Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO DISCOURSE ANALYSIS
Code ENGL640
Coordinator Dr MLB Randles
English
L.Randles@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

This module is designed to introduce students to the principles, aims and fundamental approaches involved in the analysis of spoken and written discourse, by which is meant the study of language within its contexts of use. Traditionally, for language teachers language analysis has primarily meant structural grammar. Over the last two decades, however, there has been a fundamental shift in the study of language, away from looking at decontextualised structures in isolated sentences and towards looking at language functioning as communication. This has been reflected in foreign language teaching in the rise of communicative teaching approaches. The main aim of this course is to introduce participants to those aspects of spoken and written discourse which are particularly relevant for the teaching of English as a foreign language, and to equip them with some of the tools and techniques needed to investigate naturally-occurring English texts. The module further aims to encourage student s to consider the implications of discourse analysis for the teaching of English language.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) On successful completion of the course, students will be able to recognise and define terms and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of key issues and concepts in the field of discourse analysis.

(LO2) On successful completion of the course, students will be able to carry out analyses of important discourse features in naturally occurring spoken and written texts.

(LO3) On successful completion of the course, students will have developed critical understanding of how language works at the level of whole texts and within different contexts.

(LO4) On successful completion of the course, students will be able to reflect on how this understanding can be applied in the teaching of English as a foreign language and other fields of Applied Linguistics.

(LO5) On successful completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and critical understanding of the application of aspects of discourse analysis in English language teaching materials, methodology and language analysis.

(S1) Ability to transcribe a spoken text with appropriate conventions used in models of discourse analysis.

(S2) Ability to recognize and use linguistic terms specific to discourse analysis.

(S3) Effective academic writing and referencing.

(S4) Effective, targeted linguistic research.

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Negotiation skills


Syllabus

 

Definitions of spoken & written discourse.

Textual organisation, connection and repetition, patterns of textual organisation.

Context, discourse processing, register and genre.

Interaction in spoken and written texts; personal pronouns, questions, commands,

Formative task.

Individual study week.

Interaction in texts; modality and evaluative language.

Critical Discourse Analysis.

Pragmatics.

Analysing EFL texts.

Summative assessment.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module will be delivered by weekly 1-hour whole-cohort workshops and weekly 1-hour seminars of no more than 25 students. The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   10

      10

20

40
Timetable (if known)   60 mins X 1 totaling 10
 
      60 mins X 1 totaling 10
120 mins X 1 totaling 20
 
 
Private Study 110
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When): End of Semester 2    100       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.