AR3102 Introduction to Language and English Skills Syllabus

AR3102 Introduction to Language and English Skills Syllabus:

AR3102 Introduction to Language and English Skills Syllabus – Anna University Regulation 2021

OBJECTIVES

 To give an introduction to the concepts and evolution of language in human society including its various expressions and functions
 To give basic skills of English language in everyday situations involving speaking, listening, reading, writing, presenting.
 To enable the use of language to think, express experience and communicate larger meaning.

UNIT I INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS

Communication in humans and animals. Language in humans– definition, function and hypotheses of evolution. Some concepts of language- Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics.

UNIT II ENGLISH- SPEAKING AND LISTENING

Everyday communication and human interaction through language. Speaking and listening. Simple class exercises.

UNIT III ENGLISH- READING, WRITING, PRESENTING

Reading and writing. Language comprehension skills through reading and writing. Presenting information and ideas. Simple exercises.

UNIT IV LANGUAGE AS EXPRESSION AND COGNITION

Language as expression – poetry, prose, literature, etc., Cognitive function of language. Cognitive role of language in constructing reality, abstracting, projecting the future. Simple exercises.

UNIT V LANGUAGE AS DISCOURSE

Thinking, talking and writing about ideas and situations within a social context and conveying broader meaning and abstraction. Discourse, dialectic. Simple class exercises.

OUTCOMES

 An understanding of basic role of language in humans.
 Skill and confidence in everyday requirements of the English language.
 Ability to express experience, explore meaning and construct reality through language.

REQUIRED READING

 Sharon Hendenreich, ‘English for Architects and Civil Engineers’, Springer, 2014
 www.cambridgescholars.com
 www.robertdwatkins.com/Englishworkbook.pdf
 N. Chomsky, ‘Reflections on Language’, Fontana, 1975.
 Steve Pinker, ‘The Language Instinct’, Penguin, 2015.
 R.L. Trask, ‘Language and Linguistics: The Key Concepts’, Routledge, 2007.
 R.L. Trask, ‘Language: The Basics’, Routledge 1999

REFERENCES

1. Chris Mounsey, ‘Essays and Dissertation’, Oxford University Press, 2005.
2. Sidney Greenbaum, ‘The Oxford English Grammar’, Oxford University Press, 2005.
3. Krishna Mohan and Meera Banerji, ‘Developing Communication Skills’, 2nd edition, Laxmi Publications, 2009.