Course syllabus autumn 2013
Course syllabus autumn 2013
Title
Studying the English Language
Swedish title
Studying the English Language
Course code
EN121E
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2011-10-27
Syllabus valid from
2012-09-03
Entry requirements
The special prerequisite for this course, besides basic eligibility for university studies, is fieldeligibility 6: Civics A and English B. Applicants are exempted from the Civics A requirement.
Level
Basic level
No main field.
Progression level
G1N
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course can normally be included as a part of a general degree at undergradate level.
Course objectives
This course aims to develop students’ basic knowledge and understanding of central concept and theories related to the study of language in general and English in particular.
Course contents
The topics dealt with in this course relate both to the study of language in general and to the study of the English language in particular. The notion of variation in language will be investigated through examples from English. The notion of language change through history will be exemplified by looking at the history of the English language. General theories relating to concepts central to the study of language, such as language and reality and the symbolic nature of language, will also be illustrated using examples from English.
Learning outcomes
After finishing this course the student will be able to:
- demonstrate basic knowledge of concepts relating to the study of language in general and English in particular, and
- account for the main periods in the history of the English language and the status of English in the world today, and
- account for some theories concerning the symbolic nature of language and the relation between language and reality, and
- be able to identify and analyze some basic language features related to the history and variation of English, and
- use correct and appropriate terminology related to the study of the English language in speech and writing, and
- demonstrate more advanced knowledge within one topic related to the study of language in general or English in particular.
Learning activities
The learning activities in this course are lectures, seminars, self-study of literature, and group work.
Assessment
This course will be assessed through one written classroom exam (worth 5 credits) and one oral presentation in groups (worth 2.5 credits). In order to complete the course, the student has to receive a passing grade for both the exam and the oral presentation.
Learning outcomes 1-5 will be assessed in the exam (5 will be assessed in writing) and learning outcomes 5-6 will be assessed in the oral presentation (5 will be assessed in speech).
Re-examination rights:
A student who has received a failing grade in an exam will be given the oppurtunity to re-take the exam twice on the same course content and with the criteria for passing. After this, the student has the right to be examined the next time the course is offered according to the same rule. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the department to obtain the information about how and when the re-examination will talk place.
Course literature and other study material
Penhallurick, Rob. 2010. Studying the English Language. Palgrave Macmillan. 376 pages.
Barber, Charles, Joan Beal & Philip Shaw. 2009/2012. The English Language: A Historical Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 320 pages
Additional articles of no more than 200 pages may be added to the literature.
Total number of pages: 568-768
Course evaluation
The course is concluded with an individual course evaluation focusing on the goals of the course. The evaluations are the basis for the feedback between teacher and student at the completion of the course.
Interim rules
In a case when a course is no longer given, or the contents have been changed essentially, the student has the right to be examined twice during a one year period, according to the course plan which was valid at the time of registration. The examination opportunities will be set by the department and the student must contact the department in order to obtain the information about how and when the re-examination will talk place.