(BA) (4-year-programme) - The University of Hong Kong

78ENGL2138.Language and globalization (6 credits)Globalization has been defined in a number ways, for example as the increased interconnectedness ofindividuals, organizations and countries; intense flows of goods, services, capital, information, images,and people; a new ‘world order’ with privileged centres and disadvantaged peripheries; or ageography of unequal development. Whichever of these definitions is adopted, an understanding ofhow language is used as part of these networks, flows, and inequalities, or indeed to facilitate them, iscrucial in theorizing language and communication in the contemporary world. Therefore, this courseexamines language through the metaphors of transition, flux, mobility and displacement. In a worldwhere people’s lives and identities are no longer so neatly bounded or easily located, with positions ofpower and authority no longer clearly defined, we ask questions about the role of language in shapingcontemporary ‘globalized’ identities, relationships and communities. Some of the key areas ofglobalization that are considered from the perspective of language and communication are the newglobalized economy; print, broadcast and new media; popular culture; tourism; and second languageeducation.Assessment: 100% coursework.LCOM2001.Theories of language and communication (6 credits)This course examines theoretical discussions of language and communication, with special referenceto underlying assumptions about language (i.e. their metatheory) and the respective philosophies oflanguage they are based on, their merits and shortcomings, as well as possible points of contactbetween them. These assumptions will also be critically discussed on the basis of exemplarylinguistic studies presented in class. We shall hence consider the various traditions contributing tolanguage and communication theory, among which are the semiotic, the phenomenological, and thesociocultural traditions. Particular emphasis will be placed on how sociolinguistic theory has dealtwith the phenomena of language and communication.Assessment: 100% coursework.LCOM2002.Language in the workplace (6 credits)People spend a considerable amount of time at work. The workplace thus provides a useful site forinvestigating various aspects of language and communication. This course will discuss a range offeatures of workplace discourse and illustrate the impact social factors may have on the ways in whichlanguage is used in this context. We will also discuss and compare different methodologicalapproaches and a variety of theoretical frameworks used for an analysis of workplace discourse.These tools will then be used by the students to analyse naturalistic data.Assessment: 100% coursework.LCOM2003.Language and politeness (6 credits)This course will discuss various approaches to linguistic politeness. Students will be introduced to anumber of theoretical frameworks that have been developed in order to capture and assess thiscomplex concept. A particular focus will be on the question of universality and culturally influencedperceptions of politeness. Moreover, the impact of various social factors (including power, genderand ethnicity) on the performance and perception of linguistic politeness is discussed, and the topic ofimpoliteness is covered.Assessment: 60% examination and 40% in-class presentation.