Multilingualism and Multiculturalism in the Media and Political Discourse 3223-AMMS-MM
This course examines the dynamic relationships between multilingualism, multiculturalism, media, and political discourse. It investigates how multilingualism and multiculturalism are represented, managed, and politicised in media and public debates. The course provides theoretical foundations and empirical case studies, enabling students to critically engage with contemporary issues around language and culture in media contexts.
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the complex and evolving relationships between multilingualism, multiculturalism, media, and political discourse in contemporary and historical contexts. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the course examines how linguistic and cultural diversity are portrayed and constructed in media platforms, ranging from traditional news to social media, and how these representations shape public opinion, policy decisions, and social attitudes. Students will investigate how multilingualism and multiculturalism are not only represented but also actively managed and politicised in media, public debates, and political discourse. The course critically explores how language policies and ideologies emerge in media representations, influencing power dynamics, identity formation, and perceptions of inclusivity in multicultural societies. The curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks and empirical case studies, allowing students to critically analyse real-world examples from different regions and media formats. By engaging with current case studies—from political campaigns and migration discourses to debates on national identity—students will understand the role of language and culture in shaping media narratives and public discourse.
Topics:
1. How ideologies influence language use
2. Language ideologies and language policy
3. Critical Discourse Analysis
4. Multilingualism and the media
5. Multiculturalism and Identity in Media Discourse
6. Media Framing of Migrants and Multiculturalism
7. Media, Language, and Power: Shaping Public Perceptions of Multilingualism (1)
8. Class 8: Media, Language, and Power: Shaping Public Perceptions of Multilingualism (2)
9. Multilingualism in Social Media and Digital Platforms
10. Multilingualism in Politics (1)
11. Multilingualism in Politics (2)
12. Multilingualism in Politics (3)
13. The politics of multilingualism
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands:
-at an advanced level conceptual and terminological apparatus in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-at an advanced level main directions of development and the most important achievements in the area of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-at an advanced level contemporary research trends in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-the latest research methodology used in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-social, cultural and political issues in relation to the dilemmas of modern civilization
-relations between language and culture and religion sciences as well as sociology
-at an advanced level cultural diversity and its transformations, cultural identity, interaction and intercultural communication
Skills: the graduate is able to:
-prepare written works in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism in English (including works bearing the features of a scientific text)
-search, analyse and utilise information using available sources
-recognize different genres of texts and conduct their in-depth analysis and interpretation using various methods
-argue substantively using the views of other authors and formulate conclusions
-integrate knowledge relevant to multilingualism and multiculturalism
-independently develop and give an oral presentation on a selected topic in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism using source literature
-formulate, analyse and synthesise research problems in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism and select adequate methods and tools to solve these problems, present the developed issues using various forms and methods
-work independently and in a group to acquire knowledge and develop research skills in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-use the English language in speech and writing compliant with the requirements set out for the B2+ level according to CEFR
Social competences: the graduate is ready to:
-recognise the importance of knowledge and seek expert advice when problems arise
-critically assess knowledge and skills in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
Assessment criteria
Active participation (discussions and tasks): 40%
Final assignment (presentation): 60%
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: