91ÖÆƬ³§

Core modules:

Sounds and Structures of English

This module is an introduction to the subdisciplines of linguistics known as phonetics and phonology (sounds), and morphology, syntax, and semantics (structures). The module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the key concepts and terminology necessary to describe and explain sounds and structures of English, and of other languages. Lectures will cover major topics in the formal descriptions of speech sounds and morpho-syntax. Seminar activities will help equip you with the practical skills necessary to accurately describe and transcribe speech sounds, and to analyse word and sentence structure and meaning. The module serves as an essential basis for more advanced study across linguistic subdisciplines.

20 credits

Style in Language

This module introduces students to stylistic variation in language, exploring the varied ways in which linguistic choices contribute to meaning and effect. We will examine a wide range of different text types, including literary narratives, journalism, advertising, political speeches, poetry and song lyrics, drama and screenplays. We will move beyond basic grammatical analysis to consider the functional, contextual, and generic dimensions of language use. We will apply relevant linguistic concepts and theories to the study of stylistic phenomena including register, sentence structure, deixis, lexical choice, parallelism, narrative structure, transitivity, and metaphor. Students will be equipped with the practical tools necessary to investigate the relationships between style and effect in a rigorous, retrievable, and replicable way, and gain hands-on experience using their analytical, critical, and interpretative skills.

20 credits

History of English

What is English? Taking this question as a point of departure, this module introduces students to the exceptionally dynamic linguistic history of English(es). Changing linguistic forms and functions are contextualized within their historical moment, and language external factors such as language contact, imperialism and racism are also discussed as they pertain to periods of English. To be clear: this is not just a module about old forms of language (although there is plenty of that!) - it's about gaining historical linguistic perspective on current Englishes (including related Creoles) and their place within a much bigger story.

20 credits

Linguistic Theory

This module explores how language is structured by examining central issues in linguistic theory, building upon the concepts introduced in EGH105 Sounds of English and EGH106 Structures of English. Students will be instructed in (1) foundational theories and concepts in areas such as phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics, (2) the linguistic evidence that informs these approaches, (3) the analytical techniques required to apply these theories to language data, and (4) the relevance of such theoretical models for the wider study of language. This inclusive module will develop analytical tools and problem-solving skills in using linguistic theory, training students to think critically to interpret data from any language within theoretical frameworks.

20 credits

Optional linguistics modules:

Early Englishes

This module is of particular interest to anyone who wants to know more about the first 1000 years of English language and literature. Early Englishes works backward over a whole millennium of English, 1600 to 600. Each week's lectures and seminar focus on one century and one text representative of that century (for example, Margery Kempe's Book, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and Beowulf). We will use a variety of techniques - literary, linguistic, anthropological, cultural-historical - to analyse each text, thereby opening up discussion of issues that preoccupied the English of the time, from glorious monster-slaying to the first expressions of love and desire, from religious devotion to comedy, from the power of insults to the status of English. We will investigate international influences on English language and literature, explore medieval worldviews and how they might differ from modern ones, and query what it means when we say something is medieval. No prior knowledge of Old or Middle English is necessary; students will be given the opportunity to examine texts in the original language but where necessary translations will be provided.

20 credits

Varieties of English

This module looks at accent and dialect variation in the English language, in the UK and beyond. It will provide you with the tools to analyse and discuss variation in English words, sounds, and grammar. During the module you will collect your own data and learn how to analyse and visualise it. The module will develop your awareness of sociolinguistic aspects of the English language, and the relationship between language variation and change. You will be encouraged to consider your own experiences of language attitudes, language change, and language variation in order to reflect on the extraordinary diversity of the English language today.

20 credits

Language and Creativity

Creativity is a core property of human language use. Speakers of English and all other languages can use their knowledge of the language to produce endless utterances that have never been heard before. What's more, listeners can understand these utterances, despite the fact that they are completely new. In this module you will learn about the creative dimensions of human language through a series of practical experiments, writing and rewriting texts and reflecting on what that process teaches us. You don't have to be 'good at creative writing' to do this. The focus isn't on producing wonderful poems and stories but rather on learning about language through creative experimentation - through a process of doing and then thinking about what you've done. We'll look at creative language use in a range of everyday contexts and we'll think about popular forms of writing like comics, journalism, interactive digital narratives, and spoken-word forms like podcasts.

Learning by doing is an important aspect of many jobs, especially the ones that English graduates often go into, and so the experience this module offers will stand you in good stead for later life. The creative properties of language use are also important for the communication of identity and there will be plenty of opportunity to think about this in relation to aspects of identity that are important to you.

By taking this module you will learn more about language by actually using it, a process that is both rewarding and fun.

20 credits

Try a new subject:

The flexible structure of your first year at 91ÖÆƬ³§ means that you also have the chance to experience modules from outside of English - you can choose up to 40 credits of modules from a list approved by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, which is made available to new students when you select your modules at registration.