Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics DL (MCAL)

Transcription

1 Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics DL (MCAL) Programme Specification Primary Purpose Course management and quality assurance. Secondary Purpose Detailed information for students, staff and employers. Current students should refer to the related Course Handbook for further detail. Disclaimer The University of Portsmouth has checked the information given in this Programme Specification and believes it to be correct. We will endeavour to deliver the course in keeping with this Programme Specification but reserve the right to change the content, timetabling and administration of the course whilst maintaining equivalent academic standards and quality. Copyright The contents of this document are the copyright of the University of Portsmouth and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the University of Portsmouth.

2 Contents Course Details Named Awards Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable) Awarding Body Teaching Institution Accrediting Body QAA Benchmark Groups Document Control Information Effective Session Author Faculty Department...1 Curriculum Educational Aims Reference Points General Learning Outcomes...2 On successful completion of the programme students will be able to demonstrate the following: Learning Outcomes...3 A. Knowledge and Understanding of:... 3 B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to:... 3 C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to:... 4 D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to: Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Assessment Strategy Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements Employability Statement...6 Course Management Support for Student Learning Admissions Criteria...6 A. Academic Admissions Criteria... 6 B. Disability Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching...7 A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation... 7 B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation... 7 C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback... 7 D. Staff Development Priorities Assessment Regulations Role of Externals Indicators of Standards and Quality...8 A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition... 8 B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent)... 8 C. Quality Assurance Agency... 8 D. Others Further Information...9 i

3 Course Details 1. Named Awards MA Communication and Applied Linguistics DL (MCAL) 2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable) 3. Awarding Body University of Portsmouth 4. Teaching Institution University of Portsmouth 5. Accrediting Body 6. QAA Benchmark Groups 7. Document Control Information 8. Effective Session Author Dr Marie McCullagh, Course Leader 10. Faculty Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences 11. Department School of Languages and Area Studies Curriculum 12. Educational Aims To provide a framework allowing students to follow a flexible coherent programme of study. To provide an educational experience underpinned by research, scholarship and professional and ethical practice that inspires, engages and challenges students and promotes success in an inclusive and supportive environment. To provide students with the skills and knowledge required to maximise careers and other study opportunities. To equip graduates with the necessary transferable skills for lifelong learning and flexibility in the context of changing labour markets. To provide students with the opportunities to develop key communication skills. To give students a detailed understanding of the cognitive processes underlying the comprehension and production of both spoken and written language. Programme Specification for Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics Page 1 of 9

4 To enable students to obtain a detailed/advanced understanding of the nature of communication from the perspective of relevant disciplines such as linguistics, sociology and psychology and to be able to apply that theoretical and analytical understanding to the production of different text types. To enable students to acquire an advanced understanding of grammar, semantics, pragmatics and discourse analysis To provide students with the tools necessary for describing English from the point of view of grammar, semantics, pragmatics and discourse analysis To give students the opportunity to undertake an independent investigation in one or more of the following areas: sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, pragmatics, second language acquisition, intercultural communication, technical communication and digital communication. 13. Reference Points The programme has been designed with reference to: The University of Portsmouth postgraduate curriculum framework Framework for HE Qualifications QAA Codes of Practice for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Education Research and scholarship of the staff involved in the programme 14. General Learning Outcomes On successful completion of the programme students will be able to demonstrate the following: Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of various areas of semiotic, linguistic, sociolinguistics and psycholinguistic analysis Analyse and describe English, coherently and independently, and in detail. Explain the cognitive processes underlying the comprehension and production of spoken and written language. Recognise that language is not a monolithic structure and how it is used in particular social and cultural contexts. Produce high-quality texts according to different agendas Undertake an independent, in-depth investigation in one or more of the following areas: discourse analysis, semiotics, linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics applied to communication situations; or issues in the field of marketing. Explain the social processes which shape the comprehension and production of both spoken and written language. Programme Specification for Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics Page 2 of 9

5 15. Learning Outcomes A. Knowledge and Understanding of: A. 1 Relevant analytical concepts in semiotics, linguistics, sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics A. 2 Advanced data collection techniques in research methods A. 3 The need for a systematic approach to linguistic phenomena and how theory helps to organise the understanding of practical, high-quality text production A. 4 The reasons for, and the criteria for evaluating alternative analyses of a given set of data A. 5 Central analytical concepts and methods of data-collection in Discourse, Semantics, Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics, Descriptive Linguistics A. 6 The need for a systematic approach to linguistic phenomena and how theory helps to organise the understanding of practical, high-quality text production B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to: B.1 Assess the merits of contrasting theories and explanations, including those of other disciplines. B.2 Abstract and synthesise information. B.3 Construct and manage an argument. B. 4 Think and judge independently. B.5 Critically judge and evaluate evidence, in particular in relation to the use of language in specific modes, genres and contexts, in non-academic domains (textual analysis and design, relational aspects of language use, language in social, professional and other occupational contexts, translation and interpretation). B.6 Awareness of the relation between knowledge of language and critical evaluation and implementation of language in social life. B.7 Recognise problems and develop problem-solving strategies. B.8 Collect, analyse and manipulate data of diverse kinds. B.9 Use a variety of methods, and assess the advantages and disadvantages of each method. B.10. Write essays and research reports using the appropriate register and style. B.11 Develop advanced literacy and numeracy. B.12 Critically reflect on experience. Programme Specification for Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics Page 3 of 9

