Corpus-Based Discourse Analysis

Code School Level Credits Semesters
ENGL4323 English 4 N/A April Full Year UK, Full Year UK, January Full Year UK
Code
ENGL4323
School
English
Level
4
Credits
N/A
Semesters
April Full Year UK, Full Year UK, January Full Year UK

Summary

By enabling the computational analysis of vast collections of language, contemporary corpus linguistic methods have revolutionised linguistic research and generated new fields of inquiry. Corpus-assisted discourse studies has emerged as one such field and has quickly matured into a popular approach to textual analysis. This pod addresses central methods of corpus-based discourse analysis, illustrating how they can be harnessed to offer unique perspectives into large collections of language data. In particular, using examples from health communication, media discourse and political manifestos, it examines how corpus methods can be used to systematically identify evaluative and ideological meanings that are diffused across millions of words. The pod will introduce several powerful corpus analysis platforms, enabling students to pursue research questions using their own data.

Target Students

Students registered on the School of English online masters scheme.

Assessment

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

This module comprises an optional component in the following pathways: Applied English, Applied Linguistics, Discourse and Communication, Health Communication, Language and Linguistics, Professional Communication, and World Englishes. As such, it contributes in its specific aims to the programme-level coverage of these pathways.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of key techniques in corpus-based discourse analysis.

Design and conduct a corpus-based discourse analytic investigation of data on a chosen topic.

Show understanding of methodological decisions – such as statistical choices – in corpus investigation.

Demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired to the appropriate disciplinary and professional standard.

Assimilate and present subject-specific material in an appropriate format (assessed within the ‘Assessment Portfolio’ 1, 2 or 3).

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.