The course starts with a discussion of the nature of variationist approaches to language. The methods of Labovian sociolinguistics, which form the backbone of most variationist approaches, will be discussed in some detail during the course. During the course we will also examine in detail the methods applied in some classic sociolinguistic, dialectological and historical studies. The course includes a discussion of the statistical methods used in variationist linguistics.

A reading list will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Course work includes weekly sessions, background reading, oral presentation in the class, and a final essay.