Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this diploma, you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- texts in English (or translated into English) from a wide range of different genres
- the central and complex role of language in the creation of meaning
- key critical and theoretical approaches to the study of English, including an awareness of how language and texts negotiate cultural change and difference
- the character and conventions of the principal literary genres – poetry, fiction and drama – and of other kinds of writing and communication
- the history and contemporary position of English and its role as a global language
- writing fiction, poetry, biography and autobiography with technical skill, individual style and editorial awareness
Cognitive skills
On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:
- analyse a wide range of contemporary and historical texts from a variety of cultural contexts in an appropriate critical vocabulary
- evaluate different interpretations of texts and language
- relate ideas drawn from a variety of sources, including abstract concepts, to specific texts
- diagnose and solve problems arising in your work, both critical and creative, and be able to respond to beneficial advice to enhance your writing
- develop critical skills in the close reading and analysis of diverse texts and learn to use appropriate linguistic and literary terminology to describe and analyse texts
- give objective and informed evaluations of your own and others’ work through constructive criticism
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:
- organise time and workload in the planning and writing of assignments and longer projects, following the conventions of scholarship in the subject, and acknowledging the work of others
- edit and present a range of assignments to a professional standard
- participate constructively in critical discussion about creative and scholarly work, collaborating orally and in writing with peers in developing your own work and the work of your fellow students; contributing to a supportive writing and literary community
- identify relevant material for a particular task from a variety of sources
- identify and evaluate conflicting arguments, including recognising the significance of different value positions in these arguments
Key skills
On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:
- communicate complex ideas and arguments clearly and in ways that are appropriate to your subject, purpose and audience
- use ICT tools competently, using information literacy skills in finding, evaluating and using online data
- gather, sift, interpret and organize substantial quantities of diverse information in structured ways and reference sources appropriately
- monitor and reflect on personal progress and make use of feedback from a tutor to improve performance
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
You will be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment, which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top-quality module texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups; and community forums.
A range of assessment methods is used. Most modules include continuous assessment and an examinable component (not an exam). The tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) that make up the continuous assessment component may take the form of essays, reflective writing, and reports, depending on the module and the level.