Overview

The way we use language to communicate has changed considerably over the past couple of decades, not only due to rapid technological developments around the web and social media, but also related to global challenges such as climate change and pandemics. This module offers an opportunity to critically examine the communicative principles that govern these developments, and to question seemingly harmless common practices by considering their effects. All sessions will be highly interactive and offer students plenty of opportunities to practice their communicative skills. Assessments include a poster presentation on on the topic of “Communication and culture”, and a critical essay on a chosen digital communication mode (such as a website, blog or video).

After discussing some theoretical models of linguistic communication, lectures will consider the variability of communication across contexts and modes, and then address how communication is often framed through metaphors and word choices. The next three lectures will look more closely at websites, social media, and online communities, addressing key communication principles and pitfalls such as fake news. We will then consider the role of AI for communication, and look specifically at challenging communication contexts such as climate change and crises such as pandemics or war. The final session will wrap up with a specific focus on intercultural communication in the digital age. The seminars will provide opportunities for considering lecture content and for discussing communicative practices and associated research, alongside practical advice for the assignments, flexible teamworking opportunities, and peer feedback supporting assignment preparations.

Indicative course content list:

1. Introduction: Communication and miscommunication in everyday life
2. Theories and models of communication
3. Communication contexts, modes and multimodality
4. Framing and metaphors in discourse(s)
5. Communication through websites
6. Communication through social media
7. Online communities, filter bubbles, and fake news
8. The role of AI: Chatbots and algorithms
9. Climate change and environmental communication
10. Crisis communication: Pandemics, natural catastrophes, and war
11. Intercultural communication in the digital age

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 within the area of Language and Communication. 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 within the area of Language and Communication. 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

• Combine and justify their insights by specialising further on key aspects of this module.

• Evaluate key features of communication in the digital age.

• Interpret principles of using language in digital communication contexts.

• Synthesise principles governing the diversity of communication used in different contexts.