This is an advanced undergraduate-level course on the discourse of social media. Using discourse analysis and interactional sociolinguistics, this course explores a wide range of discourses in social media. We will examine language use and discursive phenomena in social media such as instant messages, LinkedIn, email, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, online discussion boards, livestreaming, personal blogging and vlogging, and HCI (Human-Computer Interaction). Reading and discussing sociolinguistic studies on digital discourse, we will deepen our understanding of theoretical and methodological issues relevant to the discourse of social media. Course content will also reflect students’ interests. Students will conduct small-scale qualitative research projects by gathering and analyzing naturally occurring discourse in one or more of social media.
Discourse Analysis, (interactional) sociolinguistics, multimodality, social media, and qualitative research methods
This course uses a lecture/discussion format
After successfully completing the course, students will be able to
- Critically examine and explain the use of language and discursive phenomena in social media.
- Better understand the ways social media affects how we use language, build relationships, and perform identities in everyday lives.
- Advance their knowledge of sociolinguistic theories and approaches in the context of digital discourse.
- Enhance their speaking and writing skills in academic contexts.
Engagement 20%
Social media use log 5%
3 field notes (10% each) 30%
Group project 45%
All required readings will be posted on Moodle.