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ENG321Arts3 Unitsintermediate

Contemporary English Usage

This course introduces students to contemporary English usage, focusing on receptive and productive language skills. It aims to improve students' speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities, expanding their vocabulary and grammatical competence. The course explores English grammar, language varieties, Nigerian English, speech and writing forms, and contemporary usage tools. Students will learn to reflect on and appreciate contemporary English usage while developing practical skills for real-life situations.

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30h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Contemporary EnglishEnglish UsageNigerian EnglishGrammarVocabulary

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Introduction to Contemporary English Usage

2

English Language Varieties and Usage

3

Contemporary Nigerian English

4

Contemporary English Speech/Writing

5

Contemporary Forms of Usage

6

Grammaticality and Ungrammaticality

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Technical Writer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Communication Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PublishingMediaAdvertisingPublic RelationsEducation

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Contemporary English Usage

6h

Unit 1: The Confines of Contemporary English

3 study hours
  • •Read the unit introduction to understand the scope of contemporary English usage.
  • •Examine the differences between Old English, Modern English, and Contemporary English.
  • •Define contemporary English usage and its rules.

Unit 2: History of Contemporary English Usage

3 study hours
  • •Explore the history of English language philology, grammar, semantics, and phonology.
  • •Identify changes and developmental patterns of usage that resulted in new grammaticality.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Contemporary English Usage

7h

Unit 3: Categorization of English in Usage/Pedagogy

4 study hours
  • •Understand the reasons for categorizing English language teaching and learning.
  • •Recognize the limits in each categorization (ENL, ESL, EFL, ELF).
  • •Identify the appropriate variety for each situation.

Unit 4: English Language and Standardization

3 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning of Standard English.
  • •Compare English language use in different countries to British Standard English.
  • •Appreciate the existence of national standards of English in various countries.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Contemporary English Usage

6h

Unit 5: Competence and Performance

3 study hours
  • •Understand the theories of langue and parole.
  • •Understand the theories of competence and performance.
  • •Distinguish between the two theories and their implications in sociolinguistics.

Unit 1: Varieties in Contemporary English

3 study hours
  • •Understand the reasons behind the varieties of English in use.
  • •Distinguish the occurrence of variety based on subject matter, medium, attitude, and interference.
Week
4

Module 2: English Language Varieties and Usage

7h

Unit 2: British English Varieties

4 study hours
  • •Appreciate the major linguistic thrust of British English.
  • •Understand the characteristics of Received Pronunciation (RP).
  • •Recognize the existence of King's/Queen's English as a part of BrE.

Unit 3: American English Structure

3 study hours
  • •Trace the origin of American English variety.
  • •Understand the emergence of General America (GA) as a variety.
  • •Discuss the major characteristics of American English.
Week
5

Module 2: English Language Varieties and Usage

7h

Unit 4: Differences between British English (BrE) & American English (AmE)

4 study hours
  • •Identify each variety when used in texts.
  • •Distinguish between British English (BrE) and American English (AmE) in contemporary usage.
  • •Apply each variety consistently in speech and writing.

Unit 5: Australian/New Zealand English Varieties

3 study hours
  • •Recognize Australian and New Zealand English dialects.
  • •Understand the unique markers of these dialects.
  • •Distinguish the two dialects from other dialects of English.
Week
6

Module 3: Contemporary Nigerian English

7h

Unit 1: Form & Function in Contemporary English

4 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of form and function in Contemporary English.
  • •Distinguish between form and function in Contemporary English.
  • •Recognize the proper use of forms and function in Contemporary English.

Unit 2: Contemporary Nigerian English (NE)

3 study hours
  • •Understand Nigerian English as a form of contemporary English usage.
  • •Describe the nature of usage in Nigerian English.
  • •Distinguish Nigerian English from other English usage.
Week
7

Module 3: Contemporary Nigerian English

7h

Unit 3: Popular Nigerian English (PNE)

4 study hours
  • •Understand what Popular Nigerian English means.
  • •Recognize that Nigerians use PNE commonly every day.
  • •Know the various forms and structures of PNE.

Unit 5: Select English Language Varieties in Africa

3 study hours
  • •Recognize African English dialects.
  • •Prove the existence of such varieties.
  • •Use the varieties within the limits of their acceptance.
Week
8

Module 4: Contemporary English Speech/Writing

7h

Unit 2: Contemporary Speech Forms in English

4 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of correct speech in Contemporary English.
  • •Discuss rhetoric and public speaking as forms of contemporary speech.
  • •Apply acceptable forms of speech in their use of Contemporary English.

Unit 3: Grammaticality and Ungrammaticality

3 study hours
  • •Understand the rules guiding the spelling of English words.
  • •Identify the correct spelling forms of Standard English.
  • •Distinguish Standard English spellings from other varieties.
Week
9

Module 4: Contemporary English Speech/Writing

7h

Unit 4: Linguistic Meaning and Speaker Meaning

4 study hours
  • •Understand the importance of linguistic meaning in contemporary English.
  • •Recognize the differences between linguistic and speaker meaning in English.
  • •Apply the acceptable structures of English in individual usage.

Unit 1: Use & Usage in Contemporary English

3 study hours
  • •Understand what is meant by 'Use' and 'Usage' in English.
  • •Understand that individual language style must be within the confines of general use.
  • •Realize that wrong usage affects proper communication.
Week
10

Module 4: Contemporary English Speech/Writing

4h

Unit 5: Business English/ Business Writing

4 study hours
  • •Understand that business English is a unique register in English.
  • •Distinguish business writing from other types of writing.
  • •Use the forms of language acceptable in business writings.
Week
11

Module 5: Contemporary Forms of Usage

4h

Unit 2: Tools of Usage 1: English Vocabulary

4 study hours
  • •Understand that English language has a vast vocabulary structure.
  • •Understand the rules for using English vocabulary.
  • •Use collocations appropriately in speech and writing.
Week
12

Module 5: Contemporary Forms of Usage

4h

Unit 3: Tools of Usage 2: Idioms, Phrasal Verbs and Catch Phrases

4 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning and uses of clichés.
  • •Differentiate between idiomatic and normal meaning of clichés.
  • •Use idiomatic expressions correctly in speech and writing.
Week
13

Module 5: Contemporary Forms of Usage

7h

Unit 4: Tools of Usage 3: Diction

4 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning of diction.
  • •Know the relationship between diction and register.
  • •Appreciate the importance of diction in contemporary usage.

Unit 5: Internet English/Web Writing

3 study hours
  • •Recognize the existence of Internet English.
  • •Understand the characteristics of Internet English.
  • •Appreciate the importance of English in Internet business.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all units, focusing on key differences between Old, Modern, and Contemporary English.

2

Create a comparative chart of British, American, and Nigerian English varieties, noting distinct features.

3

Practice identifying grammatical errors and stylistic inconsistencies in sample texts.

4

Develop a glossary of common idioms, phrasal verbs, and catchphrases, understanding their appropriate usage.

5

Write sample essays and speeches, experimenting with different tones and registers to suit various audiences.

6

Focus on understanding and applying the concepts of connotation and denotation in word choice.

7

Practice writing clear, concise business communications, adhering to formal conventions.

8

Review the recommended study schedule and ensure all units have been adequately covered.

9

Pay close attention to tutor feedback on assignments and address any areas of weakness.

10

Create concept maps linking key concepts from different modules to reinforce understanding.

11

Practice applying grammatical rules and stylistic conventions in both formal and informal contexts.

12

Review all self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked assignments to identify areas for improvement.

13

Focus on understanding and applying the concepts of connotation and denotation in word choice.

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