English Language

Overview
English Language is an interesting and challenging subject which is ideal if you enjoy close analysis of different kinds of texts. It will enable you to develop a range of skills, both analytical and creative .

Course Outline
AS Level
Unit 1: Introduction to the Language of Texts is worth 60% (External examination: 2½ hours). For this exam you will develop your analytical skills in order to be able to discuss the language used in texts. You will study texts linked in some way and learn how to make comparative points, considering their similarities and differences. You will gain confidence in using linguistic terminology to analyse the texts in context, paying attention to audience and purpose, and how writers use language to convey their ideas. You will also analyse a range of interesting single texts from advertising, speeches, journalism, reviews, travel writing, writing for children, biographies, letters, etc in preparation for the language focus question. This question asks you to focus on the attitude of the writer, their prejudices, bias etc.
Unit 2: Original Writing and Exploring Spoken Language is worth 40%. This unit draws on your interest and passion for creative writing and analysis of speech. The first piece is a single, continuous, extended piece of creative, original writing in a fictional, ‘literary’ mode, which you will write after you have studied some examples of literature, such as short stories and openings to novel. The ability to explain why you have written what you have is an important aspect of this piece of coursework. The second piece is an analysis of speech from the media.  You can choose any aspect of speech that interests you such as sports commentaries, interviews, chat shows etc. Each piece should be approximately 1,500 words .

A2 Level
Unit 3: Language Investigation and Writing for Specific Purposes is worth 40%. For the first piece of coursework in your second year, you can choose an area or topic that interests you from a prescribed list such as language acquisition, speech and gender, the study of accent and/or dialect, attitudes to an individual’s language use etc. You will then collect and analyse spoken and/or written data or texts.  You will be expected to research and question existing theories about language and write approximately 1,500 words, detailing your findings. For the second piece, you will study a genre or area of language in use, and will then produce an extended piece of non-fiction writing of your own. This might be a magazine/newspaper article, a piece of travel writing or a guide etc. of 1,500 words (approx.) accompanied by an analysis of approximately 750 words.
Unit 4: Analysing and Evaluating Language Modes and Contexts is worth 60% (External examination of 2½ hours). This examination assesses the skills you have developed throughout the course. For question 1, you will be given more than one spoken text, and will be required to analyse, discuss, and evaluate the spoken language used, paying particular attention to the context. For the second question you will analyse texts chosen to show variation of language over time.

Assessment
Coursework (40%)
Examination (60%)
Examining Board – WJEC.

Special Entry Requirements
None. But Grade B in GCSE English Language is desirable.

Prohibited Options
Students are not normally permitted to take more than one English AS course. However, if you are intending to study English at university and have A or A* in both English and English Literature at GCSE and a high GCSE average score (i.e. 6.5), you may be permitted to take both English Language and English Literature at AS Level.

Career and Progression Opportunities
Degrees in English and opportunities in journalism, publishing, the media and teaching.

Other Information
Students will be supplied with texts but will have the opportunity to buy extra texts and go to conferences. Students learn through a variety of teaching methods. You may work in groups to record conversations or discuss texts. You may be asked to research a topic individually or you may work in pairs to check each other’s work. Students on the course, at present, have worked with a professional writer to improve writing skills .

This information is correct for September 2012 entry.