Corpus linguistics and discourse is a rapidly developing methodology in the study of language. It exploits the power of modern computer technology to manipulate and analyse large collections of naturally occurring language (‘corpora’). This course will introduce students to the use of computers and computerized corpora as tools for exploring usage of the English language. Never before have so many electronic resources been available to support the academic study of the English language. Indeed, understanding these resources plays a crucial role in analysing different aspects of the language. With a primary focus on vast principled electronic databases, or corpora, of the English language, this course should appeal to students (i) who wish to know more about the technology available to enhance their grasp of discourse in English; (ii) who wish to explore how language is used in a vast quantity of ‘authentic’ texts, i.e. to explore ‘language-in-use’; (iii) who are simply curious about how the English language works and about new methods of exploring the topic.

After this course, students should be able to

1. Demonstrate an awareness of widely available electronic resources of the English language and develop skills of utilising these resources and foster an interest in lifelong exploration of the language
2. Critically examine how online language resources allow us objective insights into different aspects of the English language (e.g. lexis and discourse) and reflect our thoughts on the strengths and limitations of empirical analysis
3. Generate and evaluate solutions to case studies related to the English language in problem-based learning tutorials
4. In classroom activities and tutorials, apply knowledge of empirical exploration of English and present ideas clearly and systematically

1. On completion of this course students should be able to describe key corpus linguistic methods and explain discourse theories
2. On completion of this course students should be able to use certain generally available English corpora and corpus software to identify aesthetics, morals and ethics that inform and shape English discourse
3. On completion of this course students should be able to apply appropriate corpus linguistic techniques to solve problems in the areas of descriptive linguistics, stylistics, language and ideology, critical language awareness

Research proposal                                          20%

Corpus report                                                   15%

Corpus research essay                                   40%

Online journal entries                                      15%

Leading class discussions in groups            10%

Baker, P. (2023). Using Corpora in Discourse Analysis. Second Edition. London: Bloomsbury.

Baker, P. (2014). Using Corpora to Analyze Gender. London: Bloomsbury.