SE1408: Media Discourse

School Language and Communication
Department Code ENCAP
Module Code SE1408
External Subject Code 100318
Number of Credits 20
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Thiresia Spilioti
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2022/3

Outline Description of Module

This module aims to enhance students’ understanding of a variety of media discourse genres. We focus particularly on how media discourse  has changed over time in relation to specific technological developments, such as the introduction of new technologies, and wider social and political phenomena, such as globalisation. We analyse a range of media forms and their meanings, as articulated primarily through language, and evaluate a range of issues relevant to media production, audience/user participation, media disputes, mediated narratives, news discourse and advice-giving. This module aims to develop students’ understanding of how different approaches can be used to analyse a range of media genres, drawing on conversation analysis, media discourse analysis, and interactional sociolinguistics.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • Analyse how language (together with other semiotic resources) is strategically used in mediated contexts;
  • Select relevant and appropriate approaches to analysing text and talk in mediated contexts;
  • Assess how the relationship between media professionals and audience is constructed in a range of different media settings;
  • Critically evaluate relations between language, representations, and power in mediated contexts
  • Sustain a critical argument informed by and relevant to research on language and media

How the module will be delivered

This module will be delivered through a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous activities, as part of this programme’s blended provision, which will include on-campus and online teaching and support.

The precise mode of delivery and details – subject to Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance – of the teaching and support activities will be made available at the start of the semester via Learning Central.

Skills that will be practised and developed

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.

How the module will be assessed

The assessment(s) for this module will be published in due course.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 50 Media Text/Talk Analysis N/A
Exam online – Spring semester 40 Media Discourse 4
Written Assessment 10 Seminar Tasks N/A

Syllabus content

Indicative Syllabus:

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

  • Public Participation Media
  • Self-presentation in the media
  • Self-branding and Twitter discourse
  • Narrative discourse and personal stories on air and on social media
  • Public participation, media debates, and conflict
  • Expert opinion and mediated advice
  • News discourse in broadcasting and electronic media
  • Performance, Spectacle and Mediatization

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