English Language (Single Honours) BA (Hons) module details
Year one (Level 4)
Words in Action
Introduction to Grammar and Linguistics – this module introduces you to the key concepts of linguistics as a discipline, developing the foundation level of knowledge and skills you will build on in later years.
Evolving Language: An Introduction to the Histories of Language
An Introduction to Histories of Language – using the past, present and future of English as the core subject, we examine the various forces (social, political, cultural and technological) which cause a language to develop over time.
Approaches to Reading and Writing
This module equips all first-year students taking undergraduate degrees in English Literature, English Language, and Creative Writing with core study skills in critical reading, reading for craft, and creative, reflective, and critical writing at university level. You will learn to write in different styles, to inform, persuade, and entertain. You will also learn to read different kinds of academic and literary texts and develop your understanding of standard English grammar and sentence construction and knowledge of terminology from each of the three subject areas. You will put this knowledge into practice in your own writing and also acquire skills in critical analysis, scholarly referencing, and producing online texts.
Foundations in English Language Teaching for International Learners
An introduction to key issues and ideas in the teaching and learning of English to and for non-native speakers.
Introduction to the Novel
In this module you learn to read and critically analyse fiction at undergraduate level through studying different sub-genres, including Realist, Postmodernist and Neo-Victorian novels. You will learn to engage with critical texts and different theoretical approaches to literature.
Exploring Creative Writing
This module focuses on short forms, to get you to realise the importance of drafting, editing and making every word have purpose. You will learn to write flash fiction, shaping very short pieces into polished work. You will practise both strict-form and free-verse poetry to develop your ear for voice, and eye for image. You will also explore the craft behind digital forms of writing, such as blogging and Twitter.
Modern Language 1
Beginning the study of your chosen language at a university level: French, Spanish or Mandarin Chinese.
Year two (Level 5)
Sociolinguistics
Language in the real world; an examination of how language reflects and is shaped by the environment in which it is used.
Grammar: Analysing linguistic structure
How are words and sentences put together? This module builds on the first year modules to further develop your skills in grammatical analysis.
Semantics: Analysing linguistic meaning
What are meanings made of? An examination of the complex subject of linguistic meaning, and the study of the various ways in which we communicate (or fail to communicate) clearly and unambiguously.
Phonetics and Phonology
Investigating the sounds and structures of spoken language, and examining the acoustic landscape of speech.
Research Methods for Linguists
This module introduces students to key principles of conducting effective research within the specific context of linguistics.
Language in Context
On this module you learn about pragmatics, the study of language use in context, and how utterance meaning can go beyond the meanings of the words used.
Pragmatics in the Real World
This module deals with the application of pragmatics (the study of language use in context) to real world contexts such as legal language and advertising.
English Language in UK Schools
An introduction to the issues and debates surrounding English Language as a subject in the UK system, of particular interest to those considering a career in teaching.
Introducing English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
This module introduces students to some of the principles, methods and practices of teaching English to speakers of other languages. This module cannot be taken if the student has taken ‘Foundations in English Language Teaching for International Learners’ at level 4.
Varieties of English Language Teaching for International Learners
Consolidating and developing your theoretical knowledge of, and practical skills in, TESOL. NB: Students must have taken ‘Foundations in English Language Teaching’ at level 4 to take this module.
Modern Foreign Language 2
Consolidating and developing your competence in your chosen foreign language.
Text Technologies
This module draws on the expertise of DMU’s Centre for Textual Studies to expand your understanding of the history of textual production from manuscript, to print, to digital text. You will make and write with a quill pen, print a poem using moveable type and a hand-operated printing press, and learn to create a scholarly digital text online.
Writing Place
This module will enable students to explore, through creative practice, the role place has as a major stimulant in writing. Students will write fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction in a variety of forms in order to explore the creative resources offered by local history, regional myths, environmental issues and hidden histories. There will be a keen focus upon ‘world building’, and emphasis upon the importance of research to writers.
Modern Language 2
Developing your competence in your chosen language: French, Spanish or Mandarin Chinese.
Year three (Level 6)
English Language Dissertation
An independent research project on a subject of your own choice. This is where you can show us what inspires and interests you about the subject.
English Language in the Workplace (Placement Module)
You will undertake work experience throughout the year and also conduct a study in linguistic anthropology, examining the use of English in a specific context. This module will also develop your presentation and public speaking skills, as well as your general self-confidence and employability.
Language Acquisition
The focus of this module is how language is acquired. We consider questions such as: How do children acquire language? How do you acquire a second language? Is bilingual acquisition different from acquiring just one language?
Language, Mind and Culture
On this module, you will examine the complex relationship between language, thought and culture, considering, for instance, if the language you speak affects how you think.
Powerful Language: An Introduction To Rhetoric
The tools of effective, persuasive communication have been studied for over two millennia; what is now presented as advertising, PR, ‘news management’ or ‘spin’ has in previous centuries been known as ‘rhetoric’. This module considers rhetoric both in theory and in practice.
Perception, Persuasion, Power: Communication and Control
This module examines the techniques of persuasive communication as they are employed in the real world in a variety of domains, including propaganda, political discourse, advertising and interrogation.
Textual Studies Using Computers
On this module you will use computers to tackle questions like: Who had the larger vocabulary, Shakespeare or Austen? Or, is it true that c and k are the funniest letters? With hands-on experience of how computers store and process literary texts, you will devise your own project to ask and answer original questions that shed new light on literature.
English Language for Specific and Professional Purposes
The final year of study seeks to prepare you to move from TESOL student to effective, professional TESOL teacher.
Professional Writing Skills
Students will work on creating a publication to professional standard in print or online format, develop skills in oral presentation, and explore aspects of professional practice. NB: Students must have taken ‘Exploring Creative Writing’ and ‘Writing Place’ at levels 4 and 5 to take this module.
Modern Language 3
Expanding and refining your language skills and knowledge of your chosen language: French, Spanish or Mandarin Chinese.
Language, Gender and Sexuality
This module examines the complex role that language plays in the construction of gender and sexuality in contemporary society. You will learn about a range of theoretical approaches to the study of language, gender and sexuality, including feminism, performativity, queer linguistics and intersectionality. These approaches will be examined in relation to various spoken and written data from domains such as the media, the workplace and online spaces. You will critically evaluate the role that language plays in the construction of identities and in real-world issues such as sexism and homophobia. You will carry out your own research on a topic that relates to language, gender and sexuality, developing your skills in data collection, analysis and evaluation.
Data From Texts: Corpus Linguistics
Corpus linguistics provides computer-assisted methods to investigate patterns of language use, based on large collections of ‘real world’ texts (whether written, spoken or online). This module introduces you to the key principles and techniques of corpus linguistics as an approach to linguistic analysis. It covers areas such as commonly-used methods, how to build a corpus and the application of corpus methods in a range of fields such as critical discourse analysis, sociolinguistics and forensic linguistics.
Note: All modules are subject to change in order to keep content current.