Description
This module covers the major fields of the study of the English language, including grammar (how words and phrases are combined to form sentences), morphology (the study of the structure of words), lexicology and lexicography (the study of the meaning of words and how they are described in dictionaries), semantics (the study of meaning in language) and pragmatics (the study of language in use).
The module aims to teach students about the workings of language and communication, focusing on English; and also to teach students the fundamentals of English grammar, morphology, lexicology, lexicography, semantics and pragmatics.
At the end of the module students will have acquired a solid knowledge of the major concepts that play a role in the study of grammar, morphology, lexicology, lexicography, semantics and pragmatics, and will be able to analyse language from these perspectives using argumentation skills.
The module is useful for students contemplating a career in writing, journalism, publishing, or the teaching of English as a native or foreign language. It is taught over two terms in the form of weekly two-hour seminars based on a textbook and on handout materials.
Students write one essay per term for this module; Modern English Language tutorial essays are marked by one of the seminar leaders, who then give the tutorial for that essay.
The module is examined by a written exam paper. (NB: it is not possible to be examined by Course Essay.)
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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