Course aims:

Understand the complex relationship between text and meaning
Design an analytical framework for the study of textual representations
Use studied concepts and tools for the analysis of texts and their role in society

Course Entry Requirements:

Good general knowledge of the English Language (B2), basic knowledge of Linguistics (Morphology & Syntax)

Course contents:

This course is concerned with introducing students to some basic analytical tools, concepts and methods for studying the possible meanings of textual representations, with a main focus on news media and public discourse, in the aim of understanding the significant role of texts in our society.

The course is composed of 14 interactive lectures and discussions, starting from the following notions:

- Language, Text, Discourse

- Content and Function

- Meaning potential and context

- Intertextuality and situated meaning

- Discourse and Society

Teaching methods:

Interactive lectures

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to design an analytical framework for the study of textual representations, understand the complex relationship between text and meaning and operate with the studied concepts and tools for the analysis of texts and their role in society.

Each student will receive an individual assignment consisting of the elaboration of a short written paper (1500-2000 words) and a final oral presentation. The paper will be based on a template designed by the lecturer (Mrs. Adina Botas) to guide students in the process of structuring and writing well-organised and consistent course papers.

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

Individual assignments: Final paper and Presentation.

Recommended reading:

James Paul Gee, Introduction to Discourse Analysis. Theory and Method, Routledge, New York and London, 2010, pp. 225.
James Paul Gee, How to do Discourse Analysis. A toolkit, Routledge, Londin and New York, 2014, pp. 217.
Theo van Leeuwen, Discourse and Practice. New tools for CDA, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2008, pp. 192.