Course Catalogue

Constructed Languages, Communication and Sustainability (C4L) MODLANG1007

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Modern Languages and Cultures
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: Yes

Short Description

This co-taught, interdisciplinary course explores a broad range of constructed languages in relation to UN sustainability goals, examining how constructed languages can build global partnerships, reduce inequalities, promote peaceful and inclusive societies and good health and well-being. Students learn about the history of Esperanto and other IAL, explore constructed languages as a therapeutic tool (Bliss symbols or Toki Pona) and as narrative devices in fantasy fiction (e.g. Tolkien and TV series such as Star Trek or Games of Thrones), question the ill-defined boundaries between constructed languages and revitalised languages (e.g. Cornish or Nynorsk), reflect on the ethical implications raised by the recent status of English as a hypercentral language and experiment with computer languages and applications of AI. They engage in creative group activities, make a podcast and build a fragment of a constructed language.

Timetable

This course will be taught over 2 hours weekly on campus as scheduled on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

none

Excluded Courses

none

Co-requisites

none

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Group Podcast: 40%

■ Reflective commentary: 60%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ Group presentation or alternative individual project as alternative to group podcast.

■ There is no alternative to the reflective commentary but extensions to the deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

Course Aims

This course aims to:

 

■ Introduce students to explore constructed language in relation to UN sustainability goals

■ Equip students with the skills to reflect critically on communication and sustainability in individual and teamwork setting

■ Encourage students to act on peer feedback and to provide constructive feedback to others 

■ Increase students' employability by developing transferrable analytical, critical, creative, communicative and interpersonal skills, as well as AI literacy

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

 

■ Assess how constructed languages can contribute to UN sustainability goals

■ Research on specific topics on the nature of communication in relation to real-world contexts

■ Engage effectively in teamwork to communicate research findings to a general audience, negotiate and delegate tasks

■ Use creative skills and AI literacy skills to produce creative outputs 

■ Address feedback and provide constructive feedback to others 

■ Reflect on their learning process and skills acquisition

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions