EDF1151 - Fundamentals of the English language - 2017

This unit develops students' knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the English language including oral language, listening, speaking, reading and writing. They gain an historical sense of how English and literacy have been shaped since the introduction of mass schooling. Students explore conceptual frameworks and theoretical ideas that help them to understand how the English language works so they can learn to communicate effectively through a range of coherent and well-structured texts. They learn how language enables people to interact effectively and explore how language builds and maintains relationships and is a means to exchange knowledge, skills, attitudes and opinions. Finally, the unit builds on students' personal literacies to further enhance their knowledge and skills as future literacy practitioners.

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. display competence in their personal literacies, including a range of information and communication technologies
2. develop an historical sense of how the subject of English and literacy has been shaped
3. critically examine their own personal oral, reading and writing histories through different theoretical frameworks
4. further develop their knowledge of how the English language works
5. understand and evaluate current literacy practices in relation to theories of language and literacy development.

Essay (1600 words, 40%)

Critique (individual or in pairs) (2400 words, 60%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2 hours per week
2. Additional requirements:
   • 10 hours of independent study per week

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Jennifer Rennie

Primary education