Discourse analysis is the study of the context-specific use of language and other semiotic resources. This course introduces students to key theories and approaches to discourse analysis and explores how language is used in different contexts and text types to achieve different purposes as well as how it reflects and shapes our world. Examples will be drawn from a wide range of sources such as everyday conversations, advertisements, social media and political communication, with special reference to the Hong Kong context. Emphasis will be placed on data analysis, with the main aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to conduct critical analysis of spoken, written and multimodal discourse.
- What is discourse analysis?
- Discourse and society
- Discourse and genre
- Discourse and conversation
- Cohesion and coherence
- Spoken and written discourse
- Multimodal discourse analysis
- Critical discourse analysis
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To introduce students to key theories and methods of discourse analysis;
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To develop students’ capacity to apply the theories and methods learnt to the analysis of spoken, written and multimodal texts;
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To develop students’ capacity to identify and describe key linguistic patterns in texts;
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To develop students’ critical awareness of language use in daily life and how it reflects and is shaped by society.
The course is comprised of weekly lectures and tutorials.
Assessment is by 100% coursework, consisting of:
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Tutorials and in-class participation (15%)
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Mid-term test (25%)
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Data analysis proposal (10%)
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Final essay (50%)
There is no specific textbook for the course. Relevant readings and references will be provided in class.