EL6026 - Cognitive Linguistics

This module studies cognitive linguistics, which is a sub-discipline of linguistic studies that explores the link between language and mind, and examines linguistic phenomena in the light of our cognitive processes (i.e. the way we think). You will examine the key principles, approaches and concepts in cognitive linguistics. Building upon this, you will be guided to take up further explorations in research areas of particular interest to you.

On completion of the module, you will be have an advanced knowledge of the fundamental aspects of cognitive linguistics, including topics such as embodiment, categorisation, metaphors, conceptual blending, and cognitive approaches to grammar. You will develop an appreciation of the place of cognitive linguistics within its intellectual context; an ability to reflect critically on the key topics; as well as an ability to carry out research tasks to support or refute central claims of cognitive linguistics. In fostering your ability to develop and undertake research tasks, the module contributes to your employability skills.

Learning and teaching of this module take the form of weekly lectures and seminars. Each week you will be provided with a preparatory reading task (i.e. key reading) before attending the lecture and seminar. The preparatory reading tasks will prepare you for the key discussion of the week. The module’s syllabus components as listed in the ‘Module Outline’ section will be presented in the lectures, and you are invited to participate in a number of discussions in class as well. The discussion will further progress in the seminars, where you will be given a series of tasks to complete either individually or in groups, and receive instant feedback from the tutor.

In preparation for each session, you will be directed to study a short text and/or to complete a short task. In the taught session, the main points of the syllabus component will be presented, either by the module tutor or by groups of students. You are then afforded the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding through asking questions, discussing ideas, and performing additional tasks. Students are also directed towards additional readings to consolidate and extend your learning.

Learning and teaching of this module take the form of weekly lectures and seminars. Each week you will be provided with a preparatory reading task (i.e. key reading) before attending the lecture and seminar. The preparatory reading tasks will prepare you for the key discussion of the week. The module’s syllabus components as listed in the ‘Module Outline’ section will be presented in the lectures, and you are invited to participate in a number of discussions in class as well. The discussion will further progress in the seminars, where you will be given a series of tasks to complete either individually or in groups, and receive instant feedback from the tutor.

In preparation for each session, you will be directed to study a short text and/or to complete a short task. In the taught session, the main points of the syllabus component will be presented, either by the module tutor or by groups of students. You are then afforded the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding through asking questions, discussing ideas, and performing additional tasks. Students are also directed towards additional readings to consolidate and extend your learning.

Throughout the module, you will be working with the module tutor and your peers on regular basis. You will develop a good working relationship with your tutor and peers, and receive sufficient support, guidance and advice through your learning journey. You are encouraged to take part in seminar and group discussions, and to approach your module tutor for academic advice whenever you feel necessary. In addition to lectures and seminars, you can also arrange with the tutor individual tutorials within the tutor’s feedback and consultation hours. You are welcome to discuss with the tutor your progress and ideas of the module, and ask for informal feedback. Towards the end of the module, you are expected to give an informal presentation on your essay plan before the completion of the module, on which you will receive feedback from your peers and the tutor in order to support your preparation for your written assignment.

The module’s blackboard site also has helpful and regularly updated information to support your study. The module’s online reading list facilitates your access to the essential and further reading. The library’s skills plus service is freely accessible through the library’s website. If English is not your first language, the English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP) module is available if you would like additional support with your academic study.

Throughout the module, you will be working with the module tutor and your peers on regular basis. You will develop a good working relationship with your tutor and peers, and receive sufficient support, guidance and advice through your learning journey. You are encouraged to take part in seminar and group discussions, and to approach your module tutor for academic advice whenever you feel necessary. In addition to lectures and seminars, you can also arrange with the tutor individual tutorials within the tutor’s feedback and consultation hours. You are welcome to discuss with the tutor your progress and ideas of the module, and ask for informal feedback. Towards the end of the module, you are expected to give an informal presentation on your essay plan before the completion of the module, on which you will receive feedback from your peers and the tutor in order to support your preparation for your written assignment.

The module’s blackboard site also has helpful and regularly updated information to support your study. The module’s online reading list facilitates your access to the essential and further reading. The library’s skills plus service is freely accessible through the library’s website. If English is not your first language, the English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP) module is available if you would like additional support with your academic study.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Understand and review critically the key principles, approaches and concepts of cognitive linguistics as discussed in the module

2. Building upon your knowledge acquired from relevant modules at levels 4 and 5 (e.g. ELXXX Approaches to Language Study and EL5016 Psychology of Language), critically identify at least one area in cognitive linguistics for further exploration, and to carry out a small-scale research task to examine the selected area(s) with linguistic evidence and examination.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Place the current study in its intellectual context alongside its historical and recent development, and relate the current subject area to research and debates in other linguistic disciplines that explores relevant issues and linguistic phenomena

2. Further develop a number of transferable skills, which include academic writing, critical thinking, giving presentations, and conducting a small-scale research project. In the meantime, continue to seek and make use of constructive feedback in order to improve and enhance your personal and professional development.

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

1. Demonstrate a thorough and advanced understanding of key issues in cognitive linguistics, and apply it to support your ongoing development of personal and professional skills.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Understand and review critically the key principles, approaches and concepts of cognitive linguistics as discussed in the module

2. Building upon your knowledge acquired from relevant modules at levels 4 and 5 (e.g. ELXXX Approaches to Language Study and EL5016 Psychology of Language), critically identify at least one area in cognitive linguistics for further exploration, and to carry out a small-scale research task to examine the selected area(s) with linguistic evidence and examination.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Place the current study in its intellectual context alongside its historical and recent development, and relate the current subject area to research and debates in other linguistic disciplines that explores relevant issues and linguistic phenomena

2. Further develop a number of transferable skills, which include academic writing, critical thinking, giving presentations, and conducting a small-scale research project. In the meantime, continue to seek and make use of constructive feedback in order to improve and enhance your personal and professional development.

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

1. Demonstrate a thorough and advanced understanding of key issues in cognitive linguistics, and apply it to support your ongoing development of personal and professional skills.

This module employs both summative and formative assessments.

Summative assessment is by one theoretical-critical essay of 3,500 words. The essay enables you to engage in some depth with the arguments and ideas dealt with in one or more of the syllabus components.

For formative assessment, you will give an informal presentation (approximately 5-10 minutes) toward the end of the module. The content of the presentation should be based upon your essay plan (This may include how you plan to approach your chosen topic or topics; the order of your argument and discussion; and the examples that you plan to use, etc). You will receive verbal feedback from the tutor for suggestions and further improvements.

Throughout the module, you will have the opportunity to discuss, develop and improve your assignment plan with the module tutor. After you receive the summative feedback, if you feel you would need further discussion / clarification for your assignment, you can arrange a tutorial session during the module tutor’s feedback and consultation hours.