EL6052 - Forensic Linguistics

Forensic Linguistics is the application of language analysis to forensically relevant texts for the purposes of advancing justice.

Referring to real life cases throughout, this module explores and critically analyses language used in legal contexts. First it focuses on written legal language, including critically reflecting on the kinds of communicative problems these texts might create for ordinary people. Students will conduct analyses of texts such as police cautions, insurance policies, consumer contracts, and jury instructions.

It moves on to examine the spoken language of the legal process, drawing on data from a wide range of sources such as police interviews and the courtroom. Students will consider the problems of vulnerable suspects and witnesses, including children, victims of sexual assault, non-native speakers of English, and individuals with specific communicative impairments. The module will conclude with consideration of the linguist as an expert witness, exploring the types of cases in which forensic linguists have been able to offer assistance.


The module will build upon skills acquired at Levels 4 & 5 in the description of written and spoken interaction, and will provide a detailed introduction to an important area of Applied Linguistics.

You will be taught through 12 weeks of classes. Each week you will have a one-hour class introducing you to a topic, followed by a separate two-hour workshop in which you undertake practical analysis, discussion, and/or other activities in relation to this topic.

Class breakdown
Week 1: 1 ½ hour class
Weeks 2-11: 1 hour class + 2 hour seminar
Week 12: 1 ½ hour class

You will be taught through 12 weeks of classes. Each week you will have a one-hour class introducing you to a topic, followed by a separate two-hour workshop in which you undertake practical analysis, discussion, and/or other activities in relation to this topic.

Class breakdown
Week 1: 1 ½ hour class
Weeks 2-11: 1 hour class + 2 hour seminar
Week 12: 1 ½ hour class

The module tutor will discuss the assessment in class, providing class-based practice of the ideas that underpin the assessment, and meeting with students on a one-to-one basis to give feedback on their assignment plan before they write and submit their final assignment.
The module handbook provides details of weekly seminars, reading lists and assessment criteria. The module tutor will be available in each class, as well as in office hours and on email/phone, to discuss any queries or concerns you have about how to excel academically on the module. There will also be a Blackboard site devoted to the module.

The module tutor will discuss the assessment in class, providing class-based practice of the ideas that underpin the assessment, and meeting with students on a one-to-one basis to give feedback on their assignment plan before they write and submit their final assignment.
The module handbook provides details of weekly seminars, reading lists and assessment criteria. The module tutor will be available in each class, as well as in office hours and on email/phone, to discuss any queries or concerns you have about how to excel academically on the module. There will also be a Blackboard site devoted to the module.

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. Enhanced appreciation of interface between language and the law
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Enhanced ability to engage in self-managed research
3. Enhanced ability to conduct detailed linguistic analysis
4. Skills in presenting research

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Curiosity and awareness of relevance of linguistic analysis in a multitude of legal contexts.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Enhanced appreciation of interface between language and the law
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Enhanced ability to engage in self-managed research
3. Enhanced ability to conduct detailed linguistic analysis
4. Skills in presenting research

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Curiosity and awareness of relevance of linguistic analysis in a multitude of legal contexts.

1. Formative assessment: 500 words outlining plans for summative assessment.
Feedback will come in the form of class discussion with tutor and peers.
MLO 1, 5
2. Summative assessment:
3500 word case study chosen from a
list of topics provided by the tutor
(100%)
Feedback will be generated in the form of notes on the script and a detailed summary provided on the standard feedback sheet, which you are then most welcome to discuss in person during feedback and consultation hours.
MLO 1,2,3,4,5