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In this module students apply frameworks of linguistic analysis to the practical task of reflection on ethics and values in the changing conditions of the 21st century. The module begins by considering various ethical frameworks including deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics and divine command, exploring how they manifest themselves linguistically in ethical argumentation in everyday life. This is followed by discursive and rhetorical analysis of linguistic features in persuasive writing, drawing examples from a wide range of traditional debates such euthanasia, the death penalty, human cloning etc. Through analysis of examples of persuasive ethical arguments, students equip themselves with tools that can be put into practice to improve their own argumentation skills. Working in groups, students will reflect on some of the overarching ethical questions of the 21st century and practise persuasive writing to express their ethical vision. They will then analyse their own writing to reveal the linguistic strategies used, the ethical frameworks employed, and the ways that language is changing in response to new realities.

i. Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate that they:
a) can recognise how ethical frameworks are reflected in discourse
b) can explain how language features are used to construct persuasive ethical arguments
c) can apply ethical theories to practical issues of concern in the 21st century

ii. Skills
By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate that they:
a) can analyse linguistic strategies and philosophical frameworks employed in ethical argumentation
b) can reflect on their own values in the context of a changing world, and use linguistic techniques to persuasively express their emerging ethical vision

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.