HENKF2001U English - Free topic 1: Sociolinguistic perspectives on English and Globalization

Volume 2019/2020
Content

While it probably amounts to an overstatement to say that English is ‘the global language’ (English is widespread, but not ‘global’ in any precise sense of the word) there is no doubt that English plays a central role in many spheres of life throughout the world today. This state of affairs is closely linked to past and present processes of globalization. In this module, we investigate the close relationship between English and globalization from a range of sociolinguistic perspectives. In order to appreciate the current status of English as a widespread lingua franca, we begin by engaging with key readings on the history of English and models for describing and studying uses of English in the world. This overview sets the scene for a range of more detailed studies of the contemporary use of English in transnational domains such as business, academia, popular culture and tourism.

 

Central topics include:

  • English in organisations
  • English as a corporate language
  • English in youth language and subculture
  • English in education (higher education as well as English language teaching)
  • English as a selling point: English in advertising and tourism
  • English and other languages: linguistic diversity and social justice, linguistic imperialism


The module introduces students to a range of disciplines and methodologies relevant to the study of English and globalization, with a strong emphasis on sociolinguistic approaches. Key theoretical concepts include language and identity, language ideologies, language choice, and sociolinguistic change.

Literature

This is a compendium and textbook-free course. All readings used are available online (for free) through the university library. A detailed course plan including readings for each week will be made available via Absalon at least four weeks before the course begins. Students are responsible for getting hold of the material listed in the course plan and read it in advance of each session, but please do not hesitate to contact the course teachers if you have problems locating particular items. If you would like to buy a textbook for supplementary reading, a list of recommended sources will be made available.

Classes, with particular emphasis on reading primary and secondary texts, oral discussion and developing proficiency in English.

The module is designed to be highly interactive, based on a mix of teacher-led discussions, data sessions and student presentations. Towards the end of the module, students will conduct an individual small-scale project based on empirical data collection and analysis using methods introduced in the course.
This course only leads to exams Free Topic 1, Free Topic 2 and Free Topic 3.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 56
  • Preparation
  • 353,5
  • Total
  • 409,5
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Portfolio, A joint portfolio uploaded in digital exam: Deadline June 10th 2020
- one 5-page essay in course week 5 (counts 25% of final grade) with peer feedback
- one 5-page essay in course week 9 (counts 25% of final grade) with peer feedback
- one 11-15 page project assignment to be submitted with final portfolio (counts 50% of final grade). The project assignment has to be based on empirical data collection and analysis using methods introduced in the course. The topic for this assignment can be chosen among the course topics and has to be approved by the teachers in course week 12 at the latest.
Criteria for exam assesment