APG5704 · Discourse analysis: Texts and talk

Overview

Every day, we engage with a wide range of different text types and speaking contexts, from casual conversations with friends to news reports, medical appointments and academic writing. In this unit, we look in detail at the typical features of these and other text types and explore the ways in which language can be used to manipulate, persuade or empower the hearer/ reader. Drawing on a variety of analytic techniques, including Conversation Analysis, Critical Discourse Analysis and genre analysis, you will explore the conventions of language use in different settings and the effects of departures from these norms. As part of this, you will reflect on your own language use in personal and professional settings and develop skills in recognising and applying strategies to improve communication.

Areas of study: Applied linguistics

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify and apply key terms and concepts used in discourse analysis;
2. discuss the linguistic features that define different types of texts and speaking contexts; and the relationship between language, power and ideology;
3. interpret probable causes of miscommunication in interactions and identify strategies for minimising or repairing these;
4. analyse various types of discourse and conduct small-scale research in the area of discourse analysis;
5. apply insights from this unit to their own professional context.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.