Advanced Linguistic Theories and Present-Day English
- Arts
- 900 level
- 3 credit units
- 6 pages
- 1 units
This course strengthens students' knowledge of linguistic theories such as Transformational Generative Grammar, Systemic Functional Linguistics, and Critical Discourse Analysis. It introduces current issues, methods, and principles arising from these theories. Students will critique theories, develop interdisciplinary perspectives, and propound new theories. The course also considers modern English language features and variations, influencing new theoretical developments.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Study hours
- 45 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, research
- Practical work
- Yes
- Undergraduate degree in English or Linguistics
- Seminar presentations
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ENG911, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
What you should be able to do
- Identify appropriate linguistic theories for research.
- Develop interdisciplinary perspectives in linguistic research.
- Understand the causes of linguistic theorization and diversification.
- Propound new theories for linguistic analyses.
- Apply critical skills in communicative language usage and teaching.
What it prepares you for
- Linguist
- Language Researcher
- Discourse Analyst
- ESL Teacher
- Content Creator
- Education
- Publishing
- Media
- Communication
- Technology
- Corpus Linguistics Software
- Discourse Analysis Tools
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Advanced Linguistic Theories
Unit 3: Lexical/Semantic Theories
Requires understanding of abstract concepts and their practical applications in research.
- Module 3: Pragmatic and Discourse Theories
Unit 7: Pragmatic Theories
Involves analyzing complex social interactions and interpreting subtle communicative cues.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 39 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Linguistic Theories
Unit 1: The Central Concerns of Linguistic Theories · 3 hours
Read the introductory note to understand the course objectives.. Identify the central concerns of linguistic theories.. Understand how linguistic theories explain language rules and principles..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Linguistic Theories
Unit 2: Phonological Theories · 3 hours
Explore generative phonology and its applications.. Study systemic phonology and its research implications.. Examine metrical and auto-segmental phonology..
- Week 3Module 2: Advanced Linguistic Theories
Unit 3: Lexical/Semantic Theories · 3 hours
Study lexical fields and componential analysis.. Explore relational semantics and natural semantic meta-language.. Understand conceptual metaphor theory..
- Week 4Module 2: Advanced Linguistic Theories
Unit 4: Application of Lexical/Semantic Theories · 3 hours
Apply lexical/semantic theories in your research.. Analyze how linguistic elements convey meanings.. Critique the strengths and weaknesses of each theory..
- Week 5Module 2: Advanced Linguistic Theories
Unit 5: Syntactical Theories · 3 hours
Study structural grammar and transformational generative grammar.. Explore systemic functional grammar and tagmemics.. Understand case grammar and its applications..
- Week 6Module 3: Pragmatic and Discourse Theories
Unit 6: Application of Syntactical Theories · 3 hours
Apply syntactical theories in linguistic research.. Analyze sentence structures using different grammar theories.. Compare and contrast the approaches of each theory..
- Week 7Module 3: Pragmatic and Discourse Theories
Unit 7: Pragmatic Theories · 3 hours
Study speech act theories and pragmatic act theory.. Explore conversational implicature and relevance theory.. Understand theories of politeness..
- Week 8Module 3: Pragmatic and Discourse Theories
Unit 8: Discourse Theories · 3 hours
Explore interactional sociolinguistics and ethnography of communication.. Study variation analysis and conversation analysis.. Apply discourse theories in research..
- Week 9Module 4: Critical and Textual Theories
Unit 9: Critical Linguistic Theories · 3 hours
Study linguistic criticism and discourse historical approach.. Explore cognitive-discourse approach and social discourse approach.. Apply critical linguistic theories in research..
- Week 10Module 4: Critical and Textual Theories
Unit 10: Textual Strategies and Meaning Expression · 3 hours
Analyze textual strategies and structural patterning.. Examine meaning expression in present-day English language use.. Identify the impact of modern English on linguistic theories..
- Week 11Module 5: Synthesis and Application
Unit 11: Recap and Development of Own Theories · 3 hours
Recap all the theories studied so far.. Start thinking of your own theories.. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of existing theories..
- Week 12Module 5: Synthesis and Application
Unit 12: Development of Own Theories (Continued) · 3 hours
Continue working on your own theories.. Refine your understanding of linguistic theories.. Prepare for seminar presentations..
- Week 13Module 5: Synthesis and Application
Unit 13: Final Revision · 3 hours
Finalize your seminar presentations.. Review all course materials.. Prepare for final assessment..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all seminar presentation topics and notes.
- Create concept maps linking different linguistic theories.
- Practice applying theories to analyze sample texts.
- Focus on understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.
- Study relevant journal articles to stay updated on current research.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ENG911 about?
This course strengthens students' knowledge of linguistic theories such as Transformational Generative Grammar, Systemic Functional Linguistics, and Critical Discourse Analysis. It introduces current issues, methods, and principles arising from these theories. Students will critique theories, develop interdisciplinary perspectives, and propound new theories. The course also considers modern English language features and variations, influencing new theoretical developments.
How many units does ENG911 have?
ENG911, Advanced Linguistic Theories and Present-Day English, has 1 unit across 1 module, over 6 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ENG911?
ENG911 carries 3 credit units, at 900 level in Arts.
Is ENG911 hard?
ENG911 is rated advanced level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and research work, and it has a practical component.
How long does ENG911 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 1 units.
How is ENG911 assessed?
ENG911 is assessed by seminar presentations and final examination.
What do I need before starting ENG911?
Undergraduate degree in English or Linguistics
What can I do with ENG911?
Linguist, Language Researcher, Discourse Analyst, ESL Teacher and Content Creator.