English Language (W85) - Diploma of Higher Education

Open University

Explore human communication by focusing on the history, diversity and flexibility of the English language. You’ll learn what distinguishes machine language from human language and how people adapt communication in multilingual and multicultural contexts. You’ll investigate how language works, from written texts and conversations down to the smallest units of sound, and explore English as a creative medium for expressing humour, thoughts and emotions. While not designed to teach English to speakers of other languages, this diploma gives you the tools to think critically about language and prepares you for further study or a career where strong communication skills matter.

- Explores the history of English, its contemporary diversity, its role as a global language and its use in various parts of the world- Engages in debates surrounding the historical and contemporary position of English in relation to other languages- Teaches strategies that promote critical analysis and evaluation of texts and an ability to reflect on your own language use- Develops you as a competent communicator, enhancing your employability- Reveals how the English language works and how the choice of words and grammar affects the message