Emblem of the Republic of Poland Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu
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Introduction to sociolinguistics
Educational subject description sheet

Basic information

Study programme
Global Communication
Speciality
-
Organizational unit
Faculty of Modern Languages and Literatures
Study level
First-cycle programme
Study form
Full-time
Education profile
General academic
Didactic cycle
2023/24
Subject code
09GLCS.110HS.02930.23
Lecture languages
Russian
Course type
Obligatory
Block
Humanities and social subjects
Subject coordinator
Zofia Szwed
Lecturer
Zofia Szwed
Period
Semester 5
Activities and hours
  • Conversatory classes: 30, Graded credit
Number of ECTS points
2

Goals

Code Goal
C1 Familiarisation you with the subject and departments of sociolinguistics as a scientific discipline and current trends in sociolinguistic research.
C2 Providing an understanding of the history of the development of sociolinguistics and the methods used in sociolinguistic research.
C3 Familiarisation with the basic concepts of sociolinguistics.
C4 Introduction to issues of sociolinguistic classification and typology of language varieties.
C5 Developing the ability to identify the characteristics of different varieties of language.
C6 Developing the ability to critically evaluate linguistic phenomena in the context of social phenomena.
C7 Familiarisation with language policy issues.
C8 Developing the ability to discuss and formulate written statements on topics related to sociolinguistic phenomena and research.

Subject learning outcomes

Code Outcomes in terms of Learning outcomes Examination methods
Knowledge – Student:
W1 knows the history of the development of sociolinguistics as a scientific discipline GLC_K1_W01, GLC_K1_W06 Written colloquium
W2 knows the subject and branches of sociolinguistics GLC_K1_W01 Written colloquium
W3 knows the research methods used in sociolinguistics GLC_K1_W01, GLC_K1_W02, GLC_K1_W07 Written colloquium
W4 knows and understands the specific functional, geographical and social varieties of language GLC_K1_W03, GLC_K1_W04 Written colloquium
W5 is familiar with the issue of gender linguistics GLC_K1_W05 Written colloquium
W6 understands the concept of language policy GLC_K1_W05, GLC_K1_W09 Written colloquium
Skills – Student:
U1 is able to define the concepts of linguistic situation, communicative community and sociolinguistic competence from a global perspective GLC_K1_U01 Written colloquium
U2 is able to present a classification of languages by status; is aware of the limitations of the classification (e.g. the problem of the distinction between language and dialect) GLC_K1_U01, GLC_K1_U02 Written colloquium
U3 can analyse and interpret statements in terms of their functional, geographical and social varieties GLC_K1_U01, GLC_K1_U02, GLC_K1_U03, GLC_K1_U06, GLC_K1_U10 Written colloquium, Observation of activity during classes
U4 can evaluate statements in terms of gender balance GLC_K1_U01, GLC_K1_U02, GLC_K1_U03, GLC_K1_U06, GLC_K1_U10 Written colloquium, Observation of activity during classes
Social competences – Student:
K1 is willing to update his/her knowledge of recent trends in sociolinguistic research GLC_K1_K01, GLC_K1_K03 Observation of activity during classes
K2 is ready to participate in discussions on sociolinguistic phenomena and research, demonstrating knowledge of and correct attitude towards representatives of various sociolinguistic groups GLC_K1_K02, GLC_K1_K04, GLC_K1_K07, GLC_K1_K08 Observation of activity during classes
K3 is ready to formulate written statements on sociolinguistics in which he/she demonstrates the ability to interpret and evaluate linguistic phenomena in communication and social life GLC_K1_K02 Written colloquium

Study content

No. Course content Subject learning outcomes Activities
1.

Sociolinguistics as a scientific discipline. 

 W1 Conversatory classes
2.

History and development of sociolinguistics.

 W1 Conversatory classes
3.

Subject and departments of sociolinguistics. 

 W2 Conversatory classes
4.

Sociolinguistic research methodology. 

 W3 Conversatory classes
5.

Concepts of linguistic situation, communicative community and sociolinguistic competence in the context of global processes. 

