Readings:

See Course Description below

Course Description:

The aim of this course is to investigate the language of the French news media using tools and methods from linguistics. We will examine three types of media: print media (newspapers, magazines, periodicals), broadcast media (radio, television) and digital media (websites, blogs, social media). We will look at the use of a whole range of linguistic features across the different media from different formatting and layout choices, through spelling and grammar to vocabulary. Examples of some of the most interesting features include words borrowed from English, the passive voice, regional or non-standard language, headline structure and different kinds of speech reporting. The course also includes a substantial research component which will give students the chance to design and execute their own investigation of a particular aspect of the language of the media.

Prerequisites:

French 102 or consent of the instructor.

Additional Information:

This course satisfies one “Culture” or one “Elective” requirement in the French major. Satisfies College of Letters and Science breadth in Social and Behavioral Sciences.  Priority enrollment for declared French majors.

Section times and locations in the Schedule of Classes