Issues in Bilingualism

Summary module description:
This module will introduce the students to the study of bilingualism, examining current theories and research methodologies in the areas of language development, sociolinguistics, education and language policy.

Aims:
The course aims to introduce the students to key concepts in terminology, major research questions and research methods in the analysis of individual and societal bilingualism. The course will also address the practical implications of this research for education and language policy and will enable students to develop the conceptual and practical tools necessary to analyse and discuss seminal work in the field.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Assessable outcomes
By the end of this module, it is expected that the students will be able to:
? Define the key concepts in bilingualism research;
? Demonstrate an understanding of the main theories and issues concerning bilingual language development, bilingual education and bilingualism in society at Level 5;
? Demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret data at Level 5;
? Gain insights into different aspects in the study of bilingualism;
? Demonstrate the ability to carry out research in small groups.

Additional outcomes:
The module aims to develop the students? oral communication skills and to foster the ability to discuss and analyse concrete data or problematic issues in small groups. Students will become familiar with some of the methods employed in bilingualism research.

Outline content:
The module focuses on the following topics: defining and measuring bilingualism, characteristics of bilingualism, theories and methodological issues, child bilingualism and education, language planning, adult bilingualism.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, discussions and group work in class.

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written assignment including essay 70%
Report 30%

Other information on summative assessment:
Coursework
1. Students will complete a small-scale project. Findings will be presented in a report of 1000-1250 words and an oral presentation.
Percentage of overall marks: 30%

2. Students will write an assignment of 2500 words on one of the topics covered in the module.
Percentage of overall marks: 70%

Formative assessment methods:
Feedback on presentation of results of fieldwork.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.