Overview

1. Introduction: Communication and miscommunication in everyday life – and linguistic reasons for them
2. Theories and models of communication
3. Linguistic principles
4. Methods of discourse analysis
5. Modes of communication
6. Contexts and areas of communication
7. Public contexts (e.g., media, journalism, political, or scientific discourse)
8. Communication in the internet
9. Classroom discourse
10. Casual contexts
11. Intercultural communication

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -C (50%): The answer must address the question. The answer must show a basic knowledge and understanding of the relevant key areas and principles of the foundational theories, constructs and methodologies of Linguistics. The student must show evidence of being able to apply the principles to the analysis of language and linguistic examples and/or data. The answer must show evidence of some background study. -good -B: The answer must be focussed and structured. The answer must show a better-than-average standard of knowledge and understanding of the foundational theories, constructs and methodologies of Linguistics. The linguistic examples used in the answer may be based upon examples from the literature but must also include original examples. The answer must show evidence of background study with at least some from primary sources. -excellent -A: The answer must be highly focused and well-structured. The answer must show comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding. The answer must show some original interpretation, new links between topics and/or a new approach to a problem.The answer must show evidence of extensive background study using primary sources.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to conduct a piece of research drawing on any component presented in this module.

• Students will be able to demonstrate advanced understanding of the diversity of language used in different communication contexts.

• Students will be able to deploy appropriate discourse analytic methods for specific types of language data.

• Students will be able to highlight systematic patterns of using language.

• Students will demonstrate confidence in discussing features of everyday language.