Learning Outcomes
Modules
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- analyse the distinguishing features of different types of academic texts in English studies, particularly in linguistics and literary studies
- explain key differences and similarities regarding the discursive and rhetorical strategies typical of different specialisations in English studies
- produce a selection of common oral and written academic texts, while keeping with the conventions of academic English
- review the work of other students as well as their own work according to the conventions of academic English.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- describe ideology-critical perspectives on fiction and on the analysis of formal and narrative features in fiction
- reflect on the complexity that characterises societal phenomena related to national, social and cultural identity, and the role of literature in illuminating these phenomena
- analyse literature from the English-speaking world using relevant literary terminology and argue for their own interpretations of literary works in a correct, clear and coherent way, both orally and in writing.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- explain basic language structures of English using grammatical terminology, and compare these with those of other languages, with a special focus on Swedish
- apply their knowledge of English language structure and its variations in their own production in different genres
- independently solve language problems with the help of available resources, such as digital tools
- review and improve texts using their knowledge of English language structure, including regional and stylistic variations
- identify and explain the most common challenges involved in learning English from a contrastive perspective
- apply their knowledge of basic speech production by analysing the sounds of language and intonation patterns using phonetic script as a resource
- compare and contrast popular and scientific views of language, with a special focus on English.
Course Content
Modules
This module provides an introduction to academic communication in English in different academic disciplines, with a special focus on linguistics and literary studies. It focuses on common genres of academic writing and speaking, and highlights typical features of those genres with respect to both linguistic forms and rhetorical functions.
The module has two parts.
Part 1: Form and Function
This part introduces perspectives on fiction that focus on literary form. Form-related aspects such as narrative tempo and perspective, poetic structure, dramaturgical techniques and literary approaches are treated.
Part 2: Literature, Identity and Culture
This part introduces ideological perspectives on fiction. Modern and contemporary prose, poetry and drama, mainly from Great Britain, Ireland, North America and Oceania, are treated.
This module has three parts.
Part 1: Grammar
This part of the module deals with the fundamental aspects of English grammar including applied exercises in contrastive analyses of authentic texts that have different kinds of grammatical problems.
Part 2: Phonetics
This part of the module deals with the principles of English pronunciation as well as the main differences between English and Swedish pronunciation. English pronunciation is practiced through the study of phonetic transcription.
Part 3: Exploring Language
This part of the module introduces students to basic concepts and terminology in linguistics and deals with how English works in different contexts. Perspectives on language of people in general and linguists are compared.
Assessment
- Active participation in seminars
- Written assignments
- Oral presentations
- Written examinations
Grades
The grading scale used for the final course grade is U–VG.
For a final course grade of VG, students must achieve a VG for 24 credits.
Grades are reported as follows:
- Mechanics, genre, register - 2 Credits | U–G
- Academic English - Summarising - 2 Credits | U–VG
- Finding and using secondary sources - 2 Credits | U–VG
- Literature - Form and Function - 6 Credits | U–VG
- Literature, Identity and Culture - 6 Credits | U–VG
- Grammar - 7.5 Credits | U–VG
- Phonetics - 1.5 Credits | U–VG
- Exploring Language - 3 Credits | U–VG
Prerequisites
- General entry requirements and English 6. No knowledge of Swedish is required
Other Information
The language of instruction is English.
This course overlaps previous course code GEN2VB.
This course cannot be counted towards the same degree along with courses that have equivalent content.
If the student has received a decision/recommendation granting study support from Dalarna University because of a disability, then the examiner has the right to offer an alternative examination arrangement. The examiner takes into account the objectives in the course syllabus when deciding whether the examination can be adapted in accordance with the decision/recommendation.