Module Information
Module Identifier
IPM5505
Module Title
Understanding Language Shift in Wales
Academic Year
2015/2016
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | 1 x 1,500 word briefing report | 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 1 x 1,500 word briefing report | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Discuss the particular manner in which the process of language shift has unfolded in Wales over the decades.
2. Critically evaluate the main factors influencing the current prospects of the Welsh language.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences between the challenges facing Welsh language in Wales and those facing other
minority languages in other parts of Europe.
Brief description
The module will begin with a historical session that evaluates the different factors that have influenced the fortunes of the Welsh language at different points in time. The second session will then go on to consider the current context by drawing on information provided by the results of the 2011 census. As part of this discussion, students will be encouraged to consider whether the challenges facing the Welsh language today remain the same as during earlier periods, or whether new ‘modern’ challenges are emerging. Finally, the module will go on to place the case of the Welsh language in a comparative perspective by also considering other similar European cases. Students will thus develop an understanding of the similarities and differences between the factors that have driven language shift in Wales and those that have driven the process in other parts of Europe.
Aims
The module aims to develop a detailed understanding of the factors that have influenced the fortunes of the Welsh language at different points in its history, and in particular, an understanding of those factors that hold relevance today. It also aims to develop an understanding of the similarities and differences that exist between the case of Welsh and other relevant cases.
Content
1. The changing fortunes of Welsh over the decades
2. The Welsh language today: the 2011 census and its implications
3. Wales and the Welsh language in comparative perspective
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | n/a |
| Communication | Students will develop their ability to present their ideas and arguments both verbally and in writing. They will learn the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these. They will learn how to use the many sources of information available and how to use the most appropriate form of communication to best advantage. They will learn to be clear in their writing and speaking and to be direct about aims and objectives. They will learn to consider only that which is relevant to the topic, focus and objectives of their argument or discussion. Students will also be required to submit their assessment in word-processed format and the presentation of this work should reflect effective expression of ideas and good use of language skills in order to ensure clarity, coherence and effective communication. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | The module aims to promote self-management but within a context in which support and assistance is available from both the module convenor and fellow students alike. Students will be expected to enhance their own learning and performance by undertaking independant research and exercising their own initiative, including searching for relevant sources. |
| Information Technology | Students will be expected to submit the assessed work in word-processed format, via the on-line platform Blackboard. Also, students will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web, as well as seeking sources through electronic information sources. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Students will be expected to submit the assessed work in word-processed format, via the on-line platform Blackboard. Also, students will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web, as well as seeking sources through electronic information sources. |
| Problem solving | Independent work and problem solving will be a central goal for the module. While preparing the written assessment students will be required to develop independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The ability of students to solve problems will be developed and assessed by asking them to: adopt differing points of view; organize data and formulate an answer to the problem; reason logically; construct theoretical arguments; divide issues into smaller problems. |
| Research skills | Students will be required to undertake independent research when preparing for the teaching sessions and also when preparing the assessed work. This will involve utilizing a range of information sources, including core academic texts. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Students have the opportunity to develop, practice and test a range of subject specific skills that help them to understand, conceptualise and evaluate examples and ideas on the module. These subject specific skills include: • Collect and understand a wide range of data relating to the module • Evaluate competing perspectives • Apply general concepts and frameworks in relation to complex social and political problems. |
| Team work | For certain topics covered in the module, seminars will consist of small-group discussions where students will be asked to discuss as a group the core issues related to the seminar topic. These class discussions and debates will allow students to approach and examine a given topic through team work. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7