LSMADA-Approaches to Discourse Analysis

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: s.jaworska@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to introduce and apply the key methodological frameworks for the description and analysis of discourse, including spoken and written language in use. We will consider a range of analytical approaches in the description of authentic language, relating features of text to the context in which the language is produced and understood. We will also consider the applicability of these approaches to study discourse in a variety of social and educational contexts.

Aims:
The module aims to:

- familiarize students with a range of approaches used in the description of discourse, and the terms and concepts used in each;
- give students experience of applying the approaches covered to samples of authentic language;
- help students to appreciate the relevance of different approaches to different kinds of discourse analytic problems as well as their applicability to discourse study in a variety of social and educational contexts;
- develop critical awareness of the benefits and limitations of discourse analytical approaches to study language use in social and educational contexts.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to demonstrate:

- a critical understanding of the principles underlying key methodological approaches of discourse analysis, and knowledge of the terminology and concepts underlying these approaches;
- ability to select appropriate models in accordance with specific goals of analysis;
- justify this selection and evaluate its applicability to study discourse in social and educational contexts.

Additional outcomes:
The module aims to encourage students' critical analytical skills with respect to a wide range of samples of language in use, written and spoken. Through group and pairwork, students will develop skills of collaboration, in addition to independent analysis, critical reading and report writing skills.

Outline content:
The following topics will be introduced and discussed: speech-act theory, politeness, conversation analysis, interactional sociolinguistics, notions of coherence and cohesion, genre, critical discourse analysis, multimodal discourse analysis and corpus linguistics. Issues will be introduced with reference mainly to English discourse. The data for analysis will be drawn from such sources as spontaneous informal conversations, television interviews, newspaper articles and academic texts.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This module consists of weekly 1 hour lecture and 1 hour seminar dedicated to practical exercises, group work and discussions.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

- Transcription of a short passage (20%) - One essay of 2,000-2,500 (70%) - Three Online multiple choice tests (10%)

Formative assessment methods:

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-examination by coursework (written assignment and practical skills assessment) to be submitted by 1 September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 4 May 2020