Linguistics Joint Major (LIJ1)

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Linguistics is concerned with the knowledge, structure and use of language. The BA in Linguistics involves the study of the human capacity for language in all its expressions. Anyone with an interest in language or human nature will enjoy the study of Linguistics. Because language is a uniquely human attribute, questions of what we know when we know a language, how we acquire linguistic knowledge and how we use it in language production and comprehension have been pursued for many hundreds of years, raising fundamental questions about human cognition and behaviour. Our students learn how to deal with these issues in an intellectually stimulating and nurturing environment. These questions are so wide ranging that they overlap with with many other subjects in the Arts programme. The skills acquired in the study of Linguistics can be transferred to other subjects with ease.

We facilitate our students in becoming critical thinkers who can assess competing theories and hypotheses, identify prejudices and assumptions, master data collection and analysis, and better appreciate and enjoy the varieties of languages around the world. This results in a lifelong interest in and study of language and the development of skills that are essential to successful learning. 



Our students develop strong communication skills alongside their research skills, learning how to express clearly the results of their research. The ability to analyze linguistic data is combined with the ability to express the analysis clearly, so that both research and communication skills are strong components of what is learned through the study of Linguistics.

The Linguistics programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials and the use of the virtual learning environment. As a result of this approach, learning activities and assessment approaches include essays, exams, individual and group projects and assignments, oral presentations, wikis, and reflective learning. 


1 - Develop the ability to ask theoretically and empirically motivated questions about language structure and use
2 - Utilize a systematic approach to the identification, description and analysis of language phenomena and convey results clearly and accurately
3 - Evaluate the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and evidence, drawing on an understanding of the nature of linguistic theory
4 - Abstract and synthesize information; collecting, analyzing and manipulating data of diverse kinds
5 - Recognize problems; develop problem-solving strategies and evaluate their effectiveness
6 - Recognize and evaluate the ethical issues involved in the collection of data from informants in the field or from subjects in the experimental laboratory
7 - Understand how to formulate and test hypotheses when dealing with any kind of problem
8 - Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-motivation, effective organizational skills and time management
9 - Recognize systematic patterns in linguistic phenomena and apply this skill to other areas of study
10 - Present linguistic findings in clear, accurate diagrammatic forms
11 - Communicate research results clearly and effectively, in both oral and written modalities
12 - Utilize a systematic approach to the identification, description and analysis of language phenomena 
and write their results clearly and accurately
13 - Recognize problems and developing problem-solving strategies, evaluating 
their effectiveness
14 - Work independently, demonstrating initiative and self-motivation and effective organizational skills and time management
15 - Present linguistic findings in a clear, accurate diagrammatic form
Studying Linguistics develops essential skills that will allow you to pursue a diverse range of careers, including:

  • Speech and language therapy
  • Language teaching
  • Editing & publishing
  • Journalism
  • Business
  • Advertising
  • Software development

    Some of these careers may involve graduate study beyond linguistics, but students can also pursue MA and PhD studies in one of the many areas of linguistics, as well as related areas such as cognitive science or second language acquisition.
  • Stage 2

    Students must complete all four Stage 2 core modules and one Level 2 option module.

    Stage 3

    Students must select 25 credits from the list of option modules.

    Stage 4

    Students must select 25 credits from the list of option modules.

    Module ID Module Title Trimester Credits
    Stage 2 Core Modules
         
    LING20020 Phonology 2 Autumn 5
    LING20090 Sociolinguistics 2 Autumn 5
    LING20010 Syntax 2 Spring 5
    LING20080 Meaning in Language Spring 5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
         
    Stage 2 Options - B)MIN1OF:
    Students should select at least one option module.
         
    LING20100 Intercultural Communication Autumn 5
    LING20110 Introduction to Translation Autumn 5
    LING20120 Second Language Teaching & Learning Autumn 5
    LING30030 Language Impairment Autumn 5
    LING20060 World Englishes Spring 5
    LING20070 Minority & Endangered Languages Spring 5
    Stage 2 Options - B)MIN1OF:
    Students should select at least one option module.
         
    Stage 3 Options - A)MIN4OF:
    Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options. 25 Credits = 5 5-credit Option modules OR 25 Credits =1 10-credit Option module and 3 5-credit Option modules.
    Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
         
    LING20100 Intercultural Communication Autumn 5
    LING20110 Introduction to Translation Autumn 5
    LING20120 Second Language Teaching & Learning Autumn 5
    LING30030 Language Impairment Autumn 5
    LING30080 Phonology 3 Autumn 5
    LING20060 World Englishes Spring 5
    LING20070 Minority & Endangered Languages Spring 5
    LING30060 First Language Acquisition Spring 5
    LING30070 Syntax 3 Spring 5
    LING30140 Corpus Linguistics Spring 10
    LING30150 Research Spring 5
    LING30180 Linguistic Landscaping Spring 5
    Stage 3 Options - A)MIN4OF:
    Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options. 25 Credits = 5 5-credit Option modules OR 25 Credits =1 10-credit Option module and 3 5-credit Option modules.
    Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
         
    Stage 4 Options - A)MIN4OF:
    Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options. 25 Credits = 5 5-credit Option modules OR 25 Credits =1 10-credit Option module and 3 5-credit Option modules.
    Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
         
    LING20100 Intercultural Communication Autumn 5
    LING20110 Introduction to Translation Autumn 5
    LING20120 Second Language Teaching & Learning Autumn 5
    LING30030 Language Impairment Autumn 5
    LING30080 Phonology 3 Autumn 5
    LING20060 World Englishes Spring 5
    LING20070 Minority & Endangered Languages Spring 5
    LING30060 First Language Acquisition Spring 5
    LING30070 Syntax 3 Spring 5
    LING30140 Corpus Linguistics Spring 10
    LING30150 Research Spring 5
    LING30180 Linguistic Landscaping Spring 5
    Stage 4 Options - A)MIN4OF:
    Students should select 25 credits from the following list of options. 25 Credits = 5 5-credit Option modules OR 25 Credits =1 10-credit Option module and 3 5-credit Option modules.
    Students must ensure they have selected sufficient level 3 modules to meet minimum University requirements (minimum of 40 level 3 credits in total across both joint major subjects)
         
    See the UCD Assessment website for further details

    Module Weighting Info  
      Award GPA
    Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
    BHACS001 Stage 3 - 50.00%
    Stage 2 - 50.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47

    BHACS023 Stage 3 - 70.00%
    Stage 2 - 30.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47

    BHACS027 Stage 4 - 50.00%
    Stage 3 - 30.00%
    Stage 2 - 20.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47


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