LS2DAN-Discourse Analysis

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: LS1SG Sounds, Grammar and Meaning and LS1ELS English Language and Society or PL1GML Grammar and Meaning
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Diana Ben-Aaron
Email: d.o.ben-aaron@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 political 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.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• awareness of the principles underlying key models of discourse analysis represented in the literature;

• awareness of the differing perspectives offered by these approaches and an ability to synthesize these models;

• an ability to select appropriate approaches in accordance with specific goals of analysis and consider their applicability to data;

• familiarity with some of the conventions for the transcription of spoken interaction.

Additional outcomes:

The module aims to encourage the development of students' critical and evaluative skills. Through group-work and individual workshop tasks students will be encouraged to develop independent thinking and teamwork.

Outline content:

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

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module consists of a weekly 1 hour lecture and a 1 hour seminar dedicated to practical exercises, group work and discussions.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Guided independent study:	180
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term	200
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Practical skills assessment	30
Set exercise	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework

• One essay of 2,000-2,500 (60%)


• Group project on Spoken Language including recording, transcription and data analysis (30%)


• Three online multiple choice (MC) tests on Blackboard (10%).

Formative assessment methods:

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:
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-examination by coursework to be submitted by 12 noon on the third Friday in August in the year the course is taken’.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2021