Course: Introduction to Language Studies

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Course title Introduction to Language Studies
Course code KAA/BSTJA
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Seminar
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction English
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Course availability The course is available to visiting students
Lecturer(s)
  • Huschová Petra, PhDr. Ph.D.
Course content
Language as a hierarchical system, syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations. Methods of linguistic research, functions and properties of language. Communication, spoken and written language. Phonetics and phonology, classification of sounds, stress and intonation. Morphology and word-formation processes, classification of morphemes, word-classes. Syntax, sentence structure and functions, prescriptive and descriptive grammar. Discourse analysis and stylistics, cohesion and coherence, style and register. Meaning in language, semantics and pragmatics, sense relations. Language typologies, language families, a brief history of English. Geographical variation of language, dialect and accent, standard language. Social stratification of language, lingua franca, pidgin and creole. English studies in the Czech republic, The Prague Linguistic Circle, functional approach.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming)
  • Contact teaching - 26 hours per semester
  • Home preparation for classes - 18 hours per semester
  • Independent critical reading - 18 hours per semester
  • Preparation for a final test - 24 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
Students acquire knowledge of fundamental linguistic terminology related to the following language levels: phonological, morpho-syntactic, lexical-semantic, pragmatic, and stylistic. They are able to understand the English language system at an elementary level. KPUAJ competency 1.1.3
Upon successful completion of the course, students are able to describe structural levels of language and carry out an elementary linguistic analysis. They are able to distinguish between language as a system and its actual use in context.
Prerequisites
unspecified

Assessment methods and criteria
Written examination

seminar attendance (max. 2 absences) final written test
Recommended literature
  • Crystal, D. Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. (2nd ed.). CUP, 2001.
  • Crystal, D. English as a Global Language. Cambridge University Press, 2000.
  • Crystal, D. The Penguin Dictionary of Language. (2nd ed.). Penguin Books, 1999.
  • Čermák, F. Jazyk a jazykověda. Praha, 1997.
  • Leech, G. A Glossary of English Grammar. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2006.
  • Lyons, J. Language and Linguistics. CUP, 1992.
  • Pearce, M. The Routledge Dictionary of English Language Studies. London: Routledge, 2007.
  • Quirk R, and G. Stein. English in Use. London, 1990.
  • TRUDGILL, P. AND J. HANNAH. International English ? A Guide to the Varieties of Standard English. (3rd ed.).. London, 1994.
  • Vachek, J. Prolegomena k dějinám Pražské školy jazykovědné. Praha, 1999.
  • Yule, G. The Study of Language. Cambridge, 2006.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester