LSMLPC-Language in Professional Communication

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: s.jaworska@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to the key aspects of professional communication and the role of language within. Drawing on a range of theoretical and analytical approaches such as conversation analysis, pragmatics, critical discourse analysis, critical metaphor analysis, genre analysis, communities of practices and multimodality, students will investigate language use across a variety of professional contexts including online and offline environments. These will include service encounters and various aspects of health and business communication. Students will evaluate professional communication in different genres and workplace contexts, and analyse critically the role of language in negotiating and maintaining identity, agency, and power in professions.  

Aims:

This module aims to: 

• equip students with key theoretical and analytical frameworks and tools to study aspects of professional communication across genres and contexts including online and offline environments,


• introduce students to key linguistic aspects of transactional vs. relational communication,


• equip students with the key features of professional genres,


• develop students’ understanding of the role of language in health and business communication,


• develop students’ awareness of the key role of language in assuming agency and negotiating power relations,


• develop students’ knowledge of linguistic strategies used in persuasion;


• increase students’ awareness of key challenges and opportunities relating to professional communication faced by graduates in entering the global workplace.  

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module it is anticipated that the students will be able to:

• understand the differences in transactional and relational communication,


• have an in-depth knowledge of key theoretical frameworks and analytical tools used to study language use in professional communication;


• apply these frameworks and tools to their own analysis of authentic data produced in a variety of professional communication settings.


• critically examine a variety of genres produced in professional contexts;


• understand the role of language in producing and disseminating scientific (biomedical) knowledge;


• critically evaluate aspects of health communication, specifically how power and agency are assumed and/or challenged;


• critically evaluate aspects of business/corporate communication, specifically how various linguistic devices are used for the purpose of persuasion in advertising and branding,


• develop awareness of key challenges and opportunities relating to professional communication in the global workplace.   

Additional outcomes:

The module aims to encourage students to reflect upon how the study of the language use in professional contexts can prepare them better for challenges of the global workplace.

Outline content:

transactional vs. relational communication, genres in professions, communities of practice, service encounters, doctor-patient communication, peer-to-peer communication, corporate communication, metaphors, strategies of persuasion, branding, advertising, greenwash.  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

3,000-3,500 word essay

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback from the module tutor on outlines

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of coursework by 12 noon on the third Friday in August in the year the course is taken.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 15 August 2019