CLS1010

Text and context I

Chris Worth

6 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prohibitions: ENH1111

Objectives On completion of this subject students should be able to understand basic aspects of communication and the use of sign systems in language and culture; show a basic competence in the analysis of language and larger structures of textual organisation; work effectively with the relations between texts and their contexts; recognise the complex nature of interpretive processes; demonstrate an acquaintance with major literary genres; and use their analytic skills in the creation of their own texts.

Synopsis How do the texts that surround us persuade, inform, entertain and construct us? This subject uses literary, non-literary, verbal and visual material from different countries and historical periods to introduce students to reading as a critical practice. Language will be seen in a constant interplay with society, with contexts and with habit. Texts, efficient and inefficient, familiar or unfamiliar, will be seen as both a means of communication and instruments of control. By seeing how we do things with words we hope to show how words do things with us. Students will be encouraged to analyse texts from everyday life, from their own university disciplines, and from their general reading and viewing.

Assessment Text analysis (1500 words): 30%
* Examination (2 hours): 25%
* Practical work/seminar participation: 45%

Prescribed texts

Beckett S Endgame Faber and Faber
Kafka F The transformation and other stories Penguin
Orwell G Animal farm Penguin
Williamson Brilliant Lies Currency

Recommended texts

Fiske J An introduction to communication studies Methuen
Hawkes T Structuralism and semiotics Methuen