The bachelor-programme in English offers training in the academic study of English Linguistics and English-language Literatures. Students deepen their knowledge of the language system, its development, variation, change and usage, and of central topics, periods and approaches in English literary and cultural studies. Throughout the study programme and across the disciplines, students learn to develop their critical, analytic, linguistic and problem-solving skills by engaging with a broad range of texts and genres and a variety of approaches to reading. Through written assignments and oral presentations, students also enhance their oral and written skills in academic English.

Admission into the programme requires a strong background in oral and written English.

On completion of the programme the students should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

On completion of the programme, graduates are able to

• apply analytical concepts, theories, and methods for the scientific study of language, literary texts, and cultural contexts
• describe the central aspects of linguistic and literary systems using linguistic and literary terminology
• describe, explain and analyse specialised topics in English linguistics, e.g. phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics, sociolinguistics, and language history
• describe, explain and analyse specialised topics in British, American, and World literatures, literary criticism, and critical theory
• describe, analyse and interpret a variety of literary texts
• discuss and assess the significance of historical and cultural contexts to the interpretation of texts

Skills

On completion of the programme, graduates are able to

• critically engage with scientific concepts and methods
• analyse authentic linguistic data and a variety of literary and non-literary texts
• examine links and interfaces between language structure and use
• examine links and interfaces between literary texts and historical and cultural contexts

• demonstrate and employ key research abilities:

  assess research materials from a range of sources, primary and secondary
• evaluate different sources and identify what is significant in a large body of material
• recognise and cite open-access and other scholarly databases, including literary and linguistic journals, glossaries, language corpora and other accredited scholarly resources
• read diverse texts closely and critically
• analyse problems, compare and evaluate different views
• formulate independent and well-argued hypotheses
• initiate and complete a piece of independent, original research (bachelor thesis)
• reflect on their acquired research abilities

General competence

On completion of the programme, graduates are able to

• think and argue analytically, critically, and independently about topics within their academic field
• use their research skills to find, evaluate, and use information within their academic field
• work autonomously, motivate themselves, plan their own work, and achieve goals and meet deadlines
• employ collaborative skills - the ability to engage in critical and constructive discussion as part of a team
• demonstrate written communication skills - the ability to write clearly and effectively in English, and to adjust writing style appropriately to the content, the context, nature, and purpose of the subject
• demonstrate oral communication skills - the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in spoken English, to explain their ideas to others and to present a longer argument with confidence

The above knowledges, skills, and competences are acquired by/through

• autonomous work
• preparing for and participating in lectures and seminars
• written assignments
• peer review and feedback in small-group seminars and collaborative group projects
• individual supervision/one-to-one tutorials offering advice and feedback on written work
• giving and receiving feedback on oral presentations
• initiating, planning and completing a piece of independent, original research