Course content
In this course we will examine the spread of the English language around the world. We will begin with regions in the world where English is spoken as a first language (England, the Celtic countries, the U.S., Australia, etc.). We will then move on to regions where English is spoken as a second language (Africa and Asia), and from there to regions where English is used as a foreign language or a lingua franca (e.g. The Netherlands, Europe, Japan, and so on).
We will explore a range of issues in the global spread of English. These include: linguistic issues (variation in English, World Englishes), social issues ( language and identity, language and power, language death, linguistic exclusion and discrimination), and literary concerns (the use of English in postcolonial literature).
Some of the lectures are presented by guest lecturers from Scotland, Australia, Uganda and Japan.
In the seminar, we will address questions that have arisen from the lectures or the reading and we will discuss course work.
Course overview
- Course delivery: virtual, online only.
- Dates: 31 August – 23 October 2026.
- Language of instruction: English.
- Credits: 6 ECTS.
- Course leader: dr. L.M. Rupp, Faculty of Humanities.
- Confirmation of study: Transcript of records, also in the form of an Aurora Microcredential.
Target audience
- Study level: Bachelors.
- Language level: English B2.
- Field of study: Interdisciplinary.
- This course is by nomination only. Please send your nominations to aurora@vu.nl
- Nomination deadline: 1 August 2026
- Please note: online attendance and participation is compulsory for every class.
- Application deadline following nomination: 19 August (or when number of maximum participants reached)
- After the nomination deadline, the students will receive the online application form. After acceptance and registration, a passport copy is requested for the enrolment of the students.
- Max 20 Aurora students in total.
Please see the course page for the most up to date information and the official Aurora page.