2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ENGL1021 Analysing English

20 creditsClass Size: 100

School of English

Module manager: Dr Fiona Douglas
Email: f.m.douglas@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Module replaces

ENGL1020

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module is concerned with: the shape of words and meaning; how language sounds; how words connect with each other in written texts, both within and beyond the sentence, and how close analysis facilitates a linguistic interpretation of texts. This module thus introduces students to the descriptive aspects of language study, the method of close textual analysis, and quantitative approaches to the study of texts. With regard to description, we focus on the basic levels of language: the lexical, semantic and morphological; the phonetic and phonological; and the grammatical. We also deal with methodological aspects of language study, including: grammatical annotation, quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis, computational tools, and use of the OED. This will give you a descriptive metalanguage with which to analyse the meanings and effects created by linguistic choices, in a variety of text types that may include: news reports, speeches, obituaries, book and film reviews, poetry, plays and novels. Students are encouraged to draw on a range of linguistic methods and approaches. The module has a practical emphasis and at the end of the course you will be able to describe the structure of words and sentences of Standard English and supply a grammatically informed analysis of a text. You will be able to make a broad transcription of words in your own accent. You will also have the opportunity to engage with accents other than your own, primarily concentrating on those from British Englishes, and including, but not limited to, Received Pronunciation (RP) or near RP.

Objectives

On completion of this module students will have acquired knowledge of both the basic levels of language and the core concepts and terminology of the approaches used to describe and analyse these levels (lexical semantics, phonetics, syntax and morphology). They should be able to apply their knowledge in the description and critical analysis of texts, demonstrating a practical understanding of how the English language works.

Learning outcomes
Students will have developed:
- the ability to use written and oral communication effectively
- the capacity to describe and analyse a range of texts, using qualitative and quantitative methods
- the ability to manage complex information in a structured and systematic way
- the capacity for independent thought, critical reason and judgement
- research skills, including the retrieval of information, the organisation of material and the evaluation of its importance
- IT skills
- efficient time management and organisation skills
- development of independent and collaborative learning skills.

Skills outcomes
The acquisition of a basic terminology for the description of the syntax and morphology of English.
Knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and the ability to transcribe spoken English.
Critical analysis of written texts using grammatical terminology.
English language research methods and approaches.

Syllabus

The module is concerned with: the shape of words and meaning; how language sounds; how words connect with each other in written texts, both within and beyond the sentence, and how close analysis facilitates a linguistic interpretation of texts. This module thus introduces students to the descriptive aspects of language study, the method of close textual analysis, and quantitative approaches to the study of texts. With regard to description, we focus on the basic levels of language: the lexical, semantic and morphological; the phonetic and phonological; and the grammatical. We also deal with methodological aspects of language study, including: grammatical annotation, quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis, computational tools, and use of the OED. This will give you a descriptive metalanguage with which to analyse the meanings and effects created by linguistic choices, in a variety of text types that may include: news reports, speeches, obituaries, book and film reviews, poetry, plays and novels. Students are encouraged to draw on a range of linguistic methods and approaches.

The module has a practical emphasis and at the end of the course you will be able to describe the structure of words and sentences of Standard English and supply a grammatically informed analysis of a text. You will be able to make a broad transcription of words in your own accent. You will also have the opportunity to engage with accents other than your own, primarily concentrating on those from British Englishes, and including, but not limited to, Received Pronunciation (RP) or near RP.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	18	1.00	18.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Independent online learning hours			8.00
Private study hours			164.00
Total Contact hours			28.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

The module will be taught through weekly seminars (10 x 1 hour) and lectures (18 x 1 hour).

Private Study: Reading and research using module reading list, lecture follow-up, seminar preparation, and wider reading and research within and beyond the module description.

Supporting VLE resources (8 hours) requiring work on directed tasks e.g. online exercises, group work for presentations, methodology work, Studying and Researching English resource.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Feedback on two pieces of unassessed work. Both pieces of unassessed work will be formative and will prepare students for the essay and exam.
- Feedback on assessed essay.
- Contribution to seminars

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1,250 word essay. In addition, students will engage in two pieces of unassessed work: a group presentation, producing a PowerPoint and giving an oral presentation mid-way through semester 1; online exercises, covering etymology, morphology, and grammar, to be completed by the end of the semester. Both pieces of unassessed work will be formative and will prepare students for the essay and examination. They do not form part of the assessment for this module, but are a requirement and MUST be submitted. Students who fail to participate in the group presentation/powerpoints and/or who fail to complete the online exercises will be awarded a maximum mark of 40 for the module (a bare Pass).	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

In addition, students will engage in two pieces of unassessed work: a group presentation, producing a PowerPoint and giving an oral presentation mid-way through semester 1; online exercises, covering etymology, morphology, and grammar, to be completed by the end of the semester. Both pieces of unassessed work will be formative and will prepare students for the essay and examination. They do not form part of the assessment for this module, but are a requirement and MUST be submitted. Students who fail to participate in the group presentation/powerpoints and/or who fail to complete the online exercises will be awarded a maximum mark of 40 for the module (a bare Pass).

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 15/09/2017

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