English in the World

Summary module description:
This course looks at how English has developed as an international language in terms of societal roles and linguistic features since the time of Elizabeth I.

Aims:
To provide students with an understanding of the role of the English language in the contemporary world.
To locate this understanding in a knowledge of the historical, economic and social forces which have shaped this role.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of his module it is anticipated that the student will be able to:
- describe the context in which the English language developed into an international language;
- discuss the relationships between standard English, literacy, and the economy;
- identify the ways in which English has been spread throughout the world;
- describe and identify the principal international varieties of English;
- discuss the notion of "official language" and "national language";
- discuss the desirability or otherwise of English as an educational medium of instruction;
- critically assess a range of views on the global dominance of English;
- organise their knowledge and articulate their arguments effectively in writing under timed conditions.

Additional outcomes:
The module aims to encourage students, and especially those for whom English is their first language, to reflect upon the role of English in the world today, and consider the advantages and disadvantages of this from individual, national and international perspectives.

Outline content:
The social, historical, economic and political context in the spread of English is considered. Different varieties of English around the world are examined: international varieties of English and English-influenced Creoles are described from the perspective of sound systems, vocabulary, and grammatical patterning. There will be opportunities for students to use knowledge of linguistics gained elsewhere in the course to analyse and identify samples of "international Englishes". The various attitudes and opinions that surround English are also considered; its status as an official language, a national language, a standard language, and its role in education is scrutinised. Core approaches to English as an International Language (EIL) are examined. Finally, we shall consider the costs and benefits of English as the language of the global village, its competitors on the world stage, and the future of English.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Interactive lectures with on-line support.

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam 50%
Written assignment including essay 30%
Report 10%
Set exercise 10%

Other information on summative assessment:
Coursework
Students will write one assignment of 1000-1200 words. (30%)

Students participate in a small-scale research project and reflect on their findings and the process of doing the research. (10%)

Students will do a weekly online multiple choice questionnaire, answering 10 questions on weekly reading. (10%)

Formative assessment methods:
Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:
One two-hour paper requiring answers to two questions.(50%)

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.