The English Language (LING353)

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of English language structure and language variation, and apply that knowledge in various contexts, both formal and informal, including academic writing, legal drafting, discourse analysis, and linguistic fieldwork;
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the sociolinguistic theory that underlies a descriptive approach to English language structure. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the essential facts of contemporary English grammar, including: language variation; the difference between form and function; word- and phrase-structure; simple and complex sentences; information structure; and English’s role as a global lingua franca. Understand the research procedures and ethical practice in the study of English language structure, including appropriate ways to source language data;
3. Analyse, critically evaluate and communicate ideas and solve problems with intellectual independence in the study of linguistic structure and sociolinguistic variation. Apply these skills to a wide variety of employment and personal development settings;
4. Apply knowledge to a wide variety of scholarly contexts, such as analysing and critiquing texts; building engaging narratives; and arguing persuasively; and
5. Display highly developed communication skills and reflect upon issues in linguistics, language structure, and language variation in an informed and culturally appropriate way.