A Level English Language

Course summary

English Language A-Level is the study of the use and development of the English language: Have you ever wondered how a child learns to talk? Where a word originated from? Why we judge people by the way they speak? What do we mean when we talk about pedantry and the grammar police? The meaning of our world is shaped through the language we use; English Language A-Level is a socio-linguistics course aimed at exploring how English is used in everyday life and how language shapes our identity, judgement and relationships. The course requiresstudents to develop a critical understanding of language through an introduction to key linguistic concepts and theorists, analysis of a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts, exploration of the history and development of the English Language (including regional language study) and exploration of child language acquisition. Students will need to develop an understanding of key terminology and linguistic theory as well as being able to pursue an independent language investigation. The course requires students to develop critical thinking, analysis, discussion, research and some creative responses. Studying English Language A-Level could lead to a Linguistics degree. English Language is also highly regarded by universities and complements studies in Media, Sociology, Psychology, Science and Law. Recommended Readinng: David Crystal: The Fight for English David Crystal: English as a Global Language William O’Grady: How Children Learn Language Melvyn Brag: Adventures in English Julie Coleman: The Life of Slang