Analyzing public discourse – Current topics in world news 3500-JIS-2-ADP-SWIAT
The course aims to present practical applications of selected models, methods and research tools of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) in the analysis of public discourse, in particular media texts concerning current events in the public sphere worldwide.
The classes focus on the analysis of descriptions and evaluations of selected events in various media (mainly from the English-speaking area), taking into account the socio-cultural and political-historical contexts.
At the same time, research practice will allow students to deepen their theoretical knowledge in the field of (critical) analysis of public discourse, as well as to develop their skills of critical reception of media texts as conscious media consumers.
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).
Students will acquire practical knowledge of how to apply contemporary discourse research tools.
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
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Term 2025Z: | Term 2024Z: |
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.
K_K08 Is ready to individually and critically supplement their knowledge and skills, combining sociological and linguistic perspectives.
Assessment criteria
Methods:
attendance and active participation in class (participation in discussions and in-class tasks), reading recommended or 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.
Bibliography
Selected extracts (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.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: