This course will focus on the relationship between discourse, gender, power and identity. It will examine ways in which language can be actively varied by speakers according to social contexts, to express deference, solidarity, and identity. More specifically, the course will analyse ways in which gender is communicated and marked in language. How do people express identity through language? How is powerlessness revealed in talk? Is language inherently sexist? There are a number of different approaches to the analysis of discourse, such as Discourse Analysis, Conversation Analysis, Critical Discourse Analysis, Analysis of Institutional Talk, Interactional Sociolinguistics. A major focus of the course will be to critically examine some of these different approaches to the analysis of discourse, with respect to the issues of gender, power and identity.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the expectations of the course, you should be able to- Explain, and argue for, the ways in which language expresses deference, power, solidarity and identity.
- Explain and argue for some of the different approaches to the analysis of discourse, including Discourse Analysis, Conversation Analysis, Critical Discourse Analysis, Analysis of Institutional Talk, Interactional Sociolinguistics.
- Work in a group to discuss the different ways in which language can be analysed in terms of power, solidarity, identity, gender.
- Think about, write and present an argument related to the analysis of discourse.
Other Information
This class is co-taught with graduate students LING6103.Indicative Assessment
Participation in online discussion (20%) as per the online rubric and two x 2,500 word essays (40% each). Passing of the course is conditional on students passing all assessment items.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
This course has 2 lectures per week and 6 additional tutorials held during the semester.
In addition to the required contact hours (lectures and tutorials) it is expected that students will spend an additional 5-6 hours per week on this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Thornborrow, J (2002) Power Talk. London: Pearson EducationPreliminary Reading
Students will be given a full reading list at the beginning of the semester.
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $2718 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3876 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.