Module QXL-3344:
Multimodal Text Analysis

Module Facts

Run by School of Arts, Culture and Language

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr June Luchjenbroers

Overall aims and purpose

This module trains students in dealing with multi-modal linguistic information in analyzing written and spoken text. In particular, the module focuses on evidence of conceptual structures in discourse. Students learn to analyse text of different types including (i) a transcript, (ii) aural, tape-recorded discourse; and (iii) video-recorded discourse. Students learn how to analyse phonetic, semantic and grammatical phenomena that shed light on discourse form and function. This may also include gender differences; ethnic differences in how these participants reveal their "selves" in talk; and gestural phenomena.

Aims:
• students will approach different versions of discourse data using the linguistics skills learned in Years 1 and 2 (phonetics, grammar, discourse & semantics), at the different stages in which they can be helpful.
• The method will highlight key features of different Functional approaches to extended discourse.
• The method will include cognitively oriented approaches to help explain and clarify different discourse choices.
• The method will include key features of a Cognitive Linguistics approach to semantics and discourse.
• Students will learn to challenge or support theories and practice as put forward in relevant literature.

Course content

This module include 3 types of data covering the same piece of discourse: (i) transcript, (ii) aural, tape-recorded discourse; and (iii) video-recorded discourse. At each stage analysis may incorporate the analyst’s choices of linguistic description. Where relevant, students are invited to note remarkable phonetic, semantic and grammatical phenomena that shed light on discourse form and function. This may also include gender differences; ethnic differences in how these participants reveal their "selves" in talk; and gestural phenomena. It is the object of this module that students become competent in dealing with multi-modal linguistic information in analyzing text/talk for evidence of conceptual structures in discourse.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

D:
Student has achieved the minimum acceptable standard of understanding and/or knowledge in all the LOs

good

B:
Student has achieved a better-than-average standard of understanding and/or knowledge in all LOs

excellent

A:
Student has achieved a thorough standard of understanding and/or knowledge in all LOs; or student has demonstrated an exceptional level of achievement in one or more LOs

Learning outcomes

  1. Students will be able to demonstrate familiarity with specific analytic categories, analytic strategies, and structural distributions found in text samples, in relation to the literature dealt with in this module.

  2. Students will be able to choose specific analytic categories and analytic strategies, to analyse their data sample, in relation to the literature dealt with in this module.

  3. Students will be able to explain and defend in report form, their understanding of the relevant literature pertaining to each stage of analysis.

Assessment Methods

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

Weekly 2 hour lecture, for 11 weeks.

 22
Seminar

Fortnightly one hour seminars

 5
Private study

In their own time, students will be expected to do required readings for each class, do further research/reading on the topics and prepare assignments.

 173

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Subject specific skills

  • Research skills - students will be able to undertake advanced independent research, involving formulating a research question, identifying and deploying appropriate linguistic methodology (theoretical or empirical), data collection techniques (experimental or field-based), as well as the selection and application of appropriate theoretical frameworks in order to adequately analyse and interpret data.
  • Writing & scholarly conventions - students will be able to present data, argumentation, findings and references in written form in keeping with the conventions current in language science and English language studies to an advanced standard.
  • Analysis & interpretation skills - students will be able to analyse and interpret data accurately and to draw appropriate conclusions based on the application of appropriate analytic and theoretical frameworks available in linguistics and English language studies.
  • Problem solving - students will be able to evidence sophisticated problem-solving skills in formulating problems (factual, empirical, theoretical) in precise terms, identifying key issues, and developing the confidence to address challenging problems using a variety of different approaches
  • Evaluation & reflection - students will be able to critically evaluate to an advanced standard a particular position, viewpoint or argument in relation to a specific area of investigation. They will be able to reflect on the efficacy of a particular approach, practice or performance, and moderate these as a consequence in order to achieve specific goals.
  • Independent investigation - students will develop the ability to plan, design and execute a highly original and significant piece of research or inquiry, either independently or as a member of a team in order to discover a specific solution to an outstanding issue or question through searching out and synthesising written, visual and oral information. Students will also develop skills of independent investigation, including interacting with peers and participants/informants.
  • Personal organisation - students will develop the ability to undertake self-directed study and learning with appropriate time-management
  • Learning to learn - students will learn to reflect upon, modify and improve their learning strategies
  • Information technology - students will develop the ability to use computing and IT skills in order to find, store, interpret and present information, to produce a range of electronic documents and to use software confidently
  • Effective communication - students will develop the ability to communicate effectively, appropriately and confidently, in a range of contexts, to different audience types, and making use of a range of supporting materials
  • Working effectively with others - students will develop the ability to work well with others as part of a group or a team
  • Awareness of and appreciation for linguistic and cultural differences - students will develop an awareness of and an appreciation for the range and nature of linguistic and cultural diversity.
  • Knowledge of linguistic theory and application - students will demonstrate a detailed knowledge of terms, issues, principles, aspects and best practices related to the study of human language and linguistics.
  • Understanding of the nature and organisation of language - students will demonstrate detailed knowledge of observations and findings relating to various aspects of linguistic phenomena and organization.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between language and society, culture, and/or embodied experience - students will demonstrate detailed knowledge of phenomena and findings relating to the complex interdependent relationship between language, society culture and/or embodied experience.
  • Knowledge of the nature of language origins, change and use - students will demonstrate detailed knowledge phenomena and findings relating to the nature of language origins, the way language changes, and factors involved in and affecting language use.

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: