Module: Introduction to the Study of Language 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to the Study of Language 1
Module Code	LIG1011 (ITS: LC150)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module aims to introduce students to some key areas in the study of language, enabling them to develop the skills and knowledge required of students of languages and linguistics. It will provide an introduction to language and the brain, and the characteristics of human language. Students will also learn about parts of speech, morphology, and the sounds of English. They will subsequently learn about the processes involved in language acquisition, including some key theories and debates. Finally, this module will introduce students to some contemporary issues in the study of language and society, such as gender, identity, and regional variation, enabling them to apply their knowledge to real world contexts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key concepts, theories, and processes relating to the study of language
2. Isolate parts of speech and analyse the morphology of English phrases
3. Analyse sound and sound patterns of language
4. Apply theoretical concepts to real world language use
5. Work collaboratively on group projects that will also enhance their creative and digital literacy skills

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Lectures/tutorials
Directed learning	38	Assigned reading; completion of online activities; engaging with various multimedia.
Group work	50	Preparation of group projects; collaboration and communication with group members
Independent Study	15	Supplementary reading; engagement with linguistics blogs and websites
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10922	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Lucía Pintado Gutiérrez	Module Teacher	Hannah Leonard

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group project	Group project	40%	Once per semester
Assignment	Individual assignment	60%	Once per semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Content and Assessment
Students will participate in synchronous and asynchronous activities designed to enhance their subject knowledge, as well as engaging with regular reading material and other multimedia. They will be assessed through group projects and individual tasks. For group projects stidents will use digital platforms such as Canva, Padlet, and VoiceThread, which will enable them to develop their communicative skills, collaborative skills, creativity, and time management. Group projects will also enable students to source, present and discuss reliable information, which will contribute to the development of their digital literacy skills. Individual tasks will enable students to apply their knowledge to ‘real world’ contexts and hands-on activities. Indicative Content: Ch. 1: The origins of language Ch. 2: Animals and human language Ch. 6–10: Morphology, Grammar, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics Ch. 12–13: Language and the brain, First language acquisition Ch. 18: Language and regional variation Ch. 20: Language and culture MAIN TEXT: George Yule. (2023). The Study of Language [8th edition]. Cambridge University Press. Access on-line [through DCU library]: https://www.cambridge.org/highereducation/books/the-study-of-language/FFAD6D438AEC1F023DF700ECB66DF022?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=bookmark

Indicative Reading List

Books:

George Yule: 2023, The Study of Language, 8th, Cambridge University Press, 0, 9781009233408

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None