MA in Literary Linguistics
The School of English at Nottingham has long been in the forefront of research and teaching in the interface between language, literature and culture.
The MA programme in Literary Linguistics provides an exciting integration of English language in literary studies. You will work with several leading world figures while discovering your own position in language and literature. The course programme covers a wide range of material, with options to develop your own thinking and pursue your own interests and research.
The principle of language study we have established at Nottingham combines theoretical and ideological dimensions with highly practical applications. We will explore the discourses of literary texts and literary reading, from the most focused study of the texture of language, right up to the ideological and cultural practices of world literatures.
We believe that linguistics and literary study cannot be separated, and we aim to turn you into a creative-thinking interdisciplinary expert in literary linguistics. You will be taught using the latest advances in teaching methods and electronic resources, as well as small group and individual tuition.
Particular features of the programme include:
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a theoretical grounding in research methodology and linguistic description
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one-to-one tuition with expert members of staff
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teaching informed by active leading-edge researchers in the field
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innovative and engaging teaching methods
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access to many online resources
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flexibility in course content
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All MA students in the School join a lively and thriving postgraduate community.
Course structure
Full-time students normally complete the course within one year; part-time students must take between 24 and 36 months to complete. A part-time mode can be followed by web-study, taking between 24 and 48 months. You need to take 120 credits worth of taught modules, before completing the dissertation.
The course structure below reflects the modules that will be taught and assessed in the academic year 2011/12. The course structures are updated in April of each year to show the course content for the following academic session. If you have any queries concerning the course structure please contact the PG Administrator at english-postgrad@nottingham.ac.uk.
September to June
Students must take this module:
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Q34204 Approaches to Language and Linguistics
Students must take a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 105 credits from the following group of modules:
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Q34151 Literary Linguistics 1
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Q34152 Literary Linguistics 2
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Q34315 Middle English Texts I
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Q34317 Old English Texts I
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Q34321 Old Norse Texts I
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Q34171 Narratology I
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Q34175 Cognition and Literature 1
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Q34825 Performance Practice and Analysis
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Q34199 Intercultural Communication
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Q34200 Sociolinguistics of Work
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Q34201 Research Methods for Literature and Language
June to September
Additional specialist modules, including literature modules, are constantly being added to the bank of options, and students are also able to follow some other modules from elsewhere in the School of English, in the areas of applied linguistics, language and education, medieval and modern literature.
Assessment
All the taught modules are assessed by written work of around 3,000 words or equivalent (for a 15-credit module).
Tutors provide feedback as preparation, and will give detailed comments on assignments. The objective is to provide you with the confidence to work as professional academics, at ease with the conventions of the discipline, and ready to tackle any area of research in literary linguistics. The dissertation itself comprises a piece of your own research, assessed by written work of 12,000-15,000 words.
The dissertation is a major piece of advanced independent research, which you complete over the summer under the supervision of a specialist in your chosen area. We will provide you with advice and guidance while you select and refine your area of study, and offer close supervision and support as you complete your research and your MA.
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