English as a Global Language

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• engage with subject matter and opinion in both breadth and depth;
• apply knowledge, understanding and analysis critically to different topics; formulate and clarify key critical questions in the area of Linguistics/Applied Linguistics and focusing on the English language;
• formulate and defend personal judgements clearly and persuasively on the basis of evidence;
• collect, analyse and present empirical (linguistic) data;
• analyse and question assumptions and received opinion, proposing alternatives where appropriate.
• analyse linguistic data in respect to Global Englishes frameworks
• define, present and exemplify concepts in English linguistics;
• understand, apply and evaluate different methodologies used in the study of Linguistics and how these are used in the study of English specifically;
• select, synthesise and focus information and data from a range of sources in both English Language and Linguistics;

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• some of the main ways of analysing English text and discourse, including for example conversation analysis, aspects of stylistics, semiotics and discourse analysis (including critical discourse analysis);
• how language produces and reflects cultural change and difference; the implications of language choices, for example in constructing particular registers and styles;
• sociolinguistics, key geographical and social determinants of variation in English, including a number of the main regional and global varieties of English, as appropriate;
• the relationship between language and the mind, including the study of bilingualism
• the history of English, including its ongoing development;
• the internal structure of contemporary English, including knowledge of its phonetics and phonology (sound system), morphology, syntax, semantics, lexis and pragmatics;
• the role of language within the broader field of applied linguistics and communication, including its role in constructing individual and group identities;
• the global role of English and the different approaches to conceptualising this including World Englishes, English as a lingua franca and English as an international language

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• analyse data, and to express results of that analysis cogently and concisely.
• set and monitor goals, reflect on your own learning, and learn from feedback
• communicate effectively and confidently, both orally and in writing, including being able to engage an audience in discussion and sustaining a long and complex piece of writing;
• produce writing in appropriate genres and to required conventions, including referencing and identification;
• develop a variety of competencies across a range of general and specialist computer software. These include key word and data processing included in the Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc.);
• plan and organise your learning through self-management; exercise independence and initiative;
• take notes and keep records; abstract and synthesise information, and organise the results appropriately

The module is likely to include the following topics: Personal, local, regional and world languages; English in the past: the establishment of English language standards; the spread of English through native and non-native speakers; English as a Lingua Franca; English varieties among both native and non-native speakers.

Teaching methods include

• 1 weekly lecture;
• 1 weekly seminar;
• Virtual learning environment (Blackboard).

Learning activities include

• Literature searches
• Practical data-based activities;
• Analysis of philosophical positions.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

In-class activities

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.