School of English
Module manager: Tony Crowley
Email: t.crowley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Experience in studying language(s) or linguistics at A-Level or equivalent.
| ENGL3483 | The Politics of Language |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will introduce students to the political implications of a number of twentieth-century conceptions of language and its relation to history and culture. We will consider a range of work in literature, the study of language, philosophy, politics and education. You will learn about language as a site of social struggle and political conflict in a range of contexts, including social class, gender, ethnicity, colonialism and postcolonialism. And you will examine the political power and creativity of language. 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.
The module provides an introduction to the political implications of a number of twentieth-century conceptions of language and its relation to history and culture. Its main objectives are: to enable students to engage with the politics embodied in a variety of approaches to language; to understand the similarities and differences between distinct conceptions of language across various fields; to explore and think critically about the ways in which views of language have implications for language users. The students will acquire qualitative analytic skills by working on a variety of texts and through independent research. They will also gain critical reflexivity with regard to the framing of language and its significance for an understanding of self and society.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Articulate a sound understanding of the politics encoded in a variety of approaches to language in different fields across the humanities.
2. Analyse a specific text, demonstrating a competent understanding of the way in which it constructs an argument.
3. Engage with relevant criticism and scholarship about twentieth century conceptions of language.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Conduct research, gathering information from a range of sources, and engaging in good academic practice in referencing their sources (Academic 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 | Critical analysis | 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
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 31/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team