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LS2DAN: Discourse Analysis
Module code: LS2DAN
Module provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics; School of Humanities
Credits: 20
Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)
When you'll be taught: Semester 1
Module convenor: Dr Tony Capstick, email: tony.capstick@reading.ac.uk
Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE LS1SG AND TAKE LS1ELS (Compulsory)
Co-requisite module(s):
Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):
Module(s) excluded:
Placement information: NA
Academic year: 2024/5
Available to visiting students: Yes
Talis reading list: Yes
Last updated: 21 May 2024
Overview
Module aims and purpose
This module aims to introduce students to the key methodological frameworks for the description and analysis of discourse, including spoken and written language in use. It considers a range of analytical approaches in the description of authentic language, relating features of text to the context in which the language is produced and understood. These include: pragmatics, conversation analysis, interactional sociolinguistics, genre and narrative analysis, critical discourse analysis (CDA) and multimodality. Students will apply the knowledge of the approaches to study examples of discourse in a variety of social, cultural and political contexts. This module expands on the knowledge and skills acquired on Part I modules, specifically English Language and Society.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of key approaches to the description and analysis of discourse, and the terms and concepts used in each;
- Use discourse-analytical conventions to transcribe spoken interactions
- Identify an appropriate approach to a specific type of discourse or goals of discourse analysis
- Apply a relevant approach to study a sample of chosen discourse
Module content
The module has 10 core topics:
- Principles and aims of discourse analysis
- Principles and conventions of transcribing spoken language
- Pragmatics
- Conversation Analysis
- Interactional Sociolinguistics
- Cohesion and Coherence
- Genre Analysis
- Narratives and Story Telling
- Critical Discourse Analysis
- Multimodal Discourse Analysis
Structure
Teaching and learning methods
The module is delivered through interactive lectures in which content delivery is interspersed with group activities and discussions. Students also work in small teams (groups of 3 to 5) to record and transcribe an informal conversation.
Study hours
At least 22 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.
 Scheduled teaching and learning activities |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Lectures | 22 | ||
Seminars | |||
Tutorials | |||
Project Supervision | |||
Demonstrations | |||
Practical classes and workshops | |||
Supervised time in studio / workshop | |||
Scheduled revision sessions | |||
Feedback meetings with staff | |||
Fieldwork | |||
External visits | |||
Work-based learning | |||
 Self-scheduled teaching and learning activities |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Directed viewing of video materials/screencasts | 5 | ||
Participation in discussion boards/other discussions | 10 | ||
Feedback meetings with staff | 5 | ||
Other | 25 | ||
Other (details) | Group work | ||
 Placement and study abroad |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Placement | |||
Study abroad | |||
 Independent study hours |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Independent study hours | 133 |
Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.
Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.
Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.
Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.
Assessment
Requirements for a pass
Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.
Summative assessment
Type of assessment | Detail of assessment | % contribution towards module mark | Size of assessment | Submission date | Additional information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written coursework assignment | Transcription of an informal conversation | 40 | Conversation of up to 15 minutes | Semester 1, Teaching Week 9 | Students work in groups to record an informal conversation and transcribe 15 minutes of the conversation. |
Written coursework assignment | Essay | 60 | 2,000 words | Semester 1, Assessment Week 1 | Students write an essay on a topic selected from a list of set themes. |
Penalties for late submission of summative assessment
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:
Assessments with numerical marks
- where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
- the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
- where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
- where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
Assessments marked Pass/Fail
- where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
- where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Formative assessment
Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.
Reassessment
Type of reassessment | Detail of reassessment | % contribution towards module mark | Size of reassessment | Submission date | Additional information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written coursework assignment | Transcription of an informal conversation | 40 | Conversation of up to 15 minutes | Before the August re-sit period,to be agreed with the Department | A student who chooses to re-submit this assignment at the second attempt will be required to submit an assignment based a conversation set by the module tutor. |
Written coursework assignment | Essay | 60 | 2,000 words | Before the August re-sit period, to be agreed with the Department | A student who chooses to re-submit this assignment at the second attempt will be required to submit an assignment based on a different topic, equivalent to that used for the first submission. |
Additional costs
Item | Additional information | Cost |
---|---|---|
Computers and devices with a particular specification | ||
Printing and binding | ||
Required textbooks | Jones, R. (2019). Discourse Analysis: A Resource Book for Students. Routledge. | Approx. £28 |
Specialist clothing, footwear, or headgear | ||
Specialist equipment or materials | ||
Travel, accommodation, and subsistence |
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.