This module aims to enhance students’ understanding of a variety of media discourse genres, ranging from print media texts to broadcast talk. We focus particularly on how media discourse has changed over time in relation to wider social and political phenomena, such as globalisation. We examine a range of media forms and their meanings, as articulated primarily through language, and explore issues relevant to media production, audience participation, commentary and ‘live’ reporting in media events, and global media discourses and ideologies. This module aims to develop students’ understanding of how different approaches can be used to analyse a range of media genres, drawing on (critical) discourse and conversation analysis.

On completion of the module, a student should be able to:

·         Demonstrate knowledge of how language (together with other semiotic resources) is strategically used in mediated contexts, and how media discourse has changed over time;

·         Use relevant and appropriate approaches to analysing text and talk in mediated contexts;

·         Understand how the relationship between media professionals and audience is constructed in a range of different media settings;

·         Critically evaluate relations between language, representations, power and ideology in mediated contexts.

Timetabled sessions include 2 lectures and 1 seminar per week. Lectures are usually supplemented with PowerPoint slides and handouts, summarising content and/or providing samples from media texts or talk. These are usually made available on Learning Central during or immediately after the session. When audio or visual texts are to be analysed in detail, transcripts are provided. Audio and video are regularly used in this module.

During seminars, you may be required to make presentations and/or lead discussion. In this case, you will be given sufficient time to prepare and practice your contribution, either before the class or in pair or group work in class. Seminars may also require you to do some preparation in advance, involving reading of research papers for seminar discussion or collecting snippets of media texts or talk to discuss and analyse in class.

You will develop your analytical skills and ability to apply theory and appropriate methodologies to the analysis of original data. At the same time, you will enhance your critical ability to reflect upon processes of media production and their evolution over time. You will practise comparing and contrasting different types of information and theories, as well as integrating different methodologies. All assessment tasks will assist you in developing further your ability to sustain a logical argument and reach a convincing conclusion.   The module is also relevant to all the employability pathways.

The coursework (50%) provides an opportunity to explore a topic in more depth and apply your knowledge of relevant theories and methodologies to the analysis of a media text (or an extract of broadcast talk) of your choice. Your coursework should demonstrate knowledge of how language (together with other semiotic resources, if relevant) is strategically used in specific instances of media discourse, drawing on previous research and debates about media discourse. The discussion of your own findings in light of previous research will allow you to critically reflect upon changes of media discourse over time and wider issues of power and ideology in mediated contexts.

The exam (50%) involves two equally weighted argumentative essays on topics covered in the module. You will need to develop a clear and coherent argument that touches upon an aspect of media discourse and demonstrates good understanding of and critical engagement with key readings.

The module will include a selection of most of the following topics:

• Media as ‘public sphere’: rhetoric and stance in media discourse genres
• News as a discourse genre, news reporting, news interview genres, agenda setting
• Voices in the media, narrative and identity
• Audience participation, argument and opinion giving
• ‘liveness’, commentary and media events
• New TV genres, ‘docu-soaps’, ‘reality’ TV
• Global media genres and discourses

Fairclough, N. (1995) Media Discourse. London: Arnold.

Hutchby, I. (2006) Media Talk: Conversation Analysis and the Study of Broadcasting. Maidenhead: OUP/McGraw Hill.

Johnson, S. and Ensslin, A. (eds) (2007) Language in the Media: Representations, Identities, Ideologies. London: Continuum.

Macdonald, M. (2003) Exploring Media Discourse. London: Routledge.

Machin, D. and van Leeuwen, T. (2007) Global Media Discourse: A Critical Introduction. London and New York: Routledge.

Marriott, S. (2007) Live Television: Time, Space and the Broadcast Event. London: Sage.

Lorenzo-Dus, N. (2009) Television Discourse: Analysing Language in the Media.  Basingstoke: Palgrave-Macmillan.

Scannell, P. (1996) Radio, Television and Modern Life. Oxford: Blackwell.

Thornborrow, J. (2002) Power Talk: Language and Interaction in Institutional Discourse. London: Pearson Education.

Talbot, M. (2007) Media Discourse: Representation and Interaction. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Tolson, A. (2005) Media Talk: Spoken Discourse on TV and radio. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Fairclough, N. (1995) Media Discourse. London: Arnold.

Hutchby, I. (2006) Media Talk: Conversation Analysis and the Study of Broadcasting. Maidenhead: OUP/McGraw Hill.

Johnson, S. and Ensslin, A. (eds) (2007) Language in the Media: Representations, Identities, Ideologies. London: Continuum.

Macdonald, M. (2003) Exploring Media Discourse. London: Routledge.

Machin, D. and van Leeuwen, T. (2007) Global Media Discourse: A Critical Introduction. London and New York: Routledge.

Marriott, S. (2007) Live Television: Time, Space and the Broadcast Event. London: Sage.

Scannell, P. (1996) Radio, Television and Modern Life. Oxford: Blackwell.

Thornborrow, J. (2002) Power Talk: Language and Interaction in Institutional Discourse. London: Pearson Education.

Talbot, M. (2007) Media Discourse: Representation and Interaction. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Tolson, A. (2005) Media Talk: Spoken Discourse on TV and radio. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.