Language in the Media

Overview

This module aims to provide a strong background in English language by focusing on the print and broadcast media in Britain. It will also introduce students to some of the theoretical concepts and critical issues associated with Media studies. For students, one of the most effective ways to begin understanding the media is to analyse media texts such as newspaper articles, magazine advertisements, political speeches, television and radio interviews, talk shows in detail. Students will also look at non-verbal communication, layouts, and images to see how language interacts with other modes of communication. The course examines important media issues, such as the myth of a free press, racism, violence and commercialization and also provides important information on areas of media studies essential for analysing media discourse, i.e. media practices (the way reporters and editors work and how audiences shape and are shaped by the media).

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you should have developed skills in a critical linguistic analysis of spoken and written media texts/textual and visual media. You should also have gained an awareness of the place of the media in their broader political, economic, social and cultural contexts.

Skills

This module should enable students to build upon and enhance the linguistic skills that they have already acquired during the course of their degree and in particular should allow them to acquire and demonstrate: an ability to critically analyse and interpret written and spoken media texts; a broad understanding of media practices and media audiences; knowledge of a range of theoretical and methodological approaches within the field of media and language; critical thinking about how print and broadcast media are produced and distributed; proficiency in oral and written communication skills.

Assessment

None