EL5015 - Language and Literature

What will I learn on this module?

In this module, you will develop a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the field of stylistics. You will study the history and development of modern stylistics, and the key principles and theories of literary linguistics. Surrounding the key principles of texualism and contextualism, you will study three strands of stylistics, namely functional stylistics, narrative stylistics and cognitive stylistics. Within each of these strands, you will study how relevant research methods can help you explore a wide variety of linguistic features in prose fiction, poems, plays and other literary and non-literary discourses.

Through learning about the different ways in which stylistics theories and methods develop over time and interact with different academic disciplines, you will further develop and enhance your critical analytical skills and creative thinking when approaching complex and diverse issues in language use.

How will I learn on this module?

This module employs a student-centred and interactive teaching and learning approach to enable students to become active participants in the learning process. Teaching takes the form of weekly lectures and seminars. In preparation for each session, you will be provided with a short text to read and/or a short task to complete. The syllabus component presented and discussed in the lectures will be further explored and practised in seminar groups. You will be afforded the opportunity to deepen you knowledge and understanding through asking questions, discussing and debating ideas, as well as performing additional tasks. You will also be directed towards additional readings (accessible via the module blackboard and the reading lists) to consolidate and extend your learning.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module aims to expand your critical understanding of different, and often competing, theoretical and empirical perspectives within sociolinguistics. Lectures, seminars and tasks will develop your academic knowledge and skills, to help you attain the module learning outcomes. Your academic development will also be facilitated through engagement with the academic literature and by talking with your peers and the module tutor about your understanding of this literature (i.e. reading around the topic, and discussing and reflecting upon what you have read).

The module handbook provides details of lectures, seminars, reading lists and assessment criteria; lecture materials are made available on the eLP (see above). The module tutor will be available in lectures and seminars, as well as in ‘Feedback and consultation hours’ (i.e. ‘office hours’) and on email, to discuss any queries or concerns you have about how to excel academically on the module. Formative feedback will be provided both throughout seminar/workshop activities. Written feedback will also be provided on your 500 word formative essay, due at the end of semester 1, synthesising the results of two important empirical studies in the field of sociolinguistics (chosen by the student), prior to completion of the module’s summative assessment (an essay).

In addition, you have a designated Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of your programme. The academic side of the Guidance Tutor’s role includes: monitoring your ongoing academic progress; helping you to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development; directing you to further available services which can help them with their academic skills (e.g. Library’s Skills Plus). You are advised to meet with your Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the historical development within the field of literary linguistics, and engage critically with the key theories of literary linguistics

2. Critically apply relevant frameworks and methods of literary linguistics to a range of literary and non-literary texts


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Show familiarity with the current debates in literary linguistics, and develop your own arguments for and against debated issues

4. Be able to employ appropriate research methods in order to collect and analyse linguistic data, and to present you4. research findings convincingly with the support of academic evidence.



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):


5. Display attributes to synthesise complex information, and show appreciation of ideas and values put forward in various theories, user groups and social contexts.

How will I be assessed?

This module has both formative and summative assessments. For formative assessment, you will submit an outline of your planned essay (on one side of A4 paper). You may negotiate the date of submission with the tutor, and you will receive individual feedback from the tutor with comments and suggestions on your essay plan.

For summative assessment, you will complete a 3,000-word essay (counted as 100% of the assessment). The essay will cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of stylistics that you will study on this module.

You will have the opportunity to present, discuss and improve your essay plan, and will receive consistent support and guidance from the module tutor. After you receive the summative feedback, if you would like any further discussion / advice from the module tutor, you can arrange a tutorial session during the tutor’s feedback and consultation hours.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.

Course info

UCAS Code Z040

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

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Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

 

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If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

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The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

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