Discourse shapes and mediates our world, and discourse analysis is a key tool for study and practice in applied and sociolinguistics and across the Social Sciences This module develops students' awareness of research theories and practices in discouse analysis. Along with theoretical underpinning, it provides students with advanced input on key research skills, including appraisal and evaluation of research and scholarship to promote critical selection and development of a methodology for their own research. A particular focus for the module is to build students' familiarity with a range of traditional and blended approaches to discourse analysis typical of contemporary approaches.

The modules covers the the nature of discourse and approaches to discourse analysis; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches in applied linguistic research; working with language data and designing discourse analysis projects. Following an introductory workshop, different approaches to discourse analysis will be introduced in in-depth workshops outlining methods and providing examples to illustrate application of the methods to different scenarios. Materials and readings will be made available in advance, so that workshops will be dedicated to hands-on experience with different methods. The range of approaches covered includes boh established and new and emerging methods: critical discourse analysis, multimodal analysis, semiotic and visual analysis, corpus-assisted discourse analysis, computer-mediated discourse analysis, and interactional and conversational analysis.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of key research approaches and theories in discourse analysis; Critically evaluate and identify appropriate approaches for studying discourse to address research questions; Demonstrate an ability to undertake research, as well as identify and implement relevant data collection, processing and presentation strategies.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Appreciate the importance of relating responsibly to research participants; Demonstrate ethical decision making in research settings.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

The module is delivered by faculty who have particular expertise in a range of applied linguistic and discourse analytic research methods. It is available in a blended format (i.e. in person and streamed). Students will have access to innovative, contemporary research as it emerges, and develop strong research sensibilities and experience through the incorporation of guest lectures in particular. The module will involve three hours of contact per week. Students will be provided with an introduction to key issues and terms and provided with a guided list of theoretical readings. Theoretical discussion will be combined with the application of concepts to examples and case studies as well as research questions for further exploration (Graduate attribute: Curious). Students will develop greater capacity in taking responsibility, collaboration and critical thinking skills through group work activities (Graduate attribute: Articulate). Confidence in applying disciplinary knowledge and problem solving will be encouraged by students designing a discourse analysis project and presenting findings in both written and oral format (Graduate attributes: Agile and Responsible)