Text, Discourse, Communication - Einzelansicht

This course serves as an introduction to the linguistic description and analysis of language on the level of discourse. While building on the knowledge acquired in the introductory module, we will move beyond the analysis of single, isolated and de-contextualised sentences. We will investigate how participants use language as a resource for communicating and interacting with each other, for structuring and unifying discourse and for displaying social identity, beliefs and opinions. Furthermore, we will discuss the role of context and co-text for (fully) understanding any (written) text or (spoken) piece of discourse.

To achieve the learning outcome (see below), students will be expected to prepare a selection of weekly readings as well as worksheets. In the sessions, we will discuss central concepts from the material, but our focus will be on applying the theory. Regular hands-on analyses of genuine (written and spoken) English data will serve as preparation for the assessment.

LEARNING OUTCOME

After attending this class, participants are expected to be able to independently analyse a piece of discourse according to the models and concepts discussed in class by

- identifying and describing its context and co-text;
- discussing the piece of discourse against the background of its manner of production and mode of representation, as well as its location on the orality-literacy scale;
- investigating language use as a resource to (re)construct speaker identities and ideologies;
- analysing the piece of discourse using the frameworks of both Speech Act Theory and Conversation Analysis;
- discussing utterances against the background of pragmatic principles;
- describing cohesive and thematic patterns underlying texture;
and
- basing their analysis on, and referencing, a solid theoretical foundation;

as well as
- presenting their findings in a suitable (oral and written) manner so that they later can access these skills, both in advanced classes concerned with the subject matter and in their working environment.

Klausur (90')