Functional analysis of discourse
Dr L E Farrell
12 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed an understanding of the social functions of language and have the ability to undertake functional discourse analysis by drawing on the theoretical work of select linguists from the fields of functional and critical linguistics.
Synopsis 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) and GED3837 (Literacy in adult contexts: 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): 100%
Recommended texts
Halliday M A K An introduction to functional grammar 2nd edn, Arnold, 1995
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