Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit will examine a number of theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of discourse and texts in a range of sites and social contexts. We examine the way narrative texts are constructed; the resources that speakers manipulate in conversation; the features of institutional discourse across a range of settings; and how information is transformed in written texts.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, a student will be able to:

1. summarize key theoretical and methodological approaches and to discourse analysis, recognise and be able to describe the characteristics of turn taking in dialogue and the structure of narratives;
2. recognise linguistic clues and cues to the introduction of individuals, topics, and themes within texts, to their maintenance, and how some are made more salient;
3. and apply at least one methodology to a selected context.

Assessment

Written work: 95%
Class test: 5%

Chief examiner(s)

Louisa Willoughby

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Religion and theology
Linguistics

Prerequisites

A first year sequence in Linguistics

Prohibitions

LIN2570