Complete a research project that involves collecting and analyzing samples of political or gendered language use. Consider how discourse influences and is influenced by contemporary institutions or ideologies, and how it shapes ideologies of power, control, injustice, inequality, social change, and emancipation. In addition, create a discourse of your own that responds to the topic discussed in your chosen samples. (Note, there are two parts to this assignment.) To begin, choose a public speech, news story, or opinion article on a trending topic of interest to you. It is recommended that you spend some time reviewing the discourse sample you have chosen. Consider the theories of discourse analysis studied so far in this course and how they might be applied to the discourse to better understand the author’s intention, the work’s meaning, and possible interpretations by readers.
Analyze your chosen discourse using four concepts or theories of discourse analysis outlined in your course textbook and other required resources (i.e. use of lexical grammar, Grice’s maxims, intertextuality, etc.).
Assess how language is used persuasively, offensively, effectively, or ineffectively to convey a particular social message or agenda. Locate two other discourse samples about the same topic. These can be excerpts in the same genre, or you may draw from other genres (such as blogs, social media posts, Tweets, video clips, multi-media excerpts, etc.).
Compare the arguments and language used in the additional excerpts to your chosen text, drawing upon concepts and theories of discourse analysis outlined in the course. Assess how the three discourse samples shape and are shaped by ideologies of power, control, injustice, inequality, social change, and emancipation. Remember to incorporate three credible sources (in addition to the course textbook and the three discourse samples) into your discussion.
