Description
In this module you will study two ways of analysing language: (i) a basic introduction to conversation analysis and discourse analysis as applied to ordinary talk/texting, and (ii) and introduction text mining, based on identifying patterns and developing insights from text-based data available on the Internet (e.g., social media data, online texts, online reviews etc.). You do not require any previous knowledge of the qualitative or quantitative analysis of spoken or textual material and you do not require an understanding of computer programming.
The module promotes the development of Abertay Attributes, particularly intellectual and personal development while encouraging students to reflect on language use and how it can be examined, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Aims
By the end of this module students will be able to understand how people engage in actions through their utterances and text as well as developing an appreciation of text data mining techniques as applied to internet data.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
- Evaluate the nature of conversation analysis and the way in which this perspective explains how people engage in actions with their utterances and texting.
- Evaluate and apply text mining techniques to Internet data.
Indicative Content
1 Conversation Analysis and talk and text as action
A brief overview of the CA focus on language as action; an examination of how people talk in terms of questions, answers, invitations, excuses, justifications etc.; an examination of texting, emojis, misunderstandings
2 Text mining
Introduction to text mining and its uses in a social sciences and business context; Online data sources; The text mining process: data collection, pre-processing and analysis; effectively communicating and visualising insights from textual data
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 6 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 4 |
| Supervised Practical Activity | 0 |
| Unsupervised Practical Activity | 0 |
| Assessment | 20 |
| Independent | 70 |
Guidance Notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2025/6, and may be subject to change for future years.