Overview

This module provides students with the opportunity to examine a topical issue relevant to one or more countries/regions in which the target language is spoken. The chosen issue will be examined through the prism of the press and media, in order to develop an understanding not only of the specific issue in question, but also of the media landscape of the relevant society. The resulting dossier will comprise the analysis of contrasting media and press types in their coverage of the chosen topic, as well as an assessment of their importance in influencing public opinion. The dossier will be written in the target language, and should contain an appendix of materials which have been examined.

The primary materials for this module will be press and media articles gathered by the student. Many such materials will be accessible online; other materials will be available in the form of magazines and newspapers subscribed to by the School of Modern Languages.

Secondary reading will depend on the chosen subject area, and will predominantly comprise of printed publications and online sources.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- - D+: Basic grasp of key issues pertaining to the chosen topic and the relevant media landscape. Limited ability to analyse and understand issues in their context, drawing on textual evidence and broader social, cultural and political awareness. Basic understanding of the use of rhetoric, register and style in the target language, and an ability to present basic arguments in the target language with a limited degree of linguistic accuracy.

-good -C- - B+: Good grasp of key issues pertaining to the chosen topic and the relevant media landscape. Some ability to analyse and understand issues in their context, drawing on textual evidence and broader social, cultural and political awareness. Good understanding of the use of rhetoric, register and style in the target language, and an ability to present arguments in the target language with a degree of linguistic accuracy.

-excellent -A- - A*: Excellent grasp of key issues pertaining to the chosen topic and the relevant media landscape. Clear ability to analyse and understand issues in their context, drawing on textual evidence and broader social, cultural and political awareness. Excellent understanding of the use of rhetoric, register and style in the target language, and an ability to present advanced arguments in the target language with a high degree of linguistic accuracy.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the use of rhetoric in the target language and an ability to analyse a variety of styles and registers.

• Display a broader understanding of the relevant social, political and cultural implications of the chosen topic.

• Display a clear understanding of the media landscape of a given society, through the detailed study of contrasting types of press and media, and an assessment of their influence on public opinion.

• Display a detailed understanding of a topical issue in one or more countries/regions in which the target language is spoken.

• Display advanced comprehension and written language skills in the target language.

• Present and structure arguments in an extended piece of independent study, supported by textual evidence and broader social, cultural and political awareness.