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Taught Programme

Language Policy and Planning

Aims

The MLitt in Language Policy and Planning aims to provide students with an advanced knowledge of contemporary research, good practice in methodology and theory, and opportunities for independent research in the scholarly analysis of the sociolinguistic situation of minoritised languages and of strategies for the preservation and promotion of such languages. It provides for the establishment of core knowledge through the compulsory courses, and considerable choice in the discipline-specific optional modules. In core courses, students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the nature and processes of language shift, and of the various theories advanced, and practices employed, in attempting to address language shift and preserve and promote minoritised languages. Students will also be equipped with the core analytical skills necessary to engage in minority language planning and policy, including data collection, analysis and presentation. In optional courses, students will be able to deepen their knowledge of particular aspects of minority language policy and planning. Given the recent legislative and institutional developments in Scotland, students will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the legislative and policy framework for minority language planning and policy in relation to Scottish Gaelic and Scots, as well as broader European and international developments.

Throughout the programme, consideration is given to the application of knowledge gained in individual courses to real world situations. Students will be encouraged to employ the knowledge gained in a practical way, in particular by the development of fieldwork, information retrieval, management and analytical skills. At no time, however, do these practical applications obscure the skills of analysis and synthesis which an in-depth reading of theoretical and methodological issues provides. These interlocking skills will culminate in the research necessary for the production of the dissertation.

Not only does the programme stand by itself, so that the knowledge and skills gained from its completion can be applied in a wide range of professions, but it aims to provide a link between undergraduate study and further postgraduate work by research.

Requirements

Normally a good second-class Honours degree at 2(i) or above (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline (linguistics, sociolinguistics, law, a modern language or languages). In addition, students whose mother tongue is not English require IELTS 6.5 (with 6.0 in the writing component)or equivalent.

Syllabus

Courses in the following areas are offered:

Compulsory Courses (4)
Sociolinguistic Methods I
Models of Language in Society
Models of Minority Language Policy and Planning
Research Methods Minority Language Policy & Planning

Optional Courses (2 of 6)
Legal Regimes for the Protection of Minority Languages
Socioeconomic Development and Minority Language Policy and Planning
The Media and Minority Language Policy and Planning
Issues in Acquisition Planning for Minority Languages
Implementing Minority Language Legislation and Policy in Scotland
Issues in Corpus Planning for Minority Languages

Dissertation
Dissertation in Minority Language Policy and Planning

Assessment

Assessment methods vary by individual course, but generally include essays, reports, and other written exercises, as well as oral presentations, plus written examination, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The MLitt also requires a 15,000-word dissertation. The degree of MLitt will not be awarded to a candidate who fails the dissertation, irrespective of their performance in other courses; such candidates may, at the discretion of the Examiner, be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.

Fees

Annual Tuition Fees 2009-2010

Full time UK/EU students = £3400
Full time overseas students= £9250

This fee is the fee due for the 2009-2010 academic year. An academic year is from Registration in September to 30 September the following year.

Please note that tuition fees usually increase each year in line with inflation.

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