2020/21 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5033M English in International Communication

30 creditsClass Size: 25

Module manager: Haynes Collins
Email: h.collins@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Module replaces

MODL5012M English for International Communication

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module aims to first provide students with a basic linguistic framework for the study of language. It then focuses on the particular case of the English language, both as it is spoken by native speakers across the globe and in particular in its function as a lingua franca in multilingual settings. It encourages students to problematise the nature of the English language, as well as to appreciate the variety of Englishes spoken in the world today and to understand the politics that underpin the use of English in these different contexts. On completion of this module students should be able to:- discuss coherently and knowledgeably the key factors at play in the circulation of English as a lingua franca (ELF).- demonstrate their ability to apply their understanding of the issues to real-life situations, evidencing both ethical awareness and cultural sensitivity.The module will comprise lectures and seminars on the following topics:- Definitions and disciplinary framework (the nature of language, the nature of English as spoken by native speakers)- English as a lingua franca: linguistic imperialism and language policy; contemporary contexts: English in multilingual settings.

Objectives

This module aims to first provide students with a basic linguistic framework for the study of language. It then focuses on the particular case of the English language, both as it is spoken by native speakers across the globe and in particular in its function as a lingua franca in multilingual settings. It encourages students to problematise the nature of the English language, as well as to appreciate the variety of Englishes spoken in the world today and to understand the politics that underpin the use of English in these different contexts. For students of intercultural communication, the module will provide an opportunity to focus specifically on the role that language (and in particular the English language) plays in intercultural encounters.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
- discuss coherently and knowledgeably the key factors at play in the circulation of English as a lingua franca (ELF).
- demonstrate their ability to apply their understanding of the issues to real-life situations, evidencing both ethical awareness and cultural sensitivity.

Skills outcomes
Students are expected to demonstrate:
- the ability to discuss and criticise issues and problems in the format of an academic essay, and to synthesise the ideas of others with their own original insights.
- the ability to apply their understanding of the issues studied to real-life situations.

Syllabus

The module will comprise lectures and seminars on the following topics:
- Definitions and disciplinary framework (the nature of language, the nature of English as spoken by native speakers)
- English as a lingua franca: linguistic imperialism and language policy; contemporary contexts: English in multilingual settings.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			270.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Reading course materials/preparation for seminars - 140 hrs
Preparation for semester 1 essay - 60 hrs
Preparation for semester 2 group presentation - 30 hrs
Preparation for final report - 40 hrs

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Seminar participation throughout the module - informal monitoring of student progress.
Semester 1 essay is formative in nature (though assessed) - students will also be offered the opportunity to get feedback on an essay plan/abstract before submission of the essay itself.
Group presentation in semester 2.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3,000 words (to focus on conceptual issues raised in semester 1)	60.00
Assignment	2,000 word problem solving report (to focus on real-life dilemmas faced by those working with ELF.)	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Students should be encouraged to submit an essay plan or abstract to the module leader for early feedback before the end of teaching in semester 1 to provide more support for the essay writing process. (This is particularly important in the case of international and mature students who will be either new or out of practice with regards to the demands of this type of academic assessment).

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/08/2020 08:42:53

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