Specialization in English Language - International English: variation and change (ENG272)
This course is based on the introductory courses in English language and provides the students with advanced knowledge of one sub-discipline within English studies: Linguistics. The course deals with linguistic variation and change, with focus on international varieties of English. It is also designed to help students build up a theoretical and methodological framework for their linguistic BA theses.
Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
ENG272
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
15
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Upon completion of the course, the students will have gained knowledge of
- the roles and uses of English as a first, second and foreign language worldwide
- the concepts of dialect, standard language, language variation and language change
- different regional realisations of English within various linguistic categories, such as pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary
- gender, age and social class as factors influencing speech variation
- the concept of language contact and specifically the effects of contact between English and other languages
Skills
By the end of the course, the students will be able to
- reflect upon central theories, concepts and perspectives within the fields of sociolinguistics and international varieties of English
- analyse and describe linguistic variation in English with regard to regional and social differences
- discuss different attitudes to language and in particular towards English worldwide
- identify possible places of occurrence for specific linguistic features of English on a global scale
General competencies
Upon completion of the course, the students
- will be able to discuss aspects of language variation and change in an informed way
- will have a good understanding of the roles and implications of English as a global language
- will be better able to recognize different varieties of English and identify their main characteristics
- will be able to express themselves correctly and academically both in writing and orally
Required prerequisite knowledge
Students must have a minimum of 50 ECTS in introductory English courses or equivalent in order to begin the specialization.
BA students must have a minimum of 45 ECTS in introductory English courses or equivalent in order to begin the specialization.
Recommended prerequisites
One of the following alternatives:
- ENG100 Introduction to the English Language, ENG105 British and Irish Literature, ENG140 The Sounds of English, ENG165 American Literature and Culture, ENG180 Uses of English with didactics
- ENG100 Introduction to the English Language, ENG140 The Sounds of English, ENG165 American Literature and Culture, ENG180 Uses of English with didactics
- ENG115 An Introduction to Literature in English, ENG145 Introduction to the English language, ENG175 American Literature and Culture
- ENG115 An Introduction to Literature in English, ENG175 American Literature and Culture, ENG195 English Phonetics and Phonology
- ENG115 An Introduction to Literature in English, ENG145 Introduction to the English language, ENG195 English Phonetics and Phonology
- ENG145 Introduction to the English language, ENG175 American Literature and Culture, ENG195 English Phonetics and Phonology
- Other equivalent course combinations
Exam
Midterm exam and oral exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Midterm exam - written | 1/3 | 4 Hours | Letter grades | None permitted |
Final exam - oral | 2/3 | 30 Minutes | Letter grades | None permitted |
Both exams need to be passed in order to get the final course grade. English language and academic writing skills are taken into account in the grading, as well as the course content.