Multimodality in the Russian Internet

elective courses

Proficiency in the Russian language at a minimum B2 level according to the CEFR.

This course aims to analyze multimodal communication in the Russian Internet, covering both visual and textual elements. It includes linguistic and cultural analysis of internet memes, demotivators, online advertising, and nonverbal communication. The methodology involves a comprehensive analysis of linguistic play, homonymy, antonymy, polysemy, double entendre, comic effect, precedent texts, implicit and explicit meanings, speech acts, implicatures, illocutionary acts, genre hybridization, jargonization, euphemization, etc. Conducted in a seminar format, it uses problem-based learning and flipped classroom techniques. Students engage in group discussions, microprojects, brainstorming, critical thinking, and Google Classroom activities. The classes will be conducted in Russian, aiming not only to analyze multimodal communication in the contemporary Russian Internet but also to enhance participants' language proficiency as an integral part of the course.

The main goal of this course is to develop the competence to analyze multimodal communication, encompassing both visual and textual elements, within the contemporary Russian Internet landscape. The course will explore the linguistic and cultural analysis of internet memes, demotivators, online advertising, and nonverbal communication (gestures). The course methodology will encompass a comprehensive analysis of linguistic play, semantic and lexical homonymy, antonymy, polysemy, double entendre, the comic effect, precedent texts, implicit and explicit meanings, speech acts, implicatures, illocutionary acts, genre hybridization, jargonization, euphemization, etc. The course adopts a seminar format, providing a platform for the in-depth exploration of these topics. During the classes, a variety of teaching approaches and techniques will be employed to enhance the learning experience. These include research-based education methodologies such as problem-based learning and the flipped classroom. Furthermore, students will actively participate in discussions in groups, microprojects, and Google Classroom activities. The classes will be conducted in Russian, aiming not only to analyze multimodal communication in the contemporary Russian Internet but also to enhance participants' language proficiency as an integral part of the course.

Student workload:

30 contact hours in the classroom,

30 hours of independent self-work (home tasks, analysis of multimodal objects, preparation for assessments).

- Anisimova E.E. Lingvistika teksta i mežkulʹturnaâ kommunikaciâ (na materiale kreolizovannyh tekstov), M.: Izdatelʹskij centr «Akademiâ», 2003.

- Issers O. S., 2015, Diskursivnye praktyki našego vremeni, Moskva, 2015.

- Kress G., van Leeuwen Th., Multimodal Discourse. The Modes and Media of Contemporary Communication, London 2001.

- Kress G., Socialʹnaâ semiotika i vyzovy mulʹtimodalʹnosti, 2016,

- Omelʹânenko V. A., Remčukova E. N., Polikodovye teksty v aspekte teorii mulʹtimodalʹnosti, 2018.

The student is expected to:

Knowledge

- possess the necessary terminology for analyzing multimedia objects in the Russian Internet

- know and understand the basic methods of interpreting multimedia objects in the Russian Internet

Skills

- critically analyze multimedia content in Russian

- articulate opinions and engage in arguments in Russian

Social competency

- collaborate effectively within a group

Assessment methods:

- Attendance check

- Participation in classroom activities

- Preparation of a written assignment

Assessment Criteria:

The final grade is determined by:

- 50% for preparation and active participation in classes (evaluated on a scale of 2-5)

- 50% for the written assignment, considering the correctness of multimodal object selection, analysis accuracy, work structure, style, and language (evaluated on a scale of 2-5)

The final grade is the average of the class and written assignment grades.

Important Rules:

Acceptable absences include one unjustified absence and two justified absences (based on sick leave) per semester.

Students are allowed to be unprepared for class once per semester (e.g., unread texts, lack of materials, etc.).

Failure to submit the final paper on time without justification requires preparing the assignment during a retake session (last day of the retake session). Failure to obtain credit on the second attempt necessitates repeating the subject.

If it is not possible to conduct classroom classes, classes will be conducted using distance communication tools, most likely Google Classroom and others recommended by the University of Warsaw.

not applicable