English Language (AS/A Level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in English Language.

About the Subject

English Language is an important subject; it is central to everyday life. Communication through language is involved in almost everything we do; even when we are alone, the thoughts in our heads are largely in the form of language. The English Language is the most widely used language there has ever been in the history of humankind. These are some of the reasons to study it at Advanced level. The main reason, though, is having a genuine interest in language and how it is used in a wide range of contexts.

Course Content

Year 1

You will study the English Language as it is used in many different situations. You will study the two modes of language, speech and writing, and the differences between them. This involves making and analysing transcriptions of people talking to each other and studying many examples of written and printed language such as newspapers and magazines, advertisements and leaflets. You will also study mixed mode texts such as text messages and emails. To do this analysis you will need to learn about the language itself, its structures, forms and meanings; this will involve learning the technical vocabulary of linguistics and applying it when describing a text. You will study accent and dialect, jargon used in different occupations, how gender and age affect language use, the influence of social context on language, how technology affects the use of language and issues of language and power including political correctness.

You will also be developing your own use of language by producing your own writing. You will interview someone and write it as an article. You will write a dramatic monologue for a listening audience. On each of these pieces, you will write a commentary explaining the language choices you made.

Year 2

The second year of the course builds on the analytical and language production skills introduced in the first. It also introduces more knowledge about language. The focus is on the on the variety of English around the world and over the last 1500 years from its origin in the language of the Anglo-Saxons. You will study a range of texts from different times in history. You will choose a language topic to research, find some data and analyse it for part of your coursework. You will study the varieties of English around the world and how children learn to speak the language and then learn to write it.

Assessment

AS English Language is assessed by an exam in January, with retake in May if necessary, and by coursework which is submitted in May.