WELCOME

Welcome to the University of Birmingham!

This module, "Introducing English Language and Linguistics", is intended to form a bridge between your A Level studies and your beginning your degree in English here at Birmingham.

There are ten different units that cover the description of the English language and its variation across several dimensions. We suggest that you work through the materials at your own pace and that you complete all the online activities. We hope that you find the module enjoyable.

We have included pointers to additional resources and further reading at the end of some of the units, which we think will augment your learning. You will be able to download the full text of some of these readings, unfortunately for others you are not likely to be able to access them before you start in Birmingham; don't forget to check them out later if you're interested in the topic! We hope you enjoy finding out more about linguistics.

You will not need extra materials to complete this course, but we recommend that you purchase an A5 exercise book which will become your LANGUAGE AWARENESS JOURNAL. It is easier to become a competent and independent linguist by observing and documenting language use in the real world at the same time as you read books and papers about language.

Keeping a journal and referring back to the things you overhear and read will help you to link your own real-world experiences of language use to theory in a scholarly way. At certain points in this module you will be asked to make notes in your LAJ. We hope that you will bring the LAJ with you when you come to Birmingham and continue to add to it during your first year here. It will prove a useful revision guide, data source and reference guide all in one if used correctly.

Good luck with the module!

Begin the module Introducing English Language and Linguistics

USING THE UNIVERSITY'S VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT (VLE)

Working through this module will also provide you with an introduction to the University's VLE, Canvas. You will work extensively with Canvas throughout your studies and so it is worth familiarising yourself with the system now. Each course module incorporates an online discussion and some have quizzes to aid you in your comprehension and revision. The module also has a global discussion where you can share your thoughts and opinions as you work through the course with your fellow students. You are strongly encouraged to participate in the interactive elements of the course.

Supported browsers

Because it's built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.

Canvas supports the last two versions of every browser release. We highly recommend updating to the newest version of whatever browser you are using as well as the most up-to-date Flash plug-in.

Required components

Flash is required in several places in Canvas: media recording/streaming and viewing as well as uploading files to a course or an assignment. Other than these features, Flash is not required to use most areas of Canvas.

The Java plug-in is required for screen sharing in Conferences. Please note that some browsers do not support Java. Otherwise, there are no other browser plug-ins used by Canvas.

Support for portable devices

The Canvas app for portable devices requires you to enter a username and password which you will receive when you arrive at Birmingham. You can still use these course materials on your portable device by accessing them via a standard web browser.

INTRODUCING ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS