SE1397: Language, Genre and Ideology
School | Language and Communication |
Department Code | ENCAP |
Module Code | SE1397 |
External Subject Code | 100318 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L6 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Professor Thomas Bartlett |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
This module connects the functional description of language introduced in years 1 and 2 to the analysis of discourse as a social activity. We will consider the importance of context in discourse analysis and the ways in which grammatical patterns across texts can be explained in terms of the social functions of these texts and the social positions of those who produce and receive them.
The module aims to develop skills in analysing texts from a multifunctional perspective; to equip students with skills to compare and evaluate perspectives on textual meaning; to collect, transcribe and analyse data; and to present in oral and written forms project work on various aspects of social interaction.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
· Analyse stretches of text in terms of lexicogrammatical features and their relation to experiential, interpersonal and textual meaning
· Analyse the development of meanings across texts and discuss how different features work together at different stages
· Relate the organisation of linguistic features across texts to the context in which the texts were produced, the social position of the speakers and their relationships with multiple audiences
How the module will be delivered
Timetabled sessions include2 lectures and 1 seminar per week. During seminars, you may be required to make presentations and/or lead discussion.Lectures are usually supplemented with PowerPoint slides and handouts summarising content at a reasonable level of detail. These are usually made available on Learning Central before the session. Audio and video areused in this module. Transcripts are provided where the audio or visual texts are analysed in detail or are a core element of the lecture/seminar.
Skills that will be practised and developed
· Written presentation skills
· Presentation of concise academic argument supported through relevant citations.
· Analytical and critical skills.
· Analysis of texts according to experiential, interpersonal and textual features
· Analysis of cohesion and development of texts
· Comparison of texts within and across genre types
· Relation of features of texts to social conditions of production and reception
· the module is also relevant to all the employability pathways
How the module will be assessed
The module is assessed by coursework only.
Type of assessment |
% |
Title |
Duration (exam) / Word length (essay) |
Approx. date of assessment |
Coursework |
25 |
Text Analysis |
Short text(s) |
|
Coursework |
75 |
Commentary |
2400 words |
|
The analytical assignment will be marked and returned before the due date for the commentary. The analysis will then form the basis of the essay. Office hours will be made available for discussion of students’ proposed texts and methods of analysis from early in the module.
The module is assessed according to the Assessment Criteria set out in the English Language and Communication Course Guide. Otherwise, there are no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Written Assessment | 25 | Coursework - Text Analysis | N/A |
Written Assessment | 75 | Coursework - Commentary | N/A |
Syllabus content
· Discourse as social positioning
· Analysis of texts in terms of field, interpersonal relations and rhetorical style
· Relation of features of texts to social conditions of production and reception
Essential Reading and Resource List
Set text:
Bartlett, T. 2014. Analysing Power in Language: A Practical Guide. New York and London: Routledge.
Other resources:
Bartlett, T. 2005. The Communities Strike Back: Genres of the Third Space. Journal of Language and Intercultural Development Vol. 5, No 1.
Blommaert, J. 2005. Discourse: A Critical Introduction. Cambridge: CUP.
Eggins, S. & D. Slade. (1997) Analysing casual conversation. London: Cassell.
Background Reading and Resource List
You will also be expected to read books and journal articles both in printed copy and online. You should contact the module leader as early as possible if you will require readings in an alternative format.