The Language of -isms
MA: HS, MPO § 7 Abs. 2.2.3, 2.2.4, 2.2.6; LA: HS, S 1, S 2, LPO (neu) § 1, Abs. 2 h) (ECTS: 5)
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There are many forms of -ism: racism, capitalism, sexism, age-ism... recent studies emphasize the role that language plays in their construction, maintainance and transmission. In this course we will apply linguistic methods of transitivity analysis, textual structure, appraisal (interpersonal positioning), and corpus studies in order to explore how these processes work. We will be looking for common patterns in how language is used to construct the kinds of ideologies that are typically named by -isms. Work in the course will be in small groups, each of which will focus on an area of ism-ism. We will then draw the results of analysis together in an open workshop, organised by the group participants.

Course assessment will be by the contribution to, and organisation of, the workshop, followed by a written-up version of the presentation.