Forensic Linguistics

LELA71631 Forensic Linguistics 15 Semester 1 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Andrea Nini Unit coordinator Linguistics & English Language 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 This course introduces students to forensic linguistics and, more specifically, to the use of linguistics to provide evidence in criminal or civil cases. When language becomes evidence in a forensic case, a linguist can be called as an expert witness regarding various matters, such as, for example, the authorship of a text, the meaning of a particular word or phrase, or the modality of production of a text. The use of linguistic knowledge and methods can provide these answers and the aim of the course is to demonstrate how this can be done. Through the use of lectures and seminars, the course will develop the theoretical and applied knowledge for the students to carry out forensic linguistic analyses on real cases. In addition, students will learn the implications of this type of work for the field of linguistics in general. This course introduces students to forensic linguistics and, more specifically, to the use of linguistics to provide evidence in criminal or civil cases. When language becomes evidence in a forensic case, a linguist can be called as an expert witness regarding various matters, such as, for example, the authorship of a text, the meaning of a particular word or phrase, or the modality of production of a text. The use of linguistic knowledge and methods can provide these answers and the aim of the course is to demonstrate how this can be done. Through the use of lectures and seminars, the course will develop the theoretical and applied knowledge for the students to carry out forensic linguistic analyses on real cases. In addition, students will learn the implications of this type of work for the field of linguistics in general. The principal aims of the course unit are as follows:•          To learn how to apply linguistics to solve forensic problems•          To know the state of the art of forensic linguistics•          To understand basic concepts of individuality in language production•          To be able to choose the correct linguistic techniques for the analysis of an applied problems•          To understand the most important linguistic characteristics of forensic texts • Have an understanding of the basic methodologies to analyse texts in a forensic context• Have an understanding of the register characteristics of malicious forensic texts• Know the history of forensic linguistics• Know the main findings related to key cases in forensic linguistics• Understand the state of the art of individuality in language production • Critically evaluate the literature regarding forensic linguistics• Critically evaluate conclusions of a forensic linguistic analysis• Be able to describe the language of a malicious forensic text• Develop professional knowledge in the application of linguistic theory to naturally occurring texts • Apply linguistic methods to solve forensic problems• Develop professional knowledge in the analysis of texts for forensic purposes• Develop general knowledge of the provision of evidence in court • Develop general problem solving skills• Develop the verbal and written abilities to express conclusions• Be able to apply linguistic theories to solve real-word problems• Develop general knowledge of investigation procedures  Other With this course, students will learn skills that can be useful for applied linguistics and legal or investigative jobs. The kinds of skills used to analyse forensic texts can enhance the students¿ problem solving and critical abilities in employing linguistic theories to solve applied problems. As such, this course can help students to creatively employ their knowledge. Above all, students will learn how to carry out independent research and to solve real-life problems. The syllabus below is an indication only:Week 1. Introduction to Forensic LinguisticsWeek 2. The birth of Forensic LinguisticsWeek 3. Idiolect and linguistic uniquenessWeek 4. Forensic authorship attributionWeek 5. Forensic authorship profilingWeek 6. Textual borrowing and plagiarismWeek 7. Language crimesWeek 8. Issues of meaningWeek 9. Linguistic evidence for trademark casesWeek 10. The linguist as expert witnessWeek 11. Revision The teaching for the course will include lectures and seminars in which real-life cases will be examined using the techniques and tools currently adopted by forensic linguists. Students will work independently on these cases and report on their work during each seminar.Lecture and supporting materials will be made available on Canvas. 0 Other 100% <figure class="table"><table class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tbody><tr><td style="border:1px solid black;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">Assessment Task</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1px solid black;border-top:1px solid black;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">Formative or Summative</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1px solid black;border-top:1px solid black;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">Weighting</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left:1px solid black;border-right:1px solid black;border-top-style:none;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">Seminar Discussion</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1px solid black;border-top-style:none;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">Formative</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1px solid black;border-top-style:none;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">0%</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left:1px solid black;border-right:1px solid black;border-top-style:none;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">On campus exam</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1px solid black;border-top-style:none;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">Summative</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1px solid black;border-top-style:none;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">70%</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left:1px solid black;border-right:1px solid black;border-top-style:none;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">Presentation</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1px solid black;border-top-style:none;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">Summative</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1px solid black;border-top-style:none;padding:0cm 7px;vertical-align:top;width:200px;">30%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>  <figure class="table" style="width:662px;"><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="662"><tbody><tr><td style="width:322px;">Feedback method</td><td style="width:340px;">Formative or Summative</td></tr><tr><td style="width:322px;">Seminar discussion</td><td style="width:340px;">Formative</td></tr><tr><td style="height:7px;width:322px;">Exam feedback</td><td style="height:7px;width:340px;">Summative</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>  Free choice and available for PG. Previous knowledge of linguistics, and in particular of corpus linguistics and sociolinguistics, is strongly recommended.  Y Coulthard, M., & Johnson, A. 2007. An Introduction to Forensic Linguistics. London: Routledge McMenamin, G. R. 2002. Forensic Linguistics: Advances in Forensic Stylistics. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press. Olsson, J. 2003. Forensic Linguistics: An Introduction to Language, Crime and the Law. London: Continuum. Shuy, R. 1996. Language Crimes: Use and Abuse of Language Evidence in the Court Room. Oxford: Blackwell. Solan, L. M., & Tiersma. P. M. 2005. Speaking of Crime: The Language of Criminal Justice. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Lectures 22 Practical classes & workshops 5 0 123