Modular facultative lecture:Language, media and society 3200-L1-MPF-JMS
The aim of the course is to present and analyze the dynamic relations between language, society, and contemporary media. During the classes, current events in the world are discussed on the basis of selected English-language media texts related to them. Through analytical exercises students explore how the choice of specific narrative strategies and linguistic means by authors of texts from different sources shows the same event from different perspectives: political, ideological, worldview, etc. The lecture part presents selected basic tools for analyzing media texts - not only at the level of language but also images - which are then applied in assignments. The course teaches students to critically interpret media texts and relate them to broader social processes, and allows them to understand how media language reflects and influences contemporary public life.
student workload (3 ECTS):
contact hours (classes): 30 hours
reading the texts assigned (course-related academic literature and media texts): 30 hours
homework during the semester and preparation for the final test (written analysis of a selected text in the last class): 30 hours
total: 90 hours
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
The graduate
K1_W01 has knowledge of media discourse analysis and its subject;
K1_W02 knows the basic terminology of media discourse analysis;
K1_W04 has general knowledge of the main directions of the development of media discourse analysis and of the most important new scientific achievements in this field;
K1_W05 knows and understands the specifics of contemporary theories and methodologies of media discourse analysis.
Skills:
The graduate
K1_U01 can critically analyze texts as culture products, and can search for, analyze, evaluate and select authentic media texts in English;
K1_U02 has basic research skills in the field of media discourse analysis, can formulate research problems and use selected research tools in this field; can appropriately select methods for solving problems in this field;
K1_U03 can recognize characteristic cultural elements and correctly interpret socio-historical changes taking place in the world;
K1_U04 can formulate arguments using the views of other authors, and can formulate their own conclusions in speech and in writing in English;
K1_U06 can prepare written works in English using basic theories in the field of media discourse analysis;
K1_U11 can acquire knowledge in the field of media discourse analysis by themselves, following the teacher's instructions;
K1_U12 can set priorities and plan actions to achieve them, understanding the need for self-education and continuous improvement of qualifications, including practical language skills.
Social competences:
The graduate
K1_K02 is ready to critically assess their own knowledge in media discourse analysis, and recgonizes the importance of substantive argumentation in solving research and practical problems (in professional situations).
Assessment criteria
Methods:
attendance and active participation in class (participation in discussions and in-class tasks), knowledge of the content of the reading assignments, written homework, final test (in-class analysis of a selected media text using one of the models/tools presented during the course).
Criteria:
The final grade is calculated on the basis of the marks for active class participation, written homework assignments, and the final test.
Assessment criteria's weight:
active classroom participation: 40%
written homework assignments: 30%
final test: 30%
Score vs. final grade:
>96% - 100% - 5!
>92% - 96% - 5
>85% - 92% - 4.5
>76% - 84% - 4
> 68% - 76% - 3.5
> 60% - 68% - 3
up to and including 60% - 2
Credit requirements for the first (June) and second (September) terms are the same, but for extra conditions applicable in the case of exceeding the permissible number of absences (see below).
Absences
Two unexcused absences are allowed. If a student has more than two unexcused absences, he/she must ask the teacher to specify a form of assessment of the material from the class(es) at which the student was absent and to pass this material before the end of the semester. A number of absences exceeding 50% of classes makes it impossible to achieve the assumed learning outcomes, and thus results in failing the course.
Generative AI tools:
There apply general rules set out in the resolution no. 98 of the University Educational Council of 8 December 2023 on guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence tools in the learning process.
Specific rules for the use of generative AI tools will be presented by the instructor in the course materials on the Kampus platform made available before the first class.
Practical placement
not applicable
Bibliography
Bednarek, M. and H. Caple (2012) "Language in the news", Chapter 4 in News discourse, London and New York: Continuum, 84-110.
O'Keeffe, A. "Review of methodologies for analysing media discourse", Chapter 3 in Investigating Media Discourse, London & New York: Routledge, 32-61.
Richardson, J. E. (2007) "Analysing Texts: Some Concepts and Tools of Linguistic Analysis", Chapter 3 in Analysing Newspapers: An Approach from Critical Discourse Analysis, Basingstoke and New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 46-74.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: