LS1ELS-English Language and Society

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Christiana Themistocleous

Email: c.themistocleous@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The course aims to provide a broad introduction to English Language and Society, and a basis for further in-depth study of the field in parts two and three of the degree in English Language.

Aims:
The course aims to provide a broad introduction to English Language and Society, and a basis for further in-depth study of the field in parts two and three of the degree in English Language. The module introduces students to relevant theories and descriptions, the kind of research which has been done, and the relationship of the student of English Language to other disciplines and contemporary ideas. It also aims to provide students with an understanding of how language operates as interaction in social groups.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• discuss appropriate models of language and communication for applied linguistic enquiry
• comment upon the role of English in the contemporary world
• comment upon different views of the relation between language and culture
• discuss and apply techniques for analysing the use of language for persuasion
• identify and explain the features that distinguish and relate social aspe cts of language
• locate and assemble information on social aspects of language behaviour
• organise their knowledge and articulate their arguments effectively in writing

Additional outcomes:
Students will have an enhanced understanding of how knowledge about language can assist in the resolution of contemporary problems, of the relevance of their discipline to a wide range of professional and personal contexts. The module also aims to encourage the development of academic writing abilities and note-taking skills, and to reinforce what is learned in large lecture groups by facilitating students' involvement in small group seminars that support the main lectures. Students will also develop their bibliographic and IT skills by use of indicated resources.

Outline content:

A broad view of language in communication; language and media; language and culture; language and individual identity; English in the contemporary world; prescription in language use; authenticity and artifice in language use; language, persuasion and effect; language as a social phenomenon; sociolinguistics, language variation and standard language; language change; attitudes to language; language and gender; language in use.



 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, seminars and guided independent study.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10	2
Seminars	4	4	2
Guided independent study:	61	61	46
Total hours by term	75	75	50
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Written assignment including essay	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One one-hour multiple choice exam in Summer term

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two 1,500 word written assignments (one in Autumn Term and one in Spring term)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor 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-examination in August / September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a mark of 40% or more overall. Otherwise it must be re-submitted 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: 20 October 2020