6 C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to: C.1 Produce high-quality text according to a variety of different agendas. C.2 Employ fundamental techniques for collecting data in the various areas of applied linguistics, including the creating and exploitation of electronic bodies of data, such as language corpora, elicitation tasks, phonological transcription, questionnaires, and ethnography; C.3 Critically discuss the technical issues involved in the collection of reliable data; C.4 Use fundamental techniques for the analysis of data, including the use of corpus analytic techniques, statistical techniques, qualitative techniques, and textual analysis; C.5 Use the necessary computational tools and software packages wherever appropriate for the analysis of data; C.6 Present linguistic data and analyses by means of graphs, tables, matrices and other diagrams; C.7 Consider the ethical issues involved in data collection and data storage. D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to: D.1 Collect, understand, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate complex information. D.2 Construct, analyse and critically evaluate theoretical and complex argumentation. D.3 Recognise problems, and develop problem-solving strategies. D.4 Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing using appropriate register D.5 Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management. D.6 Manage their own learning self-critically, and think and judge independently. D.7 Acquire complex information of diverse kinds, from a variety of sources including electronic sources (libraries, internet, corpora, discussions with peers etc.) and using other IT tools. D.8 Working with others to achieve common goals 16. Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods This programme provides a varied, creative and stimulating learning environment. Delivery will be principally via Moodle, but also making use of Skype and other tools as necessary. The School has great deal of expertise in DL delivery with two established and very successful MA programmes delivered entirely through DL. Students will develop research skills in the first six weeks of Teaching Block 2. With guidance from their tutor, they will select a subject specialism from applied linguistics, communication or a combination of these two areas. Support will be provided via typed feedback on submitted proposals, discussion and guidance via individual tutorials, and progress reports. Learning and teaching takes place in the following contexts: Unit VLEs, including videos, written notes, links to reading Discussion boards Online tutorials Short exercises involving data analysis Planning, designing and executing a piece of rigorous enquiry in a research project Programme Specification for Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics Page 4 of 9

7 Independent reading Use of data, resources, contacts and literature for the development of analytical texts Use of computer software and other technology 17. Assessment Strategy All assessment strategies and assessment loads for units on this programme conform to the requirements of the Curriculum Framework Document in terms of the maximum assessment loads, scheduling and weightings. The assessment methods in this programme are varied and cover all the skills developed in the different units. The assessment strategy of each unit allows a balance between formative and summative assessment, and students receive detailed typed feedback on all assessed tasks. Assessment is not only evaluative; it is also formative and diagnostic. Consequently, students will be provided with constructive feedback where appropriate. The rationale for assessment on units will be clearly presented to students and there will be clear, explicit assessment criteria for all forms of assessment. Assessment methods include: Essays/literature reviews Production and evaluation of high-quality texts for specific audiences Individual and group project reports Individual and group presentations Short exercises involving data analysis Portfolio of tasks Tasks aimed at the assessment of specific skills (e.g. IT skills, transcription skills, use of technology for language purposes) A dissertation. 18. Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements The MA Communication and Applied Linguistics MCAL (DL) is offered on a PT basis only. Students can enrol on the course in either September or January. Standard University rules apply and the regulations must be consulted for a full description of exit awards. However, it is possible to give the following brief summary. Students require 180 credits for the MA award, 120 credits for a PGCert, and 60 credits for a PGDip. Each credit is equivalent to 10 hours of student learning, and units are offered in 30 credit blocks, apart from the final dissertation which is worth 60 credits. Students are required to do three core units and two option Programme Specification for Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics Page 5 of 9

