Introduction to the English language (ENG145)

The course introduces students to English descriptive grammar, linguistics, and important terminology used to describe elements of sentences, sentence types, subordinate clauses, adverbials, and the English verbal system.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

ENG145

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

15

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Content

The course introduces students to a descriptive grammar of the English language. Topics covered in the course include the key grammar terms to explain English grammar and usage, the sentence elements, sentence types, adverbials, the verb system of English, types of subordinate clauses, varied word order, and clarity and conciseness in writing. The course addresses points of difficulty for Norwegian learners of English, particularly differences in the use of pronouns and determiners, the present and past tenses, future forms, modal verbs, and passive voice. Further, students will learn strategies to achieve sentence variety and conciseness in their writing. Students will analyze and discuss English usage in short written texts.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Students will be able to

  • identify the elements of an English sentence
  • identify the three sentence types in English
  • identify types of subordinate clauses in complex sentences
  • identify major points of difficulty in English grammar and usage for Norwegian learners of English

Skills

Students will be able to

  • use grammatical terminology correctly to describe English grammar and usage
  • explain major points of difficulty in English grammar and usage for Norwegian learners of English
  • correctly use the determiners and pronouns, the present, past, and future verb forms, and the modal verbs of English
  • analyze and discuss English grammar and usage in short written texts
  • use a variety of sentence types and word order in their writing
  • write clear, concise sentences, making good use of parallel structure
  • make use of reference works and review grammars to improve their written English

General competence

Students will be able to

  • describe the structure of the English language and explain correct usage, using terminology learned in the reading and the lectures and seminars
  • use a variety of sentence types and write more clearly, concisely, and accurately

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

The course presupposes a solid command of written and spoken English.

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written exam 1/1 4 Hours Letter grades None permitted

In addition to the course content, English language and academic writing skills are taken into account in the grading.

Coursework requirements

Midterm assignment
Regular class attendance is strongly recommended since in-class practice comprises an important part of the course.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Nancy Marie Wood

Study Adviser:

Margrethe Melin

Study Adviser:

Anne Marie Nygaard

Study Adviser:

Signe Ekenberg

Method of work

Two lectures and one seminar per week.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Introduction to the English language (LENG145_1) 15
Introduction to the English Language (ENG100_1) 10
Introduction to the English Language (MENG100_1) 10
Uses of English with didactics (ENG180_1) 5
Uses of English with didactics (MENG180_1) 5
Introduction to the English Language (ÅEN100_1) 10

Open for

Open to all students accepted into the One-year course in English or the Bachelor programmes at the Department of Cultural Studies and Languages. Other students must apply within the given deadlines.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto