English language and linguistics II : viewpoint and multimodality [LANGB301]

Learning outcomes

A thorough knowledge of the notion of viewpoint across different linguistic modalities and across different genres and media

A better understanding of the multimodal nature of language (including e.g. gesture, gaze, etc.)

An appreciation of the relevance of linguistic notions in the enjoyment and analysis of cultural artefacts of various kinds (literary, visual, filmic,...)

In terms of proficiency levels, level C2 for receptive skills and C1 for productive skills, as defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Objectives

To introduce students to cognitive-linguistic analysis of texts across a range of genres (including poetry, journalistic prose, literary fiction, political discourse) but also of other cultural artefacts (videos, comics, artworks, advertisements,...).

In terms of language skills, enabling students to attain levels C2 for receptive skills and C1 for productive skills, as defined by the Council of Europe in its Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Content

This course focuses on questions of viewpoint management and genre from a cognitive-linguistic (or cognitive-poetic) perspective. It aims to study viewpoint phenomena across a range of texts (both literary and non-literary) from low-level constructions (such as the genitive), through particular viewpointed uses of figurative language, all the way up to complex discourses such as contemporary 'fragmented' novels, and extends the discussion to the visual arts as well. In addition, it aims to show how specialized text genres (such as popularizing scientific discourse or political discourse) exploit existing or novel constructions in genre-specific ways.

Table of contents

Exercises description

The exercises feature viewpoint analyses complementary to the theoretical course as well as a module on accents and dialects of English ("one tongue, many voices").