Course

Analysing Discourse: Theories, Methods and Techniques - CPT-56306

Organised by Wageningen School of Social Sciences (WASS)
Date

Tue 3 September 2024 until Fri 11 October 2024

Schedule

During period 1: Tuesdays and Fridays from 11.40-13.10

Registration

Registration is done via Osiris. When you have no access to Osiris, please contact wass@wur.nl to apply for or renew your student enrolment number.

Contents

This advanced course is part of the WASS graduate programme. It is aimed at PhD students and well-progressed Master students in MSc programmes such as, but not restricted to, MME, MID, MDR and MCH. It provides an overview of different theoretical approaches to discourse analysis and trains students in doing such analysis. To provide coaching in using the course for the development of a scientific article, research proposal or PhD book chapter, it is to a large extent student driven: you bring in your own case and/or topic. There is room for special group sessions for those who want to delve deeper into something particular.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

  • describe different theoretical approaches to discourse analysis;
  • evaluate the application of different discourse theories in empirical research;
  • justify methodological choices in empirical discourse analysis and explain their implications;
  • critically reflect and assess the process of data analysis and interpretation in discourse analysis.

Activities

Week 1 will give an overview of the course and of different theories and approaches to discourse analysis, and explain their grounding in interpretivism. Weeks 2-6 will provide students with an in-depth training in key techniques for the empirical analysis of discourse. A lecture by an expert is followed by an in-class discussion and introduction to the practice of discourse analysis through 'workshop talks' that include the expert. Students will analyse discourse on topics of their choice, apply various approaches and present them to each other, in small groups. They will gradually, over the weeks, compose an individual portfolio of different approaches to discourse analysis and (in week 7 and 8) reflect on the particular possibilities and limitations of each of them for obtaining an in-depth understanding of a case of their own choice.

Assumed Knowledge

At least 12 credits of communication or social theory courses at MSc level, or a completed MSc degree in a social science discipline. The course is designed for students with solid previous knowledge in social science theory and social science research methods.

Examination

The final assignment is a composite portfolio of 5 weekly submitted chapters (weeks 2 – 6) and one extra evaluating chapter (100%). Participation in group activities (n=2-4) is compulsory. The grades are valid until and including the academic year following on the year in which they were obtained.

Literature

Will be provided during the course.