 U1 Conversatory classes
6.

Sociolinguistic classification, status of languages (state languages, literary languages, official languages, regional languages, minority languages). 

 U2, K2, K3 Conversatory classes
7.

Language versus dialect - the problem of defining the boundary. 

 U2 Conversatory classes
8.

Typology of language varieties (functional, geographical, social varieties). 

 W4 Conversatory classes
9.

Selected issues concerning functional varieties, dialects and sociolects in Russian (spoken and written variety, dialect, jargon, slang, etc.). 

 W4, U3, K2, K3 Conversatory classes
10.

Gender equality in language. The linguistics of gender. 

 W5, U4, K2, K3 Conversatory classes
11.

The concept of language policy in a global perspective.

 W6 Conversatory classes
12.

Current trends in sociolinguistic research. 

 K1, K2 Conversatory classes

Additional information

Activities Teaching and learning methods and activities
Conversatory classes Discussion, Work with text, Research method (scientific inquiry)
Activities Credit conditions
Conversatory classes

- attendance at classes,  
- preparation for class - knowledge of the indicated literature necessary to participate in class discussion (*selected excerpts from the literature on the subject indicated by the lecturer), 
- active participation in class discussions,  
- a pass mark in the written final colloquium.  

 

Grading scale:
92-100% - very good (5,0)
84 -91,9% - good plus (4,5)
76-83,9% - good (4,0)
68-75,9% - satisfactory plus (3,5)
60-67,9% - satisfactory (3,0)
0-59,9% - unsatisfactory (2,0)

 

Literature

Obligatory
  1. Ammon, U. et al. (eds.), Sociolinguistics (HSK 3), Berlin 2004/2005/2006.
  2. Belikov V.I., Krysin L.P., Sociolingvistika, Moskva 2016.
  3. Grabias S., Language in social behaviour, Lublin 1994.
  4. Gumperz, J., Language and social identity, Cambridge 1982.
  5. Handke K., Sociology of language, Warsaw 2008.
  6. Karwatowska M., Szpyra-Kozłowska J., Linguistics of gender, Lublin 2005.
  7. Kurek H . (ed.), Slavic languages in sociolinguistic terms, Kraków 2012.
  8. Meyerhoff, M. Introducing sociolinguistics. (2nd edition.), London 2011.
  9. Shumarova N., Fundamentals of sociolinguistics, Tyczyn 2004.
  10. Vahtin N.B., Golovko E.V., Sociolingvistikai sociologiâzyka. Učebnoe posobie. SPB 2004.
Optional
  1. Gounari P., Language Policy in the United States: Uncommon Language and the Discourse of Common Sense. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301766618_Language_Policy_in_the_United_States_Uncommon_Language_and_the_Discourse_of_Common_Sense
  2. Konsulʹtant Plûs. Nadežnaâ pravovaâ podderžka. (2005). Federalʹnyj zakon "O gosudarstvennom âzyke Rossijskoj Federacii". http://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_53749/
  3. Lubaś W., Language policy, Opole 2009.
  4. Mačinskaâ D.A., Zakonodatelʹnoe regulirovanie âzykov nacionalʹnyh menʹšinstv (narodov) v Rossijskoj Federacii [in:] Izvestiâ MGTU "MAMI" № 1 (19), 2014, vol. 5, Seriâ "Socialʹno-gumanitarnye nauki".
  5. Thematic notes on the European Union, European Parliament. (2022). Language policy. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/pl/sheet/142/polityka-jezykowa.
  6. Szul R., Language. Nation. State., Warsaw 2009.
  7. Warchala J., Krzyżyk D. (eds.) Language policy in the European Union, Katowice 2008.
  8. European Union. Languages. https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/languages_pl

Calculation of ECTS points

Activities Activity hours*
Conversatory classes 30
Preparation for classes 5
Reading the indicated literature 15
Preparation for the assessment 10
Student workload
Hours
60
Number of ECTS points
ECTS
2

* academic hour = 45 minutes