English Language and Linguistics

Analysing English

This module looks to a Systemic-Functional model of linguistic description to provide a theoretical and analytical framework for the analysis of spoken and written texts. You will explore the systematic relationship between context and language through the analysis of spoken and written texts across a range of contexts.

Critical Linguistics

Language and the Mind

Research Methods

You will be provided with a broad training in quantitative and qualitative research methods and will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with various research tools and approaches as well as appropriate data analysis. Consideration will be given to ethical issues and the key concepts associated with different methodological paradigms

Creative Writing

Journalism and Popular Culture

Psychology and Education

Language, Culture and Globalization (alternative compulsory for single and combined honours) (also available in year 3)

This module examines the ways in which language operates in local and global contexts as a means of sociocultural representation. It pursues a sociolinguistic and discourse approach to language to analyse the representation of sociocultural phenomena and to explore the globalisation of English as an international language. Topics include language and the sign, language and gender, language and politics, language and standardisation, globalisation discourses and linguistic imperialism.

Persuasive Communication (also available in year 3)

Investigate how rhetorical strategies and techniques can be used both for understanding and solving cultural problems. Rhetorical practices in the wider and local social context can either blur or get to the bottom of these problems. You will explore genres and tools of rhetoric apt to produce social change, and will practice using these to encode persuasive messages, with an emphasis on messages that are clear, attractive, well-crafted and ethical. You will develop speaking and writing skills critical to your professional, civic and academic roles that take into account audience, message and genre.

English Language Teaching to Adults (also available in year 3)

This module provides an introduction to English language teaching theory and practice. If you complete this module you will have acquired essential subject knowledge and will be familiar with the principles of effective teaching. In addition you will have been introduced to a range of practical skills for teaching English to adult learners. Students who take this course are also eligible to apply to British Study Centres Oxford to complete the teaching practice component and acquire a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) which is recognised by Cambridge Assessment as a pre-service training qualification Please note that the cost of the teaching practice component of the CELTA qualification is in addition to the course fees.

Intercultural Communication (also available in year 3)

Ethnographic research methods and conceptualisations of the nature of inter- and intra-cultural identity and communication drawn from the philosophical foundations of Critical Theory, you will analyse your own cultural traditions and the normative frameworks associated with these. You are encouraged to engage with the ethical, imaginative and dialogic dimensions of your identity, and to develop sensitivity to seeing the world as others see it.

Independent Study (also available in year 3)

This module involves largely self-directed study individual or group project work on a topic conducted under the supervision of the English Language and Linguistics Field. It applies the skills of enquiry, research, analysis and evaluation. Prior approval by the English Language and Linguistics Field and supervisor of an agreed programme of study, and an assessment schedule is required.

Work and community-related learning (also available in year 3)

This module allows you to develop in relation to your awareness and understanding of the world of work and your future employability. You will reflect critically on learning gained from activities in work, community related and extra-curricular settings. There are opportunities for students to undertake work experience in areas such as Public Relations. Work experience can be organised by the student or in conjunction with the university. The University will help you make contact with organisations, and you will arrange your placement on this module. Your placement can be in Oxford or in the surrounding area of Oxfordshire - students are responsible for their own travel and associated costs. Costs start from £15.99 for a 7-day weekly pass for Oxford and the surrounding area.

Stylistics (also available in year 3)

This portfolio module is designed to contain a number of possible optional courses which will change from year to year as staffing, teaching interests and curriculum coherence dictate. The Level 5 Special Topic modules approach literary study through common study paradigms: period; theme; generic; and stylistic analysis. Each provides a range of options with a common disciplinary methodology to enable students to specialise in particular in areas of study. All options on this Stylistics Focus module will emerge from staff teaching and research specialisms and will offer students concentrated study on a more focused range of ideas and issues than are covered in the Alternative Compulsory core modules. When selecting this module please see the module lead to discuss which topic option you will take.

Subject to Discourse: Language and Literacies (compulsory for single honours, optional for combined honours)

You will be encouraged to analyse texts that you engage with in your day-to-day life and to consider these in light of theories and analytical frameworks

Research Project / Dissertation (compulsory for single honours, optional for combined honours)

You will study, in depth, a chosen problem or issue, relevant to the field of English Language and Linguistics with an outcome of a dissertation of 8000-10000 words

Analysing Spoken Discourse

Digital Journalism: Disruption and Power Dynamics

Forensic Linguistics

Independent Study

Language and Identities

Media and Propaganda: from War to Fake News

Philosophy of Education

Language Teaching: Learning and Creativity (Honours component)

This module aims to develop a principled, research-informed and practice-based understanding of: a) The language learner's needs and learning contexts; b) Language learning/teaching approaches and the beliefs and values underlying these; c) Theories of creativity inside and outside language learning contexts; d) Pedagogic approaches to language; e) Pedagogic approaches to the language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening; f) Pedagogic approaches to learner creativity in language learning; and g) Teaching materials, course books, resources and tests and their impact on learning and teaching.

Educational Sociolinguistics (Honours component)

This module focuses on the utilisation of linguistic variation in education, and includes discussion of topics such as transnationalism, transmigration, and multilingual and multicultural development as they relate to education. A number of topics that are inherently connected to the overarching focus of the module include the use of appropriate pedagogies, language-teacher training, parental/community involvement for effective education, appropriate assessment of bilinguals, and language-education planning.

Psycholinguistics (Honours component)

The module aims to introduce students to central issues in psycholinguistics and to the ways in which researchers carry out psycholinguistic work. Psycholinguistics is the study of language and the mind. Specifically, the module deals with (i) the way infants acquire their first language, (ii) the way young and adult learners acquire a foreign language and the way they use this language, (iii) the language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening and the role of memory, and (iv) conditions such as dyslexia and aphasia.

Special Topics in English Language and Linguistics (Honours Component)

This module intends to offer students an opportunity to engage in depth with issues in Applied Linguistics that are the subject of current scholarly and popular interest. Conducted predominantly through student-led discussions and seminar or workshop sessions, it enables students to develop more fully their portfolio in the Research strand of the programme. The specific contents of the module will be selected yearly to match current open questions in the disciplinary context. They will provide a platform for research-led reflection on the state on the discipline, and on related contemporary issues of political, social and cultural significance. Students will engage with the readings through response papers and Socratic dialogue, as well as mutually assessing their seminar presentations.

Work and Community- Related Learning

Work placements

There are opportunities for students to undertake work experience in areas such as Public Relations. Work experience can be organised by the student or in conjunction with the university. Students will have to pay for any travel costs to attend work experience.