Functional analysis of discourse
Not offered in 1995
Ms L Farrell
Clayton
The subject is concerned with language in its social context. It raises questions about the choices individuals make when they speak and write, and the social functions of these choices. The questions are addressed through close attention to discourse. The central focus of the subject will be on clause and discourse-level analysis of written and spoken texts, with the emphasis on those texts which arise in primary, post primary and adult education contexts. While the subject draws heavily on the generative work of Michael Halliday, it is also informed by other approaches to functional analysis, including those of Bakhtin, Gee, Fairclough and others. This subject is an approved optional unit for students enrolled in GradDipTESOL and MTESOL. It complements GED3816 (Studies in English literacy education: the national curriculum) and (GED3837 Adult literacy: policies, practices and theories) for those students who wish to pursue an interest in critical literacy education within their Master of Educational Studies degree.
Assessment
Written (6000 words)
Recommended texts
Fairclough N Discourse and social change Polity,
Halliday M A K An introduction to functional grammar Arnold, 1985