English Language

Course summary

This course involves reading and analysing a wide variety of texts from a range of genres, both fiction and non-fiction and will involve the study of web-based texts and those found in chatrooms, as well as more traditional texts such as newspapers. The course explores the relationship between language and the individual and examines the way in which various social groups use language to construct and enrich their identities. In particular gender, social class, geography, age, sexuality, race and occupation are all considered as factors that influence individuals’ use of English. Year 13 : In Year 13 you will learn about the processes by which children acquire language and the theories surrounding these processes. Both the speech and writing of young children will be analyzed and you will develop an understanding of the various factors that influence this process. You will also study the history of the English language, learning about its evolution over the last two millennia and the attitudes various commentators have about the aspects of English that continue to change at present, such as the increase in slang and use of Americanisms. You will also select an area of language about which you will create a hypothesis and you will conduct an investigation to prove or disprove this. You will also produce a text of your own, emulating the style of a text model of your choice.