Linguistic research methods and resources and their application to the English language

The aim of this course is to train students to do research and study in English linguistics, and to help students develop professional skills that will be useful for their future in any academic or research setting. The topics discussed in this course will facilitate the process of writing research essays and the final MA dissertation.

1. Literature research and resources for linguistic research (how to write the literature review of an essay/dissertation; how to search databases, catalogues etc.; introduction to main websites, software, reference grammars and dictionaries; etc.).

2. Research questions and research outline (types of research questions and hypotheses; how to elaborate a research proposal; overview of quantitative and qualitative methods for linguistic research).

3. Data collection methods and research ethics (variety of methods in linguistic research, e.g. corpora, introspection, surveys; ethical approval and informants’ consent; etc.).

4. Referencing and writing conventions in linguistics (e.g. unified style sheet in linguistics; how to cite reference sources; use of italics, glosses, exemplification, etc.; academic malpractice, e.g. plagiarism, collusion, etc.).

5. Research paper (abstract, structure, publication, etc.).

6. Presentations (tips for the preparation of different modes of presentation of research: oral presentations, posters, handouts, etc.).

BASIC:

- Litosseliti, Lia (ed). 2010. Research methods in linguistics. London: Continuum.

COMPLEMENTARY:
- Brown, James D. 1988. Understanding Research in Second Language Learning. Cambridge: C.U.P.

- Brown, James D. & Theodore S. Rodgers. 2002. Doing Second Language Research. Oxford: O.U.P.

- Cottrell, Stella. 2008. The study skills handbook. Third edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

- Gibaldi, Joseph. 2008. MLA style manual and guide to scholarly publishing. New York: Modern Language Association of America.

- Krug, Manfred & Julia Schlüter (eds.). 2013. Research methods in language variation and change. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.


- Podesva, Robert J. & Devyani Sharma. 2013. Research methods in linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

- Sebba, Mark. 2000. Focusing on language. A student's guide to research planning, data collection, analysis and writing up. Lancaster: Definite Article Publications.
- Seliger, Herbert W. & Elana Shohamy. 1989. Second Language Research Methods. Oxford: O.U.P.

- Unified Style Sheet for Linguistics: http://linguistlist.org/pubs/tocs/JournalUnifiedStyleSheet2007.pdf

- Wray, Alison, Kate Trott & Aileen Bloomer. 1998. Projects in linguistics. A practical guide to researching language. London: Arnold. [Later editions also available.]

- Yáñez-Bouza, Nuria, in collaboration with Rob Drummond. 2011. Handbook of study skills. Manchester: Department of Linguistics and English Language.

BASIC
CB6 - To possess and understand knowledge that provides a basis or opportunity to be original in the development and / or explanation of ideas, often in a research context.
CB9 - That students are able to communicate their conclusions and the knowledge and ultimate reasons that support them to specialized and non-specialized audiences in a clear and unambiguous way.
CB10 - That students possess the learning skills that allow them to continue studying in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous.

GENERAL
G01 - Ability to delve into those concepts, principles, theories or models related to the various areas of English Studies, as well as to become familiar with the methodology required to solve those problems typical of this field of study.
G02 - Ability to apply the knowledge gained/obtained within the multidisciplinary and mutifaceted/versatile area of English Studies.
G03 - Ability to use the new information and communication technologies (ICTs) efficiently within the realm of English Studies.
G04 - Ability to present experiences, ideas or reports in public, as well as to express informed opinions based on criteria, external rules or personal reflections, for which a sufficient command of the academic and scientific language, both written and oral, will be necessary.
G05 - Abilities to investigate and manage new knowledge and information within the context of English Studies.
G06 - Ability to acquire/achieve critical thinking that will lead students to consider the relevance of the existing research in the fields of study that make up/shape/define English Studies, as well as the relevance of their own investigations.
G07 - Abilities to consolidate and develop the C2 linguistic competence in the spoken and written use of the English language.
G08 - Progressive autonomy in the learning process, personal/individual search for resources and information, by getting access/accessing (to) bibliographical and documentary references on the various areas that make up/define/shape English Studies.
G09 - Ability to carry out research work of an academic nature in the different realms of English Studies.
G10 - Ability to present and defend a research project by making use of the appropriate terminology and resources/tools within the area object of study.

SPECIFIC
E01 - Knowledge of the main methods of linguistic research.
E02 - Knowledge of the main resources, tools and methods for linguistic research

- Lectures on essential methods and resources for linguistic research.

- Seminar sessions with interactive discussions on the subjects presented in the lectures. Some tasks may require collaborative group work.

- eLearning platform for summative and formative assessment.

- Independent learning on the part of the student, including self-assessment tasks via the eLearning platform.

- Handouts will be provided to accompany lectures and seminar work.

1) First opportunity

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT

- 15% Active participation at lectures, seminars, hands-on sessions. Please note that attendance to the sessions is compulsory.(Assessed competences: CB10, G01, G02, G05, G07, E2)

- 45% Exercises (e.g. tests, short answers, self-assessment evaluation, programmed readings, presentations, etc.) to be submitted via the teaching platform. (Assessed competences: CB10, G01, G02, G03, G04, G06, G07, G08, G09, G10, E01, E02).

- 40% FINAL TEST (Assessed competences CB6, CB9, G01, G04, G06, G10, E01, E02).

2) Second opportunity:

Students will have to repeat only those parts (exercises and written test(s)) in which they did not reach a pass in the first opportunity.


3) Students officially exempt from class attendance:

Students will have to hand in all course exercises (50%) and will have to take a final exam (50%).

IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) All exercises and tests will be done in English. Overall correctness in language and in the use of formal conventions is indispensable. Therefore, grammatical and orthographic mistakes will be penalized.

2) PLAGIARISM: If fraudulent practices are detected in assignments or exams of any kind, this will bring about a direct fail in the subject, in application of article 16 of “Normativa de avaliación do rendemento académico dos estudantes e de revisión de cualificacións” :
“A realización fraudulenta dalgún exercicio ou proba exixida na avaliación dunha materia implicará a cualificación de suspenso na convocatoria correspondente, con independencia do proceso disciplinario que se poida seguir contra o alumno infractor. Considerarse fraudulenta, entre outras, a realización de traballos plaxiados ou obtidos de fontes accesibles ao público sen reelaboración ou reinterpretación e sen citas aos autores e das fontes”.

Total number of hours = 75
Hours of classroom work = 14
Hours in virtual learning environment = 10
Students’ individual study time = 51

CLASES Classroom sessions. Attendance 100%

Lectures = Hours: 5.
Practical seminars, debates and students' presentations). Hours: 7.
Tutorial sessions = Hours: 2.

VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. Attendance 0%

Participation in online discussion groups. Hours: 4.
Supervision of students' progress in reading tasks. Hours: 4.
Self-asessment tasks. Hours: 2.

STUDENTS INDEPENDENT WORK. Attendance 0%

Independent study, individually or in groups. Hours: 11.
Assignments and paper writing. Hours: 20.
Recommended readings and bibliographic search. Hours: 20.

None.

1) Students are expected to complete all assignments and readings suggested by the lecturer(s), and to come to the sessions prepared to discuss them.

2)Students must visit the eLearning platform for the course regularly. Students are expected to check their university email on a regular basis: announcements and last-minute changes will be notified via the teaching platform.

3) No emails using a non-institutional account will be replied by the teachers, so students must contact the teachers using their USC email account and, preferably, via the teaching platform.