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PL50729: Description of the English language

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Follow this link for further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
Follow this link for further information on credits Credits: 12
Follow this link for further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Modular (no specific semester)
Semester 1
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 100%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites:
Follow this link for further information on unit content Description: Aims:
The aims of this unit are:
* To provide students with an understanding of theories and concepts in relation to grammatical aspects of language;
* To provide students with an insight into some of the issues surrounding language in use;
* To equip students better to teach English as a second language;
* To develop in students a more critical understanding and sensitivity towards their language teaching approach and method through an examination of the language itself.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
* Identify and discuss the kinds of linguistic knowledge that all language users possess, i.e. word formation, sentence structure, meaning and the sound patterns of the language;
* Critically analyse and discuss informal spoken discourse in terms of linguistic theory;
* Critically analyse and discuss formal (written and spoken) discourse in terms of linguistic theory;
* Identify and analyse aspects of ethnography of communication, pragmatics and discourse analysis;
* Articulate the pedagogical implications of ethnography of communication, pragmatics and discourse analysis.

Skills:
Self-directed learning (F)
Problem analysis, research and reflection (T/F/A)
Independent working (F)
Problem-solving (T/F/A)
Oral communication (F)
Written communication (F/A)
Ability to identify and discuss language theory (T/F/A)
Analysis of language using a number of models (T/F/A)
Ability to articulate the pedagogical implications of language theory (T/F/A)
Key Skills
1. Make critical use of the literature of the field of Education (T/F/A).
2. Make critical use of professional experience in the field of Education (T/F/A).
4. Analyse, interpret and critique findings and arguments (T/F/A).
9. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems (T/F).
10. Evaluate research and variety of types of information and evidence critically, also making informed judgements in the absence of complete data (T/F/A)
12. Contribute to professional debate in the field of education (F).
13. Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level (F).
14. Communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences (T/F).
15. Evaluate their own academic and professional performance (T/F/A).
16. Manage change effectively and respond to changing demands (F).
17. Manage time, prioritise workloads and recognise and manage personal emotions and stress (F).
18. Develop new or higher level skill, for example in information technology (T/F/A).

Content:
Historical overview, Morphology, Syntax, Phonetics and phonology, Semantics and pragmatics, Spoken discourse, Written discourse, Social aspects of language, Globalization of English, Style, context and register.
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PL50729 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Education
  • THED-AFM27 : MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Full-time)
  • THED-APM35 : MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Part-time)

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.