MODULE
Language Analysis
TITLE
MODULE
EB 4501
CODE
MODULE
Semester 1
DELIVERY
MODULE
Michele Milner
TUTOR
DATE
16th June 2007
APPROVED
DEPARTMENT LIS
CREDIT
VALUE
20 credits
VERSION
NUMBER
1
PARTNER
INSTITUTION
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER MODULES
CoPrerequisites
requisites
Excluded
Combinations
MODULE AIMS
 To examine some of the major principles of discourse analysis, corpus linguistics,
semantics and pragmatics in order to explore the relationship between linguistic
forms and the users of those forms.

To apply principles of discourse and pragmatic analysis, in the analysis of a variety of
communicative contexts.
MODULE CONTENT
The module will address central topics in the fields of discourse analysis, corpus linguistics,
semantics and pragmatics that are relevant to teaching and training in English Language
Teaching and training. Topics that will be taught include:










Deixis, Sense and Reference, Logic and Thematic Relations
Principles of Corpus Linguistics and their applications to vocabulary teaching,
Systemic Semantics and the Analysis of Context
Cooperation and Implicature
Speech Acts and Events,
Politeness and Interaction
Conversational Analysis and Preference Structure
Language socialisation
Language, culture and thought
Theories of language structure
Academic Quality and Standards Unit
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LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:
1.
Apply the relevant principles in discourse and pragmatics in the analyses of various
communicative and pedagogical contexts.
2.
Employ, as part of research training, a variety of corpus linguistic techniques to study
‘real’ communicative encounters.
3.
Demonstrate how the interactional practices of various professional communities differ
and are similar to language interaction in the classroom.
4.
Critically evaluate current research in the field of language analysis and develop
critiques of them in terms of their relevance to the field of Professional Communication.
TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY
This seminar-based postgraduate module is designed so as to encourage autonomous and
self-directed learning within the framework of a closely structured environment. Students will
be encouraged to fulfil the learning outcomes of the course through judicious use of tutor
guidance, peer discussion and supplementary learning materials. In addition, they will be
encouraged to participate through independent research and to demonstrate critical and
analytical thinking and problem solving skills.
INDICATIVE ASSESSMENT
Number of
Assessment
Assignments
Weighting %
1
Essay
1
Practical task
50%
Type/Duration/
Wordcount
(indicative only)
2000 words
Learning
Outcomes being
assessed
1,2, 3
50%
2000 words
4, 5.
MODULE PASS REQUIREMENTS
Students must score an overall mark of 40% to successfully complete this module.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND LEARNING SUPPORT MATERIAL
Candlin, Christopher (ed.) (2002) Research and Practice in Professional Discourse. Hong
Kong: City University of Hong Kong.
Carter, R., A. Goddard, D. Reah, & K. Sanger (2001) Working with Texts: A Core book for
Language Analysis. London: Routledge *
Cazden, C. B. (2001) Classroom Discourse: The Language of Teaching and Learning,
London: Greenwood Press
Christie, F. (2002) Classroom Discourse Analysis: A Functional Perspective (Open
Linguistics) London: Continuum *
Connor, U., & Upton, T.A. (Eds.) (2004). Discourse in the Professions: Perspectives from
Corpus Linguistics. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Co.
Cutting, J. (2002). Pragmatics and Discourse: A Resource Book for Students London:
Routledge *
Academic Quality and Standards Unit
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Fairclough, N. (2001) Language and Power (2nd Rev edition) Harlow: Longman
Fairclough, N. (2003) Analysing Discourse: Textual Analysis for Social Research Harlow:
Longman
Grundy, P. (2000) Doing Pragmatics Oxford: Hodder Arnold
Hughes, R. (2005) Spoken English, Applied Linguistics and Tesol: Challenges for Theory
and Practice Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan *
Meyer, C. F. (2002). English Corpus Linguistics: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press
Meyer, M. (2002). Method of Text and Discourse Analysis London: Sage
Schriffin, D., D. Tannen, D. Hamilton. & H. Ehernberger (Eds.)(2003). A Handbook on
Discourse Analysis London: Blackwell *
Schmitt, N. (2003) An Introduction to Applied Linguistics: Oxford: Hodder Arnold
Sinclair, J. (2004) How to use Corpus Linguistics in Language Teaching Amsterdam: John
Benjamins
Willis, D. (2003) Rules, Patterns and Words: Grammar and Lexis in Language Teaching
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Wray, A. & A. Bloomer (2006) Projects in Linguistics Oxford: Hodder Arnold
Wooftitt, R. (2005) Conversation Analysis and Discourse Analysis: A Comparative and
Critical Introduction London: Sage
Yule, G. (2005) Pragmatics Oxford: Oxford University Press
* Core texts
Academic Quality and Standards Unit
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