8 See Unit Web Search 1 for full details on the course structure and units 19. Employability Statement The Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics (MCAL) is designed for those who have experience of working in the field of communication or for those who wish to develop their career in this direction. The course offers a range of units that explore the application of communication and applied linguistics in professional contexts. These include Digital Communication and Media Development, Technical Communication, Communication in the Workplace and Intercultural Communication. There is a wide range of careers that graduates could pursue in the public, private and the third sector both in the UK and internationally. Opportunities include roles in marketing, PR, publishing, technical communication and education. Employability and career management skills are delivered (and assessed where applicable) throughout the curriculum. For example, the unit Technical Communication provides students with skills on carrying out an audience analysis, evaluating texts in the workplace and adapting them to better meet the needs of users. The Professional Portfolio unit also allows students to profile their degree in a way in which they see as professionally relevant and the personal tutor system and the supervision provided in support of the Dissertation give specific support in career planning. Course Management 20. Support for Student Learning The Course is managed by a Course Leader Extensive induction programme introduces the student to the University and their course Each student has a personal tutor, responsible for pastoral support and guidance University support services include careers, financial advice, housing and counselling The School has a number of Learning Development Tutors to support students in their learning The Academic Skills Unit (ASK) The Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre (ASDAC) The Placement and Internship Centre (PIC) is located in the department, offering advice and support University support services include careers, financial advice, housing, counselling etc. The University of Portsmouth has consistently been awarded an excellent rating for student support and guidance in a number of Quality Assurance Agency inspections. Excellent library facilities Student course and unit handbooks provide information about the course structure and University regulations Feedback is provided for all assessments Personal Development Planning (PDP) for all awards 21. Admissions Criteria A. Academic Admissions Criteria Students are recruited with a variety of different qualifications. As general guidance: 1 Programme Specification for Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics Page 6 of 9

9 Students in the Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics (MCAL) will normally be required to have a first degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject Professional qualifications & experience and other equivalent qualifications considered positively. Highly accurate English writing and listening skills with an IELTS or equivalent of at least 6.5 for applicants for whom English is not their mother tongue (with no component score below 6.0) Prior learning may be assessed and accredited where students have gained qualifications and or/experience elsewhere that demonstrate that they have already met the learning outcomes of one, or more, units. If this is the case, students can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Any application for RPL must go through a formal process and students must apply for RPL within 20 days of the start of the course. More information is here: B. Disability The University makes no distinction in its admissions policy with regard to disability and will endeavour to make all reasonable adjustments in order to make it possible for students to study at Portsmouth on a course of their choice. 22. Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation Course Leader s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review Head of Department s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review Unit and Course Level student feedback considered at Board of Studies Unit Assessment Board consideration of student performance for each programme Annual Standards and Quality Reports to Board of Studies, including consideration of Subject and Award External Examiner Reports Periodic Programme Review Student Representatives and Student/Staff Consultative Committees National Student Survey National Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey Staff Performance and Development Review Peer Review and Development Framework Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation Unit Co-ordinators for unit content and delivery Course Leader for day-to-day running of course Board of Studies with overall responsibilities for operation and content of course Head of Department Associate Dean (Academic) Associate Dean (Students) Quality Assurance Committee Unit, Award and Progression Board of Examiners C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback Student Representation on Board of Studies Student Staff Consultative Committees Programme Specification for Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics Page 7 of 9

10 Unit and Course level student feedback questionnaires University participates in external student surveys, e.g. National Student Survey (NSS), Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES), Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and International Student Barometer (ISB) D. Staff Development Priorities Academic staff undertake activities related to research, scholarship, teaching and learning and student support and guidance Annual staff performance and development reviews match development to needs Managers undertake a variety of management development programmes New academic staff required to undertake appropriate University of Portsmouth learning and teaching programmes All academic staff encouraged to seek Higher Education Academy membership Academic staff undertake initial and continuing professional development within the Academic Professional Excellence Framework (APEX) programme which is aligned with the Higher Education Academy (HEA) s UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) Support staff are encouraged to attend short courses in areas such as minute taking, and specific IT packages 23. Assessment Regulations The current University of Portsmouth academic regulations will apply to this programme (see Assessment and Regulations 2 ). 24. Role of Externals Subject External Examiners who will: Oversee unit assessment and usually attend Unit Assessment Boards Review unit assessment strategy Sample assessment artefacts Present report to Unit Assessment Boards Award External Examiners (usually also a Subject External Examiner) who will: Oversee and attend Award/Progression Boards Scrutinise and endorse the outcomes of assessment Ensure that the standard of the award is maintained at a level comparable with that of similar awards elsewhere in the United Kingdom 25. Indicators of Standards and Quality A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent) C. Quality Assurance Agency QAA Higher Education Review, March 2015, judgements about standards and quality meet UK expectations (for full report see Higher Education Review of the University of Portsmouth, March ) pdf Programme Specification for Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics Page 8 of 9

11 D. Others None. 26. Further Information Further information may be found in: Student Handbook University of Portsmouth Curriculum Framework Document University of Portsmouth Prospectus University of Portsmouth 4 and SLAS 5 websites Assessment Regulations Programme Specification for Master of Communication and Applied Linguistics Page 9 of 9