Analyzing public discourse – Current topics in world news 3500-JIS-2-ADP-SW-OG

https://kampus-kursy.ckc.uw.edu.pl/course/view.php?id=10023 (term 2026Z)

The course aims to present practical applications of selected models, methods and tools of public discourse analysis, in particular media discourse, also including a critical perspective, in relation to texts on current world events.

The course focuses the analysis of descriptions and evaluations of selected events in various English-language media, taking into account the socio-cultural and political-historical context.

At the same time, research practice will allow students to deepen their knowledge in the field of (critical) analysis of public and media discourses, as well as to develop their skills of critical reception of media texts as conscious media consumers. Students will acquire practical knowledge of how to apply contemporary discourse research tools.

The material analyzed is texts belonging to various journalistic genres, including press articles, interviews, reports, debates, television news, and representing various media, including press, television, websites and new digital media (also social media, from the perspective of their users, i.e. the people who create and receive content).

During the course, students analyze materials on current world events and supporting materials which present the broader context of the event to provide a deeper critical analysis of the topic.

Estimated workload:
Classes (contact hours): 30 hours
Reading literature: 15 hours
Preparation for classes: 15 hours
Written work: 30 hours
Total: 90 hours

The language of the course is English.

Course coordinators

Grzegorz Kowalski

Type of course

general courses
foreign languages

Mode

Remote learning

Prerequisites (description)

1. Knowledge of English at B2 level or higher. 2. An active interest in current world events. 3. The student should have basic theoretical knowledge in the field of (Critical) Discourse Analysis and be familiar with its basic research methods and tools.

Learning outcomes

The graduate
K_W02 Has an in-depth knowledge of linguistic aspects of public, intercultural and professional communication.
K_W09 Has knowledge of contemporary intellectual and cultural life in Poland and in selected regions of the world.
K_U08 Can critically analyze the language of public debates (e.g. political and journalistic) in terms of persuasive and manipulative strategies used in them.
K_U09 Can formulate and present – in various forms and through various media – critical opinions about social phenomena and linguistic mechanisms of interpersonal communication occurring in various cultural and professional contexts.
K_U10 Using their knowledge of discourse analysis and of research on social communication, can critically select data and methods of analysis, and formulate conclusions.
K_U20 Can prepare a written work, written or oral presentation on a selected topic in a foreign language at B2 + level, also using new technologies.
K_K03 Is open to contacts with people from different cultures, shows empathy and understanding for otherness.

Assessment criteria

Methods:
attendance and active participation in class (participation in discussions and in-class tasks), reading assigned texts, preparation and timely delivery of written assignments.

Criteria:
The final grade is calculated on the basis of the marks for both class activity and in-class tasks, and assessment of written assignments prepared at home and/or in class:
participation in discussion and in-class tasks: 40%
written assignments (prepared at home and/or in class): 60%

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

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:
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. 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, updated by the resolution no. 49 of the University Educational Council of 5 September 2025.

Practical placement

not applicable

Bibliography

Selected extracts from some of the following sources (depending on the type of the media material analyzed and the topic):
Bednarek, M. and H. Caple (2012) “News discourse”, London/New York: Continuum.
Cramer, P. A. (2011) “Controversy as news discourse”, Dordrecht et al: Springer.
Fairclough, N. (1995) “Media Discourse”, London: Arnold.
Hoskins, A. and B. O'Loughlin (2007) “Television and Terror: Conflicting Times and the Crisis of News Discourse”, Basingstoke/New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Johnson, S. and A. Ensslin (eds.) (2007) “Language in the Media: Representations, Identities, Ideologies”, London/New York: Continuum.
Jones, R., S. Jaworska and E. Aslan (2021) “Language and Media: A Resource Book for Students”, London: Routledge.
Machin, D. and T. van Leeuwen (2007) “Global Media Discourse: A Critical Introduction”, London/New York: Routledge.
Perrin, D. and C. Cotter (ed.) (2020) “The Routledge Handbook of Language and Media”, London: Routledge.

Notes

Term 2026Z:

Online classes, synchronous mode, at Zoom platform. Materials are available at the course's website at Kampus platform.
Participants must have the following : a computer (laptop or desktop), with microphone, camera and speakers/headphones, Internet access with sufficient parameters to participate in an online class.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes: