2023

Applied Linguistics

Name: Applied Linguistics
Code: LLT14377M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area: Linguistics

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

As a comprehensive introduction to the field of applied linguistics to students who have little or no prior knowledge of the subject, this curricular unit aims at: (1) Exploring the basics of the field and examining in depth what applied linguistics actually do; (2) Equipping students with a useful toolkit of current methods and techniques, drawn from different applied linguistics strands; (3) Providing illustrative examples of research in the field; and (4) Providing socio-cultural and critical perspectives on the key issues and methodologies in applied linguistics.

Contents

I. Introduction: definitions, scope, approaches, roles.
II. Themes in AL:
A. AL and society
1. Language variation: standard/non-standard language; language attitudes; varieties, dialects, accents; language and gender
2. Discourse analysis: corpus linguistics; speech acts; conversation analysis; multi-modal /multi-voiced texts; intercultural communication
3. Language policy and planning
B. AL and expert uses
1. Translation studies: the translation process; types of translation; audiovisual translation; technology
2. Lexicography: collocations; frequency; dictionaries
C. AL and education
1. Languages at home/school; linguistic minorities; testing/assessment
2. Bi-/multilingual education: heritage language; bilingual programmes
D. AL and language teaching
1. Language teaching methodology
2. Syllabus and material design
3. Languages for specific purposes
4. Second language acquisition
III. Research in AL: collecting and analyzing quantitative/qualitative data, texts, corpora

Teaching Methods

This course is designed to be a broad-based overview of the scientific study of applied linguistics. The topics to be covered during the course will be examined through theoretical exposition and practical activities. Students will be given reading assignments on each of the topics of the syllabus and will be expected to engage lively in discussions. Students may choose between two modes of assessment: (i) continuous assessment (50%+50%) or (ii) exam (100%), in accordance with RAUÉ. The continuous assessment will be done through practical work (50%) along the semester, and the elaboration and final presentation of a written/oral research project (50%) in the field of applied linguistics, which aims to apply the concepts acquired throughout the semester. The discussion of the research project will allow the development of future projects based on the exploration of the themes in the syllabus of this seminar.

Teaching Staff

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