VCE Units 1 & 2 - English Language
VCE Units 1 & 2 - English Language
Overview
VCE English Language is the study of the functions of spoken and written language for a range of purposes. Students analyse language from a linguistics perspective, examining how language is rule-governed and informed by accepted systems. The study aims to further develop analytical skills and understanding of linguistics by analysing a range of both historical and contemporary texts.
Unit 1: Language and Communication
In this unit, students are introduced to linguistic terminology to analyse a range of spoken and written texts for a variety of social purposes. Students examine the role of context on language choices. Furthermore, students investigate children’s ability to acquire language and the stages of such development.
Areas of Study
- The nature and functions of language – The major functions that language serves when used in given contexts and features that characterise speech and writing.
- Language Acquisition – How children acquire language, the major theories of child language acquisition and the major milestones in childhood language development through a linguistics lens.
Unit 2: Language Change
In this unit, students study how English has been transformed over the centuries and consider the various possibilities for the future of English. They examine the global spread of English and the implications for other languages.
Areas of Study
- English across time – the historical development of English from Old English to present-day Australian English, the factors influencing language change and, the attitudes to changes.
- Englishes in contact – the effects of the global spread of English, the distinctive features of national and regional varieties of English, the role of language as an expression of cultures and worldviews.
Forms of Assessment
• Short Answer Questions
• Analytical Commentaries
• Expository Essays
Prerequisites and Corequisites
There are no prerequisites to this study. It is an advantage to be analytical.