2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
ENGL1160 Language, Text and Context
20 creditsClass Size: 300
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 2008/09
Pre-requisite qualifications
Grade B at A level in English Language or Literature or equivalent.This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module is designed to introduce you to basic concepts and skills in the study of English language and to explore topical and/or controversial issues to do with English in the world today. We aim to help you develop a critical awareness of the English language as a medium for literary and non-literary texts. What are the features of language that writers can exploit to craft everything from memorable pieces of literature to articles in tabloid newspapers? Why is our speech so different from our writing, and should we worry about it? Does everyone have an accent, and why do people prefer some accents to others? We will also focus on the part played by the historical, social, political and cultural contexts of language: What is English and where did it come from? How many Englishes are there? Why is the language of Chaucer or Shakespeare so different from the language we use today? What's a 'split infinitive' and why do some people care so much about such things? What is Standard English and who decides?Objectives
The module is designed to introduce students to basic skills and key concepts which are useful as a 'foundation' for their further studies in both English Language and Literature. One important objective is to develop students' critical awareness of the English language as a medium of literature. The module will also emphasise the importance of the social, political and cultural contexts for the study of the English Language.Learning outcomes
Students will have developed:
- the ability to use written and oral communication effectively;
- the capacity to analyse and critically examine diverse forms of discourse;
- the ability to manage quantities of complex information in a structured and systematic way;
- the capacity for independent thought and judgement;
- critical reasoning;
- 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;
- the ability to learn independently.
Skills outcomes
Skills for effective communication, oral and written.
Capacity to analyse and critically examine diverse forms of discourse.
Ability to acquire quantities of complex information of diverse kinds in a structured and systematic way.
Capacity for independent thought and judgement.
Critical reasoning.
Research skills, including information retrieval skills, the organisation of material, and the evaluation of its importance.
IT skills.
Time management and organisational skills.
Independent learning.
Syllabus
The lectures will include topics such as:
- the study of language;
- English in a world context;
- speech and writing;
- structuring language;
- vocabulary and meaning;
- varieties and variation.
The seminars will include topics such as:
semiotics;
dialect and literature;
sound patterns;
speech in fiction;
'grammaticalness', style and syntax;
word-play;
poetic diction;
metaphor;
political and journalistic language;
'literariness'.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 22 | 1.00 | 22.00 |
Seminar | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
Private study hours | 168.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 32.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
Seminar preparation, reading, essay writing. 168 hours.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Contribution to seminars;1 x 1,500-word unassessed group essay.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 1,500 words | 33.30 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 33.30 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr | 66.70 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 66.70 |
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 websiteLast updated: 20/05/2008
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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