2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
ENGL3408 Digital Discourse: language and social media
20 creditsClass Size: 30
School of English
Module manager: Dr Mel Evans
Email: m.evans5@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module examines how we use language online, exploring the relationship between technology, society and discourse. We take a ‘long view’, comparing early digital innovations (the 1990s world wide web, text messaging) with more recent platforms (Instagram, TikTok). The module introduces techniques in digital discourse analysis, and explores the ethics of researching language online. Developing digital communication skills, the module assessment includes the creation of a podcast on a digital discourse topic.Objectives
The module aims to promote an engaged, critical and informed appreciation of the impact of digital communication on language practices, with a focus on the use of English.It will introduce students to the main approaches to digital English and communication and their development over the last 40 years. It promotes critical awareness of the connections between theoretical frameworks and students’ real-life (everyday) experiences of digital communication and social media. The module introduces methods (quantitative and qualitative) relevant for the investigation of digital communication, and discusses the ethical complexities of researching (English) language use in digital spaces. These objectives are achieved through a combination of seminars (for discussion and exploration of concepts and studies), lectures (introducing key concepts and analytic tools) and a practical session to facilitate the creation of the podcast.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Identify, describe and explain the characteristics of digital communication, and their development over time;
2. Apply theoretical frameworks and methods from within linguistics and other relevant disciplines to materials representing digital communication;
3. Analyse and evaluate language in digital communication, and critique its importance for issues in wider society
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4. Convey complex and specialist knowledge and ideas to non-specialist and academic audiences (work-ready);
5. Use digital recording and editing tools and software (digital);
6. Critique and reflect personal development of skills and knowledge relating to digital communication (digital).
Syllabus
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| Practical | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
| Private study hours | 185.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 15.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students will have preparatory tasks for each seminar and lecture, with formative feedback provided from staff and peers for each session. Students will get group feedback on their progress at key milestones on the module. Students will receive formative feedback from their tutor and peers on their podcast concept and plan of execution.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Literature Review | Literature review and annotated bibliography relevant to chosen podcast topic (max 2 sides A4) | 25.00 |
| Assignment | Podcast (10-12 mins; equivalent to 1500-2000 words) + reflection (3mins) | 75.00 |
| 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 websiteLast updated: 22/05/2024
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