MGUEN503 English 3, module 3 - Diversities and Change in English language, literature, and culture

Contents and structure

This module is one of four specialized modules (including the MA thesis) leading to a Master’s degree in English. This module builds on topics covered in English 2 with a focus on diversities and change in English language, literature, culture, and in the classroom. Students will explore different conceptual frameworks for investigating issues related to diversities and change. The course covers aspects of diversities and change, such as historical contexts and current debates, varieties of English, multilingualism, textual diversity, or issues related to identity.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

On completion of the module, students should have acquired advanced knowledge of:

• the academic field of English with a particular focus on diversities in language, literature, culture, and in the classroom
• points of connection and convergence in theoretical areas related to diversities and change
• the academic field of English in a range of past and present contexts
• the key concepts of diversities and change

Skills

On completion of the module, the students:

• can analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations in the field
• can critically reflect on debates and issues related to diversities and change
• can work independently on practical and theoretical problems related to diversities and change in English and the teaching of English

General competence ​

On completion of the module, students should be able to

• analyze and deal critically with academic sources and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments
• apply knowledge to new areas within the academic field
• communicate about academic issues, analyses, and conclusions in the field, orally and in writing, using terminology in the academic field

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

English 1 and English 2 or equivalents.

Teaching methods

Study methods on the module are varied and could include group work, lectures, seminars, student presentations, and/or regular writing seminars. In this course, the learning of English requires interaction with fellow students and instructors. It is expected that students attend all teaching sessions, sharing the responsibility for carrying out learning activities, thus contributing to a fruitful learning environment. Students are also expected to form study groups independently of the activities led by the instructor.

The reading list may be supplemented with material given in the teaching sessions, and such material can also be tested at the exam. The course demands a certain amount of self-study, as the entire reading list cannot be taught in class.

All teaching is given in English.

Compulsory learning activities

1. A project proposal for the MA thesis.
2. An analytical essay.
3. Students are required to attend 70% of the classes. Those with more than 30% absence will not be approved for the exam, regardless of the reason for the absence.

Mandatory learning activities must be approved no later than 2 weeks before the exam. If a mandatory learning activity is assessed as not approved, a reason must be given for this. Students who are not approved for an mandatory learning activity will, as far as possible within the set deadlines, be given another attempt in the current semester.

Approved mandatory learning activities are valid the following one semester. Approved attendance never expires.

Failure to submit an assignment within the deadline counts as a failed first attempt. If a student does not pass an assignment on the second attempt, s/he will not be approved to sit the exam.

Assessment

Assessment will take the form of a written assignment of approximately 2,000-3,000 words.

Grades A to F are used in assessment.

If the assignment is not passed, it is possible to submit an improved version in the following semester. Students are allowed to submit an improved version only once and are not entitled to additional feedback.

Examination support material

Examination support material: All aids are permitted. For information about the use of artificial intelligence read Submission of home exams and assignments.

More about examination support material