Circle U. Language Policy in Multilingual Settings

lcu2003  2025-2026  Louvain-la-Neuve

Circle U. Language Policy in Multilingual Settings
10.00 crédits
Q2
Enseignants
Meunier Fanny (coordinateur(trice));
Langue
d'enseignement
Anglais
Préalables
Admission in the relevant master’s programmes of the student’s home university  
Acquis
d'apprentissage

A la fin de cette unité d’enseignement, l’étudiant est capable de :

1 Demonstrate knowledge of Language Policy in multilingual settings 
 
2 Explain the central theories and concepts of Language Policy in multilingual settings 
 
3 Critically consider the relevance of Language Policy in to an area of research that students may explore in their thesis. 
 
Contenu
This course aims to first introduce key concepts in the field of language planning and policy, with an emphasis on how language planning and policy decisions shape and are shaped by international, national, and local level sociolinguistic factors. (21st century policies). 
Second, the course will develop an in-depth understanding of the complexity of language policies around the world and present case studies of the language planning and policy issues in various domains and institutions, e.g. constitutional laws, and public and private spheres, in a range of countries.  
The course will also cover various frameworks and theories that have been developed to understand why certain language policies are formulated in a particular context, how they are implemented, and what their consequences and outcomes are for individuals and societies. Students may for example focus on the impact of language policies in multilingual contexts; consider the impact of a lack of policy; evolution of existing policies in the 21st century; consider unintended impact of policies; distinguish between policy and actual implementation and monitoring of existing policies. 
Indicative contents 
Introduction/framing the course rationale, Language policies in educational contexts, Language policies in higher education, Language policies in minoritised contexts, Impact of a lack of language policy, Policies and standardization, Languages in the man-machine era, Language activism, Translanguaging, Mobility week in Olso BIP format (blended intensive programme) 
NB: the ocurse code might change depending on which Circle U. partner is leading the course
Méthodes d'enseignement
Mobility elements: sessions are provided online + 1 week mobility  
Multilingual friendly course and multilingual bibliography. 
Work in groups on a case study. 
Course dates: approx Feb 2026 to May 2026 
Modes d'évaluation
des acquis des étudiants
Oral presentations and written paper  
Faculté ou entité
en charge