English Language Studies

Overview

Framework:
Access to HE
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
FN2/3/AA/06G
Credits:
9
Guided learning hours:
Not available

Qualification Grading Type

Graded

Aim

The purpose of this unit is to enable students to understand, analyse and appreciate written and spoken discourse and how they are inextricably linked to historical periods, generational differences and expressions of power.

Grade Descriptors

  • GD1-Understanding the subject
  • GD2-Application of knowledge
  • GD5-Communication and presentation
  • GD7-Quality

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.

Understand how language and usage changes.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Analyse historical changes in language including the reasons for language change.

    Indicative content:

    • Assessment Criteria 1.1. Historical changes: lexis, grammar, spelling. Reasons: influences of other languages (cultural influences, immigration and emigration, invasions), technological, scientific and medical developments, state control, Great Vowel Shift.

  • 1.2

    Examine the generational differences in spoken discourse.

    Indicative content:

    • Assessment Criteria 1.2. Use of lexis which changes over generations e.g. comparing your speech to that of your grandparents; register e.g. more formal letter writing versus text language; social influences, politically correct language.

2.

Be able to analyse the features of written discourse.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Examine different types of written discourse.

    Indicative content:

    • Assessment Criteria 2.1. and 2.2. for example, extracts from news websites, letters, tweets, emails, adverts, leaflets, articles, instruction manuals, cookbook. At least two.

  • 2.2

    Analyse the content and intended audience of two contrasting types of written material.

    Indicative content:

    • Assessment Criteria 2.1. and 2.2. for example, extracts from news websites, letters, tweets, emails, adverts, leaflets, articles, instruction manuals, cookbook. At least two.

  • 2.3

    Analyse the use of language, register and syntax in two contrasting types of written material.

    Indicative content:

    • Assessment Criteria 2.3. The use of language in two contrasting types of written material: syntax, texts, grammar, phonology, graphology, semantics, metaphors and similes.

3.

Understand the different features of spoken discourse.

Indicative content:

  • Assessment Criteria 3.1., 3.2. and 3.3. e.g. speeches, interviews, a play, debate, conversations. For example, if you were evaluating a speech by a British Prime Minister or an American President you might want to look at how power is expressed through ideas of nationhood etc.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Examine different types of spoken discourse.

  • 3.2

    Analyse features of conversation.

  • 3.3

    Analyse features of scripted speech.

  • 3.4

    Evaluate how spoken discourse expresses and exercises power.