This module explores the role and place of gender in language and communication.  It critically examines studies on children’s socialisation into gender roles, the differences in male and female speech and the role of power and dominance in cross-gender communication. We examine research on the discursive construction of participant’s gender identity in interaction. We will also explore linguistic sexism, the construction of gender and sexuality in talk and text and look at the relevance of gender in educational and institutional settings.

• Describe and critically evaluate different approaches to the study of language and gender

• Describe and critically evaluate the role of gender in identity construction
• Understand and exemplify the constructive nature of talk and interaction in the formulation of gender and sexual identities
• Understand and exemplify the relevance of gender in institutional and educational contexts
• Analyse talk in single and mixed sex contexts
• Write an analysis of talk and interaction from the perspective of gender 
• Write an essay which critically examines an aspect of language and gender

Timetabled sessions include 2 lectures and 1 small-group seminar per week. During seminars, you will take part in group discussions and analyse data with the aim to discussing findings in a critical way. 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. Audio and video content may be used in this module to illustrate aspects of language, communication and gender. Transcripts can be provided where the audio or visual texts are analysed in detail or are a core element of the lecture/seminar.

• Reading and critically evaluating relevant published book chapters and journal articles on language, communication and gender
• Discussing set readings on language, communication and gender (in seminars)
• Collecting, transcribing  (where relevant) talk and interaction from the perspective of gender
• Analysing specific aspects of gender and language in a range of settings using your own and/or published data sources
• Writing an academic report and/or essay

These are transferrable skills which will be useful in a range of employment areas.

The module is assessed by coursework (50%) and exam (50%).

The coursework (50% of module mark): Students will be given a choice to a) either carry out a small scale project based on data collected by themselves or b) accessed from a media context, analysing a specific aspect of (parts of ) the data, or c) a critical essay. The coursework questions will be made available at the beginning of the module and guidance about how to approach the assignment will be given in seminars.

The exam (50% of module mark) will involve answering two essay based questions from a choice of six questions. Typically the exam essays are focussed on topics that complement those in the coursework assessment. Towards the end of the module, guidance will be given about the exam and revision.

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.

• Gender socialisation in childhood
• Theoretical approaches to language and gender (e.g. Deficit, Dominance and Difference)
• Talk in all-female groups
• Politeness, gossip and gender
• Language and masculinities; organisation of men’s talk
• Performing and constructing gender identities in talk and text (e.g. in media contexts)
• Language and sexuality
• Language and gender in institutional settings
• Language and gender in educational settings

You will be expected to read books and journal articles both in printed copy and online. The following books cover the main topics of the module:

Coates, J. and Pichler, P. (2011) (eds.) Language and Gender. A Reader. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Coates, J. (2003) Men Talk. Stories in the Making of Masculinities.  Oxford: Blackwell.

Coates, J. (2013) Women, Men and Everyday Talk.  Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Litosseliti, L. (2006) Gender and Language. Theory and Practice.  London: Hodder Arnold.

Talbot, M. (2010) (2^nd ed.) Language and Gender.  Cambridge: Polity.

An extensive reading list will be given out at the beginning of the module and recommended reading for each topic will be indicated on lecture handouts.

There are many books and journal articles in Cardiff University library and online which will be recommended throughout the course. You will also be encouraged to surf the net for relevant sites.

There will be a Course Reader which is used as a basis for the seminars and which will include readings covering each of the topic areas of the module. You should contact the module leader as early as possible if you will require readings in an alternative format. Links to some relevant articles will also be placed in Learning Central.