In a world where most people work in professions that routinely operate across linguistic and cultural barriers, this course explores theoretical concepts in the field of multilingualism and how they apply to a variety of contexts in the globalised world. The course will introduce students to a variety of multilingual scenarios and research methodologies and will enable them to engage critically with relevant theory on multilingualism and how it is managed. This is a non-language specific course and will be open to all SMLC students.

20 x 1hr sessions across both semesters as scheduled on MyCampus.

This is one of the honours options in SMLC and may not run every year. The options which are running this session are available on MyCampus.

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Group Project: Poster (group mark 15%); Presentation (each student will talk for 5 minutes) (individual mark 15%)

Essay (3000 words) - 70%.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course aims to:

■ provide students with a clear understanding of core theoretical concepts in the study of multilingualism;

■ explore the dynamics of multilingualism in a range of contexts (e.g. workplace, institutional, educational;

■ introduce students to different ethnographical methodologies including participant observation, interviewing and focus group discussions;

■ enable students to apply theory in the field of multilingualism;

■ investigate how multilingualism is managed in cultural contexts in contemporary societies and place examples within the broader theoretical debate.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ express in writing a thorough knowledge of some major developments in and debates on multilingualism;

■ critically engage with debates around the management of multilingualism in contemporary societies;

■ apply critical thinking and problem-solving techniques in order to address new issues and new data; 

■ work effectively in different modes: carrying out individual research and using this as input to collaborations with partners in seminars; 

■ present findings and ideas in a structured, coherent manner. 

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.