Discourse Analysis

Key information

Overview

This course is designed to introduce you to discourse analysis starting from its philosophical underpinnings to discussing recent developments and debates. It will cover how to use discourse analysis as a qualitative method in the service of analysing qualitative data (discourse) and approaches to discuss discourse analysis as a paradigm. This also looks at the reasons for opting for discursive approaches while considering the assumptions they entail.

You will cover various approaches to discourse analysis as well as main principles and key literature, illustrate analytic tools through the use of examples, and engage in hands-on analysis. You will engage in evaluations of discourse-analytic approaches, and give you the opportunity to develop some initial practical skills in applying discourse analysis. You will develop a critical understanding of range of approaches and the confidence to select them appropriately. You will also gain a foundation to develop your skills independently in future.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Appreciate the issues related to using discourse analysis in research (C, K, P and T)
  • Critically evaluate different discourse analytic approaches and their place in contemporary social research (C and K)
  • Demonstrate a practical understanding of the application of these discourse analytic approaches (K, T and P)
  • Develop research proposals that demonstrate appropriate use of discourse analytic approaches (K, T and P)

Attributes

CodeDescription
CCognitive/analytical
KSubject knowledge
PProfessional/practical skills
TTransferable skills

Course content

  • Discourse: what is it?
  • Discourse and construction
  • Discursive turn and its main principles
  • Strands in discourse analysis
  • Analytic processes and procedures

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Practical sessions and workshops

Reading list

Wooffitt, R. (2008) Conversation Analysis and Discourse Analysis. Researching Social Life, 3rd ed. SAGE Publishing

Xenitidou, M. and Gunnarsdóttir, K. (2019) The Power of Discourse: How agency is constructed and constituted in discourse of smart technologies, systems and associated developments. Discourse & Society. 30(3), pp.287-306

Xenitidou, M. and Greco-Morasso, S. (2014) Parental discourse and identity management in the talk of indigenous and migrant speakers in Greece and the UK. Discourse & Society. 25(1), pp.100-121

Class size

Maximum of 25 people. Please note, 10 participants will be students from our MSc Social Research Methods course.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Fees and funding

Price per person:

£595

Government and commercial sector applicants

£495

Education and charitable sector applicants

£395

Students

How to apply

Applications for this course are currently closed.

Register your interest

Terms and conditions

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Further details of our terms and conditions will follow.

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the commencement of the course. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read the full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Stag Hill

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH