ML3LP-Language and Power

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Federico Faloppa
Email: f.faloppa@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to familiarise students with the linguistic means by which a whole range of persuasive texts can be analysed. We will also be considering the use of language as a powerful tool in itself. We will investigate a range of genres, discourse types, and theoretical approaches, and we will look at textual, pragmatic, and rhetorical features to better understand power relations and how texts (and their content) can be manipulated. We will then understand, and apply techniques to reveal a text’s underlying ideological stance and bias. 

Aims:

This module aims to familiarise students with the linguistic means by which a whole range of persuasive texts can be analysed. We will also be considering the use of language as a powerful tool in itself, than can construe reality, preserve or challenge power, harm and discriminate individuals and social groups, enhance social conflict or foster social cohesion. To do this, we will investigate a range of genres, discourses (among which socio-political, economic, media, and medical discourse), and theoretical approaches, including Critical Discourse Analysis, Conversation Analysis, Argumentation Analysis. We will look at stylistic and rhetorical features, linguistic creativity and language “play”, linguistic prescriptivism and political correctness, and more in general techniques for disclosing a text’s underlying ideological stance and power relationships.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students are expected to be able to: 

• analyse linguistically and stylistically a wide range of discourse types and literary genres from different periods and varieties, with a particular focus on 20th - 21st century material;  


• understand the power of language to move emotions and to elicit responses;  


• gain an understanding of concepts of sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, conversation analysis, stylistic and rhetoric;  


• be able to critically explore issues of manipulation, bias, ideology and power;  


• analyse everyday conversational strategies;  


• acquire a meta-linguistic awareness and vocabulary. 

Additional outcomes:

Students will also acquire: 

• the ability to manage complex information in a structured and systematic way 


• research skills, including the retrieval of information, the organisation of material, and the evaluation of its importance. 


• the ability to present an argument in an academic poster format. 

Outline content:

Lessons will be devoted to acquire analytical frameworks, examine a range of discourse types in order to understand the power of language, apply methodologies and analytical skills to design original research. Concepts of style and rhetoric will also be discussed, as well as issues of linguistic creativity and language play in both literary and non-literary texts, issues of manipulation, bias, ideology in discourse; a broader sociolinguistic and discourse analysis perspective will underpin discussions of power relationship in social interactions.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught through a combination of formal lectures, seminars, and research project supervision, for which students will carry out preparatory reading. Seminars will be delivered in structured group discussions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	12	12
Seminars	3
Project Supervision		3
Guided independent study:	90	80
Total hours by term	105	95	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment will comprise a poster presentation due in Week 1 of Spring Term (30%).

3000 word project (worth 70%) due in the Summer Term.

One piece of assessment worth no more than 50% of the module mark can be replaced by a report produced after an academic placement. The placement must be agreed in advance by the module convenor; the length of the report is to be equivalent to standard departmental practice for coursework.   

Formative assessment methods:

All students will be asked to contribute to class discussions and activities.

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:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re- examination in August in the event of failure in this module and in the degree as a whole. Coursework bearing a confirmed mark of 40% or more can be carried forward; all other coursework to be resubmitted by 12 NOON on the third Friday of August or, if the University is closed, by 12 NOON on the first working day thereafter.

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: 25 April 2023