis and genre analysis.
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Corpus Linguistics
describes the application of corpus linguistics techniques to language teaching and research.
Teaching Staff
Dr Bethan Benwell |
Dr Stephen Penn |
Dr Andrew Smith |
Training for Masters in the Arts & Humanities
Successful completion of this module requires you to register and submit your list of training activity by the prescribed deadlines. It requires you to undertake the agreed training activities and to submit a complete 'reflective journal'. Non completion leads to failure of the module. No grade will be awarded, only a pass or fail.
Dissertation
During the summer, you will write a research dissertation of 15,000 words on a subject of your choosing, based on one of the modules you havestudied, in consultation with a member of staff. Students who do not write a dissertation may still be awarded a Diploma.
Further Information
For further information, please contact either of the course directors: Andrew Smith or Bethan Benwell
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Dr Bethan Benwell or Dr Andrew Smith Department of English Studies University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Tel: + 44 (0) 1786 467-510 |
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Fax: + 44 (0) 1786 466-210 |
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Email: Bethan Benwell or Andrew Smith |
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Web: Bethan Bennwell or Andrew Smith |