Module overview
This module explores the rise of English as a global language focusing on the factors that have led to, and the issues that have arisen from, its dominant status. You will learn about the interrelation between globalisation, standardisation and variability and become familiar with relevant considerations regarding the spread of English across the world. You will also investigate the use of English in different domains from the point of view of its users, including the use of English in academic contexts by non-native speakers. This module will allow you to develop a critical awareness of what it means to be a user of English beyond the native norm and evaluate existing approaches to analyse language use in the English context.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- 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;
- set and monitor goals, reflect on your own learning, and learn from feedback
- 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.);
- take notes and keep records; abstract and synthesise information, and organise the results appropriately
- analyse data, and to express results of that analysis cogently and concisely.
- produce writing in appropriate genres and to required conventions, including referencing and identification;
- plan and organise your learning through self-management; exercise independence and initiative;
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;
- analyse linguistic data in respect to Global Englishes frameworks
- understand, apply and evaluate different methodologies used in the study of Linguistics and how these are used in the study of English specifically;
- collect, analyse and present empirical (linguistic) data;
- 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;
- select, synthesise and focus information and data from a range of sources in both English Language and Linguistics;
- define, present and exemplify concepts in English linguistics;
- analyse and question assumptions and received opinion, proposing alternatives where appropriate.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- sociolinguistics, key geographical and social determinants of variation in English, including a number of the main regional and global varieties of English, as appropriate;
- how language produces and reflects cultural change and difference; the implications of language choices, for example in constructing particular registers and styles;
- 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
- the history of English, including its ongoing development;
- the relationship between language and the mind, including the study of bilingualism
- 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);
Syllabus
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.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
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.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Wider reading or practice | 20 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 60 |
Seminar | 12 |
Revision | 20 |
Lecture | 12 |
Completion of assessment task | 26 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Seidlhofer, B. (2011). Understanding ELF. Oxford: Oxford University Press..
Kirkpatrick A (ed.). (2010). The Routledge Handbook of World Englishes. London: Routledge..
Crystal, D. (2012). English as a Global Language. Cambridge: Canto Classics.
Baker, Will, Ishikawa, Tomokazu (2021). Transcultural Communication through Global Englishes. Abigndon: Routledge.
Jenkins, J. (2015). Global Englishes. London: Routledge.
Assessment
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.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Analytical essay | 60% |
Annotated bibliography | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Resubmit assessments | 100% |
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.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Annotated bibliography | 40% |
Analytical essay | 60% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External