English Language and Culture
The English Language and Culture Minor aims to improve your command of the English language, in writing, speaking, listening and reading. You also explore how English works as a linguistic system.
| Number of EC | 30 EC |
|---|---|
| Start | Study period 1 |
| Coordinator |
For study period 1 and 2 you can register between 2 June and 20 June 2025.
Content
More people speak English as a second language than a first language, making English a true world language and a useful means of communication in all fields of study. Perfecting your English is an important aim on the English Language and Culture Minor. Proficiency skills are integrated into all four courses. You will improve your fluency and pronunciation, expand your vocabulary, perfect your grammar proficiency and your adeptness at using formal and informal registers in English, as well as develop your research and academic writing skills. A second aim is to explore how English works as a linguistic system and how various Englishes exist that live and thrive in the context of each other and other languages.
Courses
The first course on the minor introduces you to the core principles of phonology and articulatory phonetics, how speech sounds are generated by our vocal organs, and how to apply this knowledge to your own pronunciation skills. The next course explores the grammatical and accent variation found in different varieties of English. By the end of the course, you will be able to localise a number of representative dialects based on their features.
In period 3 you will investigate some of the grammatical idiosyncrasies of English from different theoretical perspectives (e.g. how does a sentence like kids make nutritious snacks have two possible meanings, one where the kids are making food, and one where the kids are food?!) The last course in the minor is a journey back through time that considers how and why English has changed so dramatically over time to become the language that it is today.
Curriculum
The minor English Language and Culture consists of 4 compulsory courses (30 EC).
Albion is the study society of the Bachelor's degree programme in English Language and Culture, but also offers those who follow the minor the opportunity to become a Friend of Albion. For more information, visit our website or email us at albionutrecht@gmail.com.
Interested in these Masters?
The minor provides substantive preparation for the Master's programmes listed below. It does not guarantee admission, so always check the entry requirements.
- Comparative Literary Studies
- Intercultural Communication
- Literature Today
- Meertaligheid en taalverwerving (with sufficient courses in linguistics)
- New Media & Digital Culture (depends on chosen set of courses)
- Gender Studies (Research)
Contact
With questions or for more information about the registration procedure, please contact the Humanities Student Information Desk.