Module Provider: |
Institute of Education |
Number of credits: |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
C (Certificate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn and Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
M
Lockwood |
Pre-requisites: |
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Co-requisites: |
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Modules excluded: |
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Module version for: |
2006/7 [module in process of revision] |
Aims:
To understand the nature and relationship between language and communication
To develop analysis skills relating to the use of language
To increase awareness of language structure and theories of how children acquire language
To understand the similarities and differences between aspects of spoken and standard English
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Assessable learning outcomes:
Understanding of aspects of language and communication covered in the first three sessions of the course
How to analyse advertising, news photographs and other media texts
How to analyse the use of language in literary texts
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Additional outcomes:
By the end of this unit you will be expected to have gained an increased awareness of all relevant aspects of language, as intending primary teachers, as students of literature and as users of language and communication. In particular, you should be more aware of:
The sound system of English and how this affects learning to read and spell
What grammar is and is not
Different theories of how children acquire spoken language
How and why languages change
The difference between accent and dialect
What standard English is and is not
Different theories about the effect of gender on language
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Outline content:
This unit aims to provide an introduction to the study of language in its many different aspects. The unit begins by considering animal communication and human non-verbal communication and how these relate to human spoken language. After exploring broad issues such as 'what is communication?' and 'what is language?', the unit focuses on the English language and examines its history, variety and structure, including its grammar and sound system. Language change, language acquisition by young children, accent, dialect and standard English are also topics explored in detail. In the final third of the unit, the emphasis is on language in use and sessions are devoted to looking at areas such as the language of advertising, language and communication in the media, language and literature and language and gender. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
Each 3-hour session will be divided into two parts with a short break in between. All sessions will include elements of lecturing, discussion and student group or pair activities. |
Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
15 |
30 |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
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| Practicals |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
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| Total hours |
15 |
30 |
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| Number of essays or assignments |
1 |
1 |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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Assessment:
Coursework
1. Essay of 1500-2000 words chosen from a list of topics 50%
2. Textual analyses 50%
Relative percentage of coursework : 100%
Examinations None.
Requirements for a pass 40%
Reassessment arrangements
An alternative coursework assignment set by a date decided by the Examinations Board
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