English Language
What's it all about?
This subject offers you insights into the history of the English language, its contemporary uses in society, and provides a solid understanding of the characteristics of English across various subsystems. You will gain important knowledge and skills as you examine key metalanguage, linguistic terms and theories, and analyse the various functions and purposes of the English language in contemporary Australian society. If you have ever wondered ‘why?’ about the characteristics and quirks of the English language, then this subject is for you!
What type of things will I do?
You will learn how to apply linguistic tools to a range of contemporary and historical texts in order to analyse them in an objective and systematic way. You will examine how you and other people use the English language to reflect various elements of individual and group identities, and to achieve various functions and purposes. You will complete both written and spoken assessments in this elective.
What will I learn?
TOPIC 1
• Thinking like a linguist: Introduction to metalanguage and the subsystems of language
TOPIC 2
• English in the past: A brief history of the development of the English language
TOPIC 3
• English now: The role of the English language in contemporary Australia for both individuals and groups
What can this lead to?
VCE English Language, VCE English and/or IB Language & Literature.
POSSIBLE PATHWAY |
YEAR COURSES OFFERED |
YEAR 11 Unit 1 & 2 English Language, Unit 1 & 2 English Year 1 IB Language & Literature |
YEAR 12 Unit 3 & 4 English Language, Unit 3 & 4 English, Year 2 IB Language & Literature |
Why choose this subject?
Choose this subject if you are interested in learning about:
Linguistics (the scientific study of language and its structure)
How language reflects the thinking and values of individuals and groups
How the English language has developed and changed over time
How speakers and writers use language for various functions and purposes in different contexts