A Level English Language

Course summary

This is a course that involves the study of language and, in particular, how it is used in society. There is a coursework module in the second year. Areas that are included in the syllabus are: The analysis of language, including terminology needed to describe language features and their uses; Writing for a particular audience; How languages develop and change; How we acquire language; Language and the media; Differences between spoken and written language. Like English Literature, this course will appeal to students who enjoy reading, writing and discussion. The reading will be less focused on Literature. The English Language course will also put more emphasis on analytical skills. The two courses would be highly complementary: anyone doing English Literature would greatly benefit from the awareness of language developed in English Language; those studying Language would obviously benefit from enhancing their knowledge of how language has been used by writers in different forms and eras.