Module manager: Elliot Holmes
Email: E.J.Holmes@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
We live in an increasingly digital world in which the digitisation process is rapidly accelerating. In this module, we will discuss what this means for language(s) and communication. The module examines the nature of human communication and the specifics of online communication. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module
This module is a critical introduction to some key concepts in communication and language use in the digital age. It uses perspectives from applied linguistics, media and communication studies as well as concrete practice-based industry examples. Students will learn about the three intertwined areas of online communication, digital production and multimodality, and about their own daily communicative practices in digital environments, through the mapping of their media, semiotic, intercultural and linguistic landscapes.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. have a critical understanding of online communication and the development of communication and language use in the digital age.
2. assess the resources, media and conventions that they use to communicate in digital environments.
3. assess how technology changes selected language-related industries and what opportunities and challenges this brings.
4. discuss coherently, knowledgeably, and critically a selection of key issues with regards to the rise of technology and its impact on human communication.
5. design a project that can exploit the potential of digital production as a tool for exploring intercultural communication
Skills Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students should have gained confidence in, and been assessed on, the following transferrable set of skills:
6. Collaborate with others in a team, take on a defined role and work together to achieve a goal.
7. Communicate effectively in both written and oral formats and present ideas verbally
8. Conduct independent research
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practical | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Seminar | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Private study hours | 280 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Formative feedback will be provided in oral format in class and in one-on-one meetings on the review and research essay submissions. Feedback on overall progress throughout the semester can be obtained during Advice and Feedback Hours or by email.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Group project - creation of a digital artifact (blog, podcast, video documentary) about one of the topics discussed in class | 60 |
| Coursework | Reflective log - 1,000 word reflecting and critically commenting on your own use of technology and its impact on your language use | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team