LS3LPC-Language in Professional Communication

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: LS1SG Sounds, Grammar and Meaning and LS1ELS English Language and Society
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Sylvia Jaworska
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.  


• Prepare students for the workplace through group work activities   

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.   


• develop awareness of working in professional contexts through assessed group activities.   

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:

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		50
Wider reading (directed)		30
Advance preparation for classes		50
Essay preparation		50
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Portfolio of Tasks

Individual Assignment: Press Release Story: 1,000 words – 60%

Group Assignment: Promotional Video – 40%

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback from the module tutor on outlines

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of coursework by12 noon on the third Friday in August in the year the course is taken.

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: 21 November 2022