This course combines elements of practical linguistic interest with an introduction to the field of sociolinguistics mainly through the ways in which contemporary French commentators explore the relation between language, culture and national identity.

20 1-hour seminars at days and times to be arranged.

Class exam (1.5 hours) in the examining period of Semester 1 (50%); Class test (2 hours) towards the end of Semester 2 (50%)

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aims of this course are:
·to encourage you to extend your knowledge of French by looking at types of language and linguistic issues normally excluded from the main language part of the course
·to offer insight into language change, linguistic structures, registers of language, argumentation and lexis used in such texts
·to offer insight into the methodological approaches appropriate to research-led linguistic study, especially in the area of sociolinguistics

On successful completion of the course you will be able to demonstrate:
·expertise in a specialised area of language study
·detailed knowledge of linguistic, cultural and socio-historical contexts and issues relevant to the material studied on the course
·detailed knowledge of useful and precise critical terminology
·detailed knowledge of a range and variety of approaches to sociolinguistic study
·the ability to translate, analyse and manipulate material from a range of registers and discourses within French
·the capacity for advanced dictionary usage in the relevant fields· the ability to articulate detailed understanding and knowledge of concepts, theories and terminology relating to language studies
·the capacity to apply those approaches reflectively and with relevance

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.