This is a fascinating and stimulating course that explores a number of issues relating to written and spoken English. Students will develop skills in both analytical and creative writing, as well as constructing arguments and evaluating complex linguistic ideas. Students will learn about sociolinguistics through the diversity of language in the UK and overseas, exploring the reasons, processes and implications behind the different ways people speak and write in English. They will also have the opportunity to read and write about a range of different texts, as well as develop their own skills of original writing for different audiences and purposes. There is a strong emphasis on lively discussion and group work with the aim of enhancing students’ confidence and ability to express opinions both in speech and writing. Course Content • PAPER 1: Language, the Individual and Society (2 hour and 30 minutes exam) As in Paper 1 above, plus study of how language develops in young children including spoken, written and multimodal language use, covering a number of theories and issues surrounding this. The exam additionally requires a discursive essay on a given issue, based on a small data sample. • PAPER 2: Language Diversity and Change (2 hours and 30 minutes exam) This is unit involves studying how the English Language has changed over time and the global diversity within it. It includes an evaluative analysis of these issues, with elements of creative writing and analysis of how texts use language to present ideas, attitudes, and opinions. • COURSEWORK: Language in Action This is a coursework module that requires students to produce a 2000-word research project on an area of their choice and a 1500 piece of original writing with commentary. Candidates may choose a topic covered in the rest of the course or an original one of their own.