LSMADAR-Approaches to Discourse Analysis

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Sylvia Jaworska
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 excises, group work and discussions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:	180
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	300

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One essay of 4500-5000 words on a general topic related to the focus of the module. The essay will focus on an area (or areas) of theory, research or research methods discussed in the module (chosen by the student), and will link the topic to practical and professional areas of interest (e.g., a teaching and/or learning situation with which the student is familiar).

This piece of work constitutes 100% of the module mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-asssessment 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: 30 March 2023