English Language

English

Unit 1 & 2

VCE Subject – 2 Semesters
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VCE English Language explores how language functions as a powerful tool for communication, identity, and social connection. Informed by the discipline of linguistics, this subject enables students to investigate how English varies according to context, purpose and audience, and how our language choices shape – and are shaped by – society, culture and personal identity.

Students analyse the structures and functions of spoken and written English, investigating its evolution and the dynamic nature of language in contemporary and historical contexts. They consider how language reflects attitudes, values and assumptions and explore the subsystems of language including syntax, semantics, phonology, discourse and more. Through this exploration, they develop metalinguistic awareness and learn to discuss language analytically and systematically.

This study enables students to:

· explore the nature and functions of human language across different contexts and cultures

· investigate how children acquire and develop language

· analyse the factors that contribute to historical and contemporary language change

· examine how English has evolved and continues to change through contact with other languages

· understand the influence of social, cultural and situational contexts on language use

· develop a metalanguage to describe and analyse language objectively

 

Assessment activities

Tasks may include analytical commentaries, annotated texts, short-answer responses, essays, reports, case studies, multimodal presentations, and exam responses.

Selection advice

English Language is part of the English group of VCE subjects and can be counted in a student’s ‘top four’ for ATAR calculation. It is suitable for students interested in linguistics, communication, identity, and how English is used in real-world contexts. The study of English Language Units 1 & 2 would lead to English Language Units 3 & 4.

Links to further pathways

This study builds strong analytical, linguistic and critical thinking skills that support pathways into linguistics, journalism, communication, education, law, publishing, media, and a range of humanities and social science fields.