Course Objective

In this course, you will:
1. learn how to discuss current research on language and communication
in a critical and constructive fashion;
2. learn how to analyze the linguistic properties of (mainly spoken)
discourse at an advanced level;
3. improve your skills in written and oral presentation in English.

Course Content

The course concerns three main themes. One is how face-to-face
communication usually involves multiple modalities, both audible and
visible components (including talk, gesture, and how we position
ourselves in the interaction space). Another is how participants may
align with each other in interaction -- through their use of words,
grammar, or gestures -- and how in doing so, they can show their stance
towards the topic of discussion. A third theme concerns the framing of
issues in communication, including through the use of metaphor, and how
this reveals ways of thinking about topics.

Teaching Methods

Lectures combined with presentations by students (2 x 2 hours a week).

Method of Assessment

Presentations (30%), essays (55%), and attendance and class
participation (15%). The final grade will be a total of all the parts.
Anyone failing the course may resit only the portion(s) failed.

Entry Requirements

Students in the CIS track in English and International Communication
must have successfully completed all second year courses. Other students
must have sufficient background in the study of language and
communication and sufficient proficiency in academic English to engage
in active discussion and writing about the analysis of English.

Literature

Journal articles and book chapters, which will be made available to
students.

Target Audience

Third year students of the CIS track in English and International
Communication.

Additional Information

This course is obligatory within the third year of the track "English
and International Communication" of the BA program in Communication and
Information Studies.