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.  

• 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

Timetabled sessions include 2 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 are used 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.

• 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

The module is assessed by 100% coursework (25% Generation of Research Questions, 75% Commentary).

The first coursework element 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 Undergraduate Student Handbook. Otherwise, there are no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

Formative assessment: Ongoing analysis of set texts will be formatively assessed in seminars.

• 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  

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.

Halliday, M.A.K. & R. Hasan. 1985. Language, Text and Context. Geelong, Vic.: Deakin University Press.

Hunston, Susan and Geoffrey Thompson (Eds) (2000) Evaluation in text: authorial stance and the construction of discourse. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Martin, J.R.  and D. Rose.  2003 Working with discourse: meaning beyond the clause. Open

Linguistics Series. London: Continuum.

Thompson, Geoff.  2007.  Unfolding Theme:  The development of clausal and textual perspectives on

Theme.  In Ruqaiya Hasan, Christian Matthiessen and Jonathan J. Webster (Eds).  2007.  Continuing Discourse on Language:  A Functional Perspective. (2 Volumes).  London and Oakville:  Equinox.

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.