School of English
Module manager: Tony Crowley
Email: t.crowley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Experience in studying language(s) or linguistics at A-Level or equivalent.
| ENGL3481 | Keywords: the words we use and the ways we use them |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will introduce students to the study of the way in which 'keywords' (central terms we use to describe, categorize and evaluate our social and natural worlds) originated, developed historically, and are used today. Examples might include terms such as 'scientist'; 'cool'; 'teenager'; 'individual'; 'student'; 'culture; 'dickhead'; 'society'; 'sket'; 'welfare'. The course will include a consideration of the changing ways in which words have been defined (through a study of dictionaries from the Renaissance to the present - from Cawdrey's Table Alphabetical 1604 to urbandictionary.com). And it will allow students to understand the complexity of everyday terms that are often taken to be simple and straightforward. The course will encourage critical reflexivity with regard to language use and provide an opportunity for independent research in this area. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module will introduce students to the study of the way in which 'keywords' originated, developed historically, and are used today. Its main objectives are: to enable students to engage with key theoretical frameworks for the study of semantic change; to explore examples of semantic change through the use of historical dictionaries; to think critically about the implications of changes in word meaning in relation to our understanding of our social and natural worlds. The students will develop digital and qualitative analytic skills through independent research, and they will gain critical reflexivity with regard to language use (their own and that of others).
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the processes of semantic change.
2. Conduct independent investigation of the history of keywords.
3. Explain the significance of keywords in cultural and social debates.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Select and use computational tools for the analysis of data (Digital Skills)
2. Develop effective methods for analysis and interpretation using qualitative approaches (Work Ready Skills)
3. Communicate ideas, arguments and evidence in speech and writing. (Sustainability Skills)
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-in Session | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Individual Support | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students get weekly feedback through their participation in seminars.
They receive formative feedback on their first assessment, prior to preparing the second.
For both assessments, students are invited to discuss their ideas, as well as any problems or difficulties, with the seminar tutor as part of the module schedule.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 40 |
| Coursework | Essay | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team