Language and Communication Studies is an undergraduate programme which offers students the opportunity to develop a good foundation in linguistic, applied linguistic, and communications theory, and to explore the uses and application of this theory for the language-related professions.
*There are no elective options for the first year. Students need to select both LCS 111 and LCS 121.
* Second-year students who do NOT want to major in LCS should select any four second-year LCS modules. Second-year students who WANT to major in LCS must take the following: LCS 213; plus LCS 212 and/or 222; plus two other second-year LCS modules. Note: you MAY take up to 6 LCS second year modules.
* Third-year students: Any four LCS third-year modules. Note: you may take up to 6 LCS third-year modules, but take note of the pre-requisites for certain
First Year:
| CODE | DESCRIPTION | CREDITS | PREREQUISITES |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCS 111 | Language and Communication Studies 111: Introduction to Language and Communication and Society (1st semester) The overall aim of the module is to raise awareness around issues relating to multilingualism in contemporary society and education. The module examines, among others, the influence of globalization-related factors on societal and individual multilingualism; the essential features of multilingual communities; multilingualism in the family; the challenges associated with multilingual education in post-colonial Africa; and the importance of multilingual policies in a democracy. |
15 |
None |
| LCS 121 | Language and Communication Studies 121: Introduction to Language Learning and Design Features of Language (2nd semester) Design Feature of Language This module aims to introduce students to the 'micro-level' features that give structure to human language. We consider features relating to the sounds of human language (phonetics and phonology), to words and word-parts (morphology), and to phrases and sentences (syntax). Although human languages can differ vastly, students discover that these micro-level features are present in all spoken and signed human languages. We draw examples from an array of different languages, and in particular, Afrikaans, IsiXhosa, and English. Language Learning The Language Learning component introduces students to theories as well as the processes and universal patterns concerning first language (L1) acquisition by children. It also explores the factors related to second language (L2) acquisition and language attrition. |
15 |
None |
Second Year
| CODE | DESCRIPTION | CREDITS | PREREQUISITES |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCS 211 | Language and Communication Studies 211: Communication Studies (1st semester) LCS 211 is an introduction to the discipline of Communication Studies. This module introduces students to the relevant theoretical knowledge and understanding of human communication, and through this, students will be able to relate this new information to their own everyday interactions. Various topics in this module follow the progression of communication with the self (intrapersonal communication), between two people (interpersonal communication), interactions within a group (small group communication), mass communication, and so on. |
10 |
LCS 111 & 121 |
| LCS 212 | Language and Communication Studies 212: Functional Grammar (1st semester) This module offers an introduction to the basic principles of functional grammar and its usefulness for the analysis of texts. It locates language in the texts in which it is produced while also acknowledging the importance that contexts and choice play in making meaning. It includes the study of grammar as a resource for making meaning and the way it is realized in the main purposes (or metafunctions) for which language is used. Its main aim is to provide students with a useful tool for the analysis and evaluation of different kinds of texts. |
10 |
LCS 111 & 121 |
| LCS 223 | Language and Communication Studies 223: Critical Media Studies (1st semester) This module explores the diverse field of media communication. Students are introduced to a range of media and the devices and conventions used in media communication. Students will gain insight into the language of the news genre in particular. A critical approach is taken in an attempt to sensitise students to the manner in which the media use language as well as how social categories such as race and gender are represented in media texts. Students are introduced to a social constructionist approach to discourse analysis, and use this approach to analyse a variety of texts from both broadsheet and tabloid newspapers. |
10 |
LCS 111 & 121 |
| LCS 221 | Language and Communication Studies 221: Cross-cultural Communication (2nd semester) In today’s globalized world, which is characterized by intense intra- and inter-national movement of people, the probability of us coming into contact with others from a different cultural background is extremely high (e.g. in a classroom, residence, workplace, etc.). In such an encounter, the potential for miscommunication, embarrassment, and, at times, conflict is very high if we lack awareness of each other’s culture. This module aims to help students develop sensitivity in this regard so as to enable them avoid the above-mentioned problems and have successful intercultural communication. Topics include the role of culture in communication; dimensions of cultural differences; non-verbal communication; barriers to intercultural communication; and approaches to conflict management. |
10 |
LCS 111 & 121 |
