Scotch College

VCE: English Language

Rationale

English Language is a complex, specialist study which aims to combine learning about the nature of language in human thought and communication with learning how to use English more effectively and creatively. It is informed by the discipline of linguistics and integrates a systematic exploration of the nature of English with development of skills in description and analysis of a diverse range of English texts, including spoken and written varieties.

Structure

The subject is based on a linguistic framework that looks at the origins of language and how language is used in the wider community. The socio-linguistic approach to the study of English provides an opportunity for students to explore written and spoken texts, to analyse varieties of language and language use, as well as to explore ways in which language features are used in daily interactions with others. Importantly, it provides an opportunity for students to discover how language operates within the community and how varied forms of communication can be exposed and studied. It enables language to be explored in different social contexts, that expands our understanding of how important it is to communicate effectively. It also allows students to analyse grammar in a way that they deem to be ‘interesting', particularly as it relates to everyday experiences of language interaction.

Unit 1: Language and Communication

• The nature and functions of human language.
• Language Acquisition and Understanding.
• Analysis of written and spoken language forms.

Unit 2: Language Change

• How language change takes place.
• Change in the subsystems of language through history.
• Globalisation of the English language.

Unit 3: Language in Society

• Language Description: How to analyse different varieties of language and language use.
• Englishes in Contemporary Australia: How to investigate and to describe how language reflects social and cultural understandings and constructs a sense of identity.

Unit 4: Language in Use

• Language Description: How to investigate and describe the structures and features of a range of specific texts.
• Texts in their Contexts: How to identify and analyse the distinctive features of written English texts.

Students instructed in taking language at Units 3 and 4 level are expected to undertake at least Unit 2 Language study in Year 11 in order for them to have the necessary skills grounding for Units 3 and 4 work.

Assessment

Units 1 and 2: Examination

Single Text Study

Contexts Study

Media Study

Unit 3: School Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Unit 4: School Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Examination 50 per cent