HENB01421U English - English Language and Culture: An Introduction

Volume 2022/2023
Education

Engelsk

Content

This module serves as a general introduction to the English studies programme, with a particular emphasis on the role of language as a common denominator between the various subfields of the programme. By engaging with a range of topics of contemporary relevance, the module provides you with a general understanding of what English studies is, what is required of you as a student of English, and what the study of English will enable you to do as a future expert within the field. In practical terms, the module introduces you to the conventions of academic writing and academic work more generally. It also gives you a hands-on introduction to a range of non-academic text types which are likely to be of relevance to your future career. In order to support the development of your reading and writing skills, the module includes a basic introduction to grammatical analysis and linguistic variation, which will enable you to describe and analyse the role of language in a range of text types and genres. In the final part of the module, you will get an opportunity to apply your skills in a group-based mini project related to select topics within one or more of the subfields of the English programme. The module has four parts (outlined below). Parts 1, 2 and 3 are placed in the first ten weeks of the semester. The final four weeks are dedicated to the mini project, Part 4, though the project process is initiated already in the first half of the semester.

 

1. Academic reading and writing

Reading and writing academic texts are essential activities for students of English. This part of the module offers you a guided hands-on introduction to both aspects of academic life, giving you an opportunity to improve your skills as a reader and a writer. The course introduces you to texts from a range of subfields within English studies, including language studies, history and literature.

 

2. The English studies professional at work

This part of the module introduces you to various non-academic text types, giving you the necessary skills to identify and describe their particular features while also giving you an opportunity to try your hand at producing such texts. Much of the material in this part of the module is based on real-life examples drawn from the work experience of candidates from the English studies programme.

 

3. Functional perspectives on grammatical analysis and linguistic variation

This part of the module serves to raise your general language awareness by introducing you to grammatical analysis and description. It covers basic elements of English grammar and gives you the necessary skills to describe the role of grammar and linguistic variation in creating meaning in spoken and written texts, drawn from a range of subfields within English studies.

 

4. English studies mini project

This part of the module offers you the opportunity to explore select areas of English studies with your study group. Guided by project ideas and project packages compiled by researchers at the English programme, you will get an opportunity to apply all of the skills you have acquired in the first ten weeks of the module in a small-scale ‘research’ project.

Lectures and class instruction
The module has four parts. Parts 1, 2 and 3 are placed in the first ten weeks of the semester. The final four weeks are dedicated to the mini project, Part 4, though the project process is initiated already in the first half of the semester. The module has two weekly lectures and two seminar sessions. In the final four weeks, lectures and seminars are partly replaced by project supervision.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 28
  • Class Instruction
  • 56
  • Preparation
  • 325,5
  • Total
  • 409,5
Oral
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Portfolio, A joint portfolio uploaded in digital exam: Deadline January 5th 2022
Type of assessment details
The portfolio consists of a number of assignments submitted throughout the semester or (in one case) after teaching ends. The total number of pages will be 21-25. Deadlines, page limits and weightings are as follows:
[1] Three samples of academic and non-academic writing with peer feedback (4-6 pages in total) submitted during the first 6 weeks of the semester (weighted 25%)
[2] three exercises with a focus on grammar (3 pages in total) submitted during weeks 7-10 of the semester (weighted 10%)
[3] an analysis assignment related to academic writing and grammar (5-6 pages), submitted in week 10 (weighted 25%)
[4] a group-based mini project report (9-10 pages), submitted at the final deadline of the portfolio (weighted 40%).
Criteria for exam assesment