| LCS 222 | Language and Communication Studies 222: Advanced Studies in Design Features (2nd semester) In this module students are given an opportunity to enjoy the language concepts introduced in the Language & Communication first year programme. It focuses on the following essential language components; word categories, modification of such categories (Morphology), their meanings, the specific roles played by words in sentences (Semantics) as well as sentence construction (Syntax). Therefore, the aim of this course is to evoke students’ curiosity by getting them to scrutinize any words employed in constructing various texts, which they encounter in their literacy experiences, thereby applying such analytical skills in real life. |
10 |
LCS 111 & 121 |
| LCS 213 | Language and Communication Studies 213: Language, Identity and Society (2nd semester) This module includes a consideration of how language functions as one of the strongest markers of individual and group identity. The role of language in constructing personal, gender, racial, ethnic, national and cultural differences is considered. Students are introduced to various approaches to the study of language in society, and to methods of sociolinguistic research. Students are expected to relate the theory to the South African context. |
10 |
LCS 111 & 121 |
Third Year
| CODE | DESCRIPTION | CREDITS | PREREQUISITES |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCS 311 | Language and Communication Studies 311: Multilingualism (1st semester) The overall aim of the module is to raise awareness around issues relating to multilingualism in contemporary society and education. The module examines, among others, the influence of globalization-related factors on societal and individual multilingualism; the essential features of multilingual communities; multilingualism in the family; the challenges associated with multilingual education in post-colonial Africa; and the importance of multilingual policies in a democracy. |
10 |
LCS 213 & 3 other 2nd year LCS modules |
| LCS 312 | Language and Communication Studies 312: Research in Language and Communication (1st semester) This module offers an introduction to research theory and methods. Topics include quantitative and qualitative methods of research; empirical research in communication; research designs; data collection and analysis; results interpretation; and report writing. Students are expected to use the theory they have studied to conduct their own research project. |
10 |
4 x LCS 2nd year modules |
| LCS 313 | Language and Communication Studies 313: Advanced Studies in Business Communication (1st semester) This module offers a critical analysis of business writing and organizational structures (various kinds of business letters, project proposals and reports) and examines communication flows in organizations. A specific focus is on how business correspondence is multimodally structured. The theoretical framework for the module comprises theories of (business) interaction, the ethnography of communication, politeness theory and genre theory which is applied to analyses of business correspondence and workplace communication. |
10 |
LCS 211 and 221 & 2 other LCS 2nd year modules |
| LCS 314 | Language and Communication Studies 314: Advanced Functional Grammar (2nd semester) The course builds on the second year Functional Grammar course and is aimed at providing the tools that facilitate the analysis of extended real-life texts. It is an approach to the study and analysis of language that is social in its orientation. It recognizes that language has evolved in the way it has for the purposes of communication and that the unique formal features of language are best understood in terms of their functional use. It recognizes the clause as an important unit of meaning and hence involves the identification of the different constituents of clauses. Consideration is also given to the three main metafunctions for which language is used (ideational, interpersonal and textual) – as well as to the system of grammar that is used to analyze each of these metafunctions. |
10 |
LCS 212 (required), LCS 222 (recommended) |
| LCS 321 | Language and Communication Studies 321: Critical Analysis of Texts (2nd semester) This module introduces students to fields traditionally known as Discourse Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis. It begins with a consideration of what counts as a text and explores the complex relationship between text and context. It introduces students to theories which enable an analysis of how people use language to construct their identities and signal their positions, including their reading of power relations within any interaction. It also introduces students to the notions of intertextuality and genre, which are then used in the analysis of texts. In general, students are expected to use the theory to critically analyse a range of spoken, written and visual texts. |
10 |
4 x LCS 2nd year modules |
| LCS 323 | Language and Communication Studies 323: Literacy Studies (2nd semester) This module explores new views of reading and writing which place literacy in its social context. It examines topics such as what is literacy, when and how did different literacies develop, how are children socialized into different literacy practices, the emergence of digital literacies, and different approaches to literacy learning. Central themes that will be explored in all these contexts include the social basis of literacy and how issues of power shape our understanding of what it means to be literate. The core assessment for the module is a structured literacy project in which students interview a person of their choice about their literacy histories, practices and beliefs. Students work on this project throughout the semester with their tutors and submit the final project online as their exam. |
10 |
4 x LCS 2nd year modules |
For more information, click here to download our 2021 orientation information pack.
