Studying at York
English Linguistics - EDU00010M
Module summary
This is a core module for those on the MA TESOL Programme. It explores the structure of English and considers how knowledge of linguistics can be applied to English language teaching.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
To provide essentials in the study of the structure of English
To provide students with the opportunity to understand the organizing principles that unite the various levels of linguistic analysis
To relate the above to language use in a socio-cultural context
To provide an overview of how the above theories are linked to the processes involved in teaching English as a second/foreign language
Module learning outcomes
Subject content:
- analyze the structure of English at various levels of description (phonological, morphological and lexical, syntactic, and semantic)
- apply the knowledge of English linguistics to describe and analyze L2 learner performance data
- demonstrate a clear understanding and awareness of the structure of the English language and its relationship to the teaching and learning of English in social contexts
Academic and graduate skills
- formulate arguments and contribute to discussion
- participate in group work, presentations, peer-teaching activities, tutorials, and problem solving activities
- demonstrate effective planning and time management
- word-process, manage files, use e-mail, VLE and the Web
Module content
Week 1 - Introduction to the module
In this session you will be introduced to the module and the content of each week will be briefly presented. The assessment will be explained in more detail, along with the ways in which you will get prepared for a closed exam at the end of semester 1. The session is also aimed at giving you an opportunity to ask questions you may have related to the module.
Week 2 - Morphology
This session examines word structure and the processes of word formation in English, such as affixation, conversion and compounding. The session also introduces the concept of morpheme, the smallest unit of meaning or grammatical function.
Week 3 - Phonetics and phonology
This session provides an introduction to English sounds (Phonetics), and their systematic occurrences (Phonology) in segments. Students will have the opportunity to learn to identify, describe and transcribe some of the most relevant phonetic contrasts and will learn about features of connected speech.
Week 4 - Grammar and syntax
This session offers a brief introduction to modern approaches to English grammar and will examine the relationship between words, phrases, clauses and sentences.
Week 5 - Tense, Aspect, Modality
This session considers the difference between tense and aspect, which may be overlooked in some teaching approaches. Also, the difference between grammatical aspect and lexical aspect will be clarified, as well as the specifics of modals in the English language.
Week 6 - Semantics
This session explores the meaning of words, covering the various types of meaning relations between words, the semantic roles of words, and how words can be analysed in terms of semantic features.
Week 7 - Pragmatics
This session will discuss meaning in context, emphasising the importance of shared knowledge and presupposition in everyday communication. Speech acts, felicity conditions and co-operation between interlocutors will be considered, and in particular its effect on politeness.
Week 8 - Text and discourse
This session looks at the language above the sentence level and explores the notions of cohesion and coherence. It also introduces the idea of conversation analysis and considers how conversations typically unfold.
Week 9 - Sociolinguistics
This session will investigate the interplay between language and society and how we vary our language use in different social contexts, using recent research evidence to discuss both methods, interdisciplinary and future avenues for sociolinguistics.
Week 10 - Corpus linguistics
This session will look at the key concepts associated with corpus linguistics and examine how corpus approaches are being used to help develop our understanding of language and how they in turn can impact on our teaching. This session will act as preparation and link to the material that will be covered in the final session.
Week 11 - Applying concepts
Building on the content discussed in previous weeks, the final session will explore ways in which English Linguistics can be applied to classroom teaching. While each lecture will have emphasised practical implications, in the final session, we will use examples of teaching materials, resources and tools to illustrate ways in which module content can be used in the teaching of English.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
Individual written feedback reports with follow-up tutor discussion if necessary. The feedback is returned to students in line with university policy. Please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.
Indicative reading
The essential readings for this module are:
- Aarts, B., McMahon, A. & Hinrichs, L. (2021). The handbook of English linguistics. 2nd edition. Wiley & Sons.
- Mullany, L. & Stockwell, P. (2015). Introducing English language: A resource book for students. 2nd edition. Routledge.
- Yule, G. (2020). The study of language. 7th edition. Cambridge University Press.