English Language

Course summary

At AS and A2 level, English Language gives students the opportunity to explore the underlying ways we communicate and make meaning in both spoken and written language. The course will allow students to explore – in a linguistic, grammatical and sociolinguistic way – the world in which we live and communicate. Students will also engage with the intellectual thoughts, ideas and views of linguistic theory. The study of Language also enables students to analyse the development of our language over time and to understand how we evolve from non-speaking infants to expressive adults – what one critic refers to as “the articulate mammal”. The course will develop the skills of close analysis, explore contextual influences, and develop explanations, independent ideas and arguments. It provides students with the opportunity to acquire many skills which will be of use to them in Higher Education, or indeed, all types or employment.