English I
As a student in English, you are trained in the theories and research methodologies of two distinct academic disciplines, English linguistics and English literature. In English linguistics, you gain a deeper understanding of what language is and how it works. In English literature, you reflect upon the role of stories, plays, and poems in society, and acquire tools that help you understand how literary texts work. English 1 introduces you to both disciplines. Studying English, you will not only improve your English, you will develop your communication skills and your analytical, critical, and interpretive abilities.
English 1 is available as a freestanding course but is also part of Teacher Education Programmes and a Bachelor's Programme at Stockholm University. If you are taking the course within such a programme, please read the instructions under “more information”. The course structure is the same for all students reading English 1.
English 1 (30 credits) comprises four modules (7.5 credits each) relevant to the study of English-language literature and linguistics. This includes strategies for learning as well as academic writing.
Spring term 2026: note that the syllabus has been revised for this term.
Course material for all modules will be made available on Athena before the start of the course. Log-in to Athena with your university account. You need to have registered for the course in Ladok and activated your university account to get access to Athena but please note that it can take a while after registration before you get access to Athena.
Modules
Introduction to English, INTR (7.5 credits)
This module provides an introduction to the English language. The module specifically focuses on English vocabulary and grammar in academic communication. Students develop an understanding of study techniques and use these to expand their English vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. Special focus is given to strategies for vocabulary learning. In addition, students are trained in academic discourse.
Reading Literature, LITT (7.5 credits)
In this module, students study literary texts in English from different genres and learn basic literary concepts and analytical methods.
Linguistics 1, LIN1 (7.5 credits)
This module provides insight into different areas of English linguistics by introducing basic concepts that are relevant to the description of the structure and use of English in the fields of phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. Students learn about relevant concepts in these areas, and how they relate to each other.
Academic Reading and Writing, AKAD (7.5 credits)
This module aims to support and develop students’ academic writing skills in English, focusing on essays in English-language literature and linguistics. Students are trained in structuring arguments about literature and linguistics in accordance with academic conventions.
Teaching Format
The teaching comprises lectures, workshops and seminars. Active participation is expected from students in all teaching formats in order to pass the examination. Students will often work with different tasks and assignments during the teaching sessions in preparation for the examination. Apart from scheduled teaching, time will be spent reading course literature and completing mandatory assignments. Full-time students are expected to spend about 40 hours per week on their studies.
As a student of English, it is essential that you plan your studies carefully and start reading in good time before a lecture, workshop or seminar to be in phase with the teaching.
Assessment
Spring term 2026: note that the syllabus has been revised for this term.
Introduction to English: an oral presentation and a written, sit-down exam.
Reading Literature: a written, sit-down exam.
Linguistics 1: a written, sit-down exam.
Academic Reading and Writing: two written, sit-down exams.
Examiner
The teaching comprises lectures (all groups together) and workshops (some groups together), and also seminars in smaller groups.
English 1 consists of four modules. For the first module (Introduction to English), there are six groups for the autumn term.
For the other modules (Reading Literature, Linguistics 1 and Academic Reading and Writing), there will be five groups.
The schedule shows the schedule for all groups. You will be divided into a group at the start of term, as group placements will depend on the number of registered students.
When the course starts, you will get access to Athena. Each module will have an Athena page. On that Athena page, you will be able to see which group you are in. Log-in to Athena with your university account.
Spring term 2026: note that the syllabus has been revised for this term, and there will be some changes to the course literature.
English 1 within a programme at Stockholm University
If you have been accepted to one of the programmes where you study English I in your first term, information about the programme and admission is sent out to newly admitted students by the department responsible for that programme.
If you are taking English 1 as a second subject within a Teacher Education Programme, you will receive information from us about admission to English 1 ahead of the relevant term as long as your study plan is up-to-date and you are on our list of expected students.
Responsible departments:
Teacher Education Programme
(“ämneslärarprogram mot gymnasieskolan och årskurs 7-9”):
Department of Teaching and Learning
English 1 is also available for students within the ULV and VAL programmes.
Bachelor's Programme in Language and Translation Studies:
Student Affairs Office and Study counsellor
Module coordinators (autumn term 2025):
Introduction to English: Josep Soler
Reading Literature: Adnan Mahmutović
Linguistics 1: Peter Sundkvist
Academic Reading and Writing: Anna Swärdh
