Course Resources Archive

This module develops students’ ability to conduct linguistic analysis of ethical arguments and express their own arguments on contemporary issues effectively and persuasively.

The module applies linguistic analysis to ethical argumentation, both to develop understanding of the forms and structure of language used in persuasion and gain skills in effective communication of values and vision. 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. This is followed by discursive and rhetorical analysis of persuasive linguistic features, drawing examples from a wide range of traditional debates such euthanasia, the death penalty and human cloning. Skills in ethical argumentation are developed though applying insights from analysis of ethical discourse to the practical task of writing a creative persuasive piece on a topic of contemporary importance, which is itself subject to further analysis. 

A student passing this module should be able to.

1. apply knowledge of ethical argumentation strategies in unfamiliar contexts [SEEC level 6]

2. work effectively within a team, supporting or being proactive in leadership, and proactively seeking to resolve conflict.[SEEC level 6]

3. reflect on personal responsibility and adapt their ethical argumentation accordingly [SEEC level 6]

4. locate their own role within a poorly defined and/or flexible context, requiring a level of autonomy [SEEC level 6]

5. analyse novel data using an appropriate range of established subject-specific techniques [SEEC level 6]

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