Critical Approaches to Discourse Analysis (MT)

This course introduces students to discourse analysis with a particular focus on the (re)construction of discourse and meaning in textual data. It takes students through the different stages of conducting a discourse analysis in four practical-oriented sessions. The overall course focus is guided by a Foucauldian and Critical Discourse Analysis approach, conceptualising discourses as not only representing but actively producing the social world and examining its entanglement with power.

The first session gives an overview of theoretical underpinnings, exploring the epistemological positions that inform different strands of discourse analysis. In the second session, we delve into the practical application of discourse analysis of textual data. Topics covered include, among others, what research questions and aims are suitable for discourse analysis as well as data sampling. In the third session, we discuss how to analyse textual data based on discourse analysis using the computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software Atlas.ti. The fourth session will take a workshop format in which students apply the gained knowledge by developing their own research design based on discourse analysis.

• Postgraduate students and staff
• Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available here

Number of sessions: 4

Session 1: Theoretical foundations of discourse analysis

Session 2: Discourse analysis as a method

Session 3: Conducting discourse analysis with computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software

Session 4: Workshop – Developing a research design based on discourse analysis

• Understanding different approaches to discourse analysis and their theoretical underpinnings
• Being able to assess what research questions are suited for discourse analysis and its limitations
• Being able to develop and conduct a research project based on discourse analysis
• Learning how to use the computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software Atlas.ti for discourse analysis

Students will receive literature recommendations to read in preparation for the sessions. Students are encouraged to read these in advance but will be able to follow and participate in the course without prior preparation. A short list of additional references for further engagement with topics covered throughout the module will be provided.

This module is not assessed.

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This module runs once in Michaelmas Term and once in Lent. You only need to book on ONE of these iterations, either in Michaelmas OR in Lent.