Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5722M Language and Communication in the Digital Age

30 creditsClass Size: 70

Module manager: Sascha Stollhans
Email: S.Stollhans@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

We live in an increasingly digital world in which the digitisation process is rapidly accelerating. In this module, we will discuss what this means for language(s) and communication. The module examines the nature of human communication and the specifics of online communication.

Objectives

This module is a critical introduction to some key concepts in communication and language use in the digital age. It uses perspectives from applied linguistics, media and communication studies as well as concrete practice-based industry examples. Students will learn about the three intertwined areas of online communication, digital production and multimodality, and about their own daily communicative practices in digital environments, through the mapping of their media, semiotic, intercultural and linguistic landscapes.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. have a critical understanding of online communication and the development of communication and language use in the digital age.
2. assess the resources, media and conventions that they use to communicate in digital environments.
3. assess how technology changes selected language-related industries and what opportunities and challenges this brings.
4. discuss coherently, knowledgeably, and critically a selection of key issues with regards to the rise of technology and its impact on human communication.
5. design a project that can exploit the potential of digital production as a tool for exploring intercultural communication

Skills Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should have gained confidence in, and been assessed on, the following transferrable set of skills:
6 Collaborate with others in a team, take on a defined role and work together to achieve a goal.
7 Communicate effectively in both written and oral formats and present ideas verbally
8 Conduct independent research


Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture101.0010.00
Practical31.003.00
Seminar71.007.00
Private study hours280.00
Total Contact hours20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be provided in oral format in class and in one-on-one meetings on the review and research essay submissions. Feedback on overall progress throughout the semester can be obtained during Advice and Feedback Hours or by email.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Group ProjectCreation of a digital artifact (blog, podcast, video documentary) about one of the topics discussed in class60.00
Reflective log1,000 word reflecting and critically commenting on your own use of technology and its impact on your language use40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 03/05/2024

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.BREP

© Copyright Leeds 2019