LS3EIW-English in the World

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: LS1SG Sounds, Grammar and Meaning and LS1ELS English Language and Society and LS2EP English Phonology and LS2EG English Grammar
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Prof Jane Setter

Email: J.E.Setter@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This course looks at how English has developed as an international language in terms of societal roles and linguistic features since the time of Elizabeth I.

Aims:
To provide students with an understanding of the role of the English language in the contemporary world; to locate this understanding in a knowledge of the historical, economic and social forces which have shaped this role.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is anticipated that the student will be able to:
- describe the context in which the English language developed into an
international language;
- discuss the relationships between standard English, literacy, and the economy;
- identify the ways in which English has been spread throughout the world;
- describe and identify the principal international varieties of English;
- discuss the notion of "official language" and "national language";
- discuss the desirability or otherwise of English as an educational medium of instruction;
- critically assess a range of views on the global dominance of English;
- organise their knowledge and articulate their arguments effectively in writing under timed conditions.

Additional outcomes:
The module aims to encourage students, and especially those for whom English is their first language, to reflect upon the role of English in the world today, and consider the advantages and disadvantages of this from individual, national and international perspectives.

Outline content:
The social, historical, economic and political context in the spread of English is considered. Different varieties of English around the world are examined: international varieties of English and English-influenced Creoles are described from the perspective of sound systems, vocabulary, and grammatical patterning. There will be opportunities for students to use knowledge of linguistics gained elsewhere in the course to analyse and identify samples of "international Englishes". The various attitudes and opinions that surround English are also considered; its status as an official language, a national language, a standard language, and its role in education is scrutinised. Core approaches to English as an International Language (EIL), and as a Lingua Franca (ELF) are examined. Finally, we shall consider the costs and benefits of English as the language of the global village, its competitors on the world stage, and the future of English.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Interactive lectures with on-line support.

 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20	2
Guided independent study:		135	43
Total hours by term		20	2
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	30
Report	10
Set exercise	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One two-hour paper requiring answers to two questions. (50%)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework Students will write one assignment of 1000-1200 words. (30%) Students participate in a small-scale research project and reflect on their findings and the process of doing the research. (10%) Students will do a weekly on-line multiple choice questionnaire, answering 10 questions on weekly reading. (10%) Relative percentage of coursework: 50%

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of coursework by 12 noon on the third Friday in August in the year the course is taken.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019