15-S2FA01-KPJ01 (2026/SZ) (SB)
Critical Discourse Studies (CDS) is a broad field that explores one of the most interesting and important questions in linguistics: the role of language in shaping our ideas, identities, beliefs and societies.
Why do some political narratives become popular while others don’t? What role does language play in maintaining or challenging power relations? How do media, social media platforms and public institutions shape the way we understand pressing issues? Who gets to speak and who is silenced in public discussions?
In an era of social media, AI, political polarisation and polycrisis, understanding how discourses work is more vital than ever for navigating our changing societies.
Consider the phrase ‘climate change’. What alternative terms could be used? Perhaps ‘climate breakdown’ or ‘climate crisis’? How does each phrasing impact your understanding, opinion or emotions on the topic; how might these influence the reactions of the public, politicians and companies? Who makes the decisions on what term is used?
In a classroom atmosphere of openness and curiosity, we will study the symbiotic relationship between language and society. After getting to grips with the main theories that influence CDS, we will use a range of sociolinguistic methodologies to analyse real-world examples drawn from political speeches, newspaper articles, social media, and other genres. Over the weeks, you will learn to work reflexively, and consider our roles as (often privileged) producers, consumers and researchers of discourse. This course will also help you develop skills that are highly sought after in different professions, including media and communications, public policy, civil society, research and education.
Once you begin analysing language critically you will never read a news story, listen to a politician or scroll through social media in quite the same way again.*
*Course may also include: memes, critical thinking, spiderman, decolonial theory and dinosaurs with passports.
- Teacher: Samuel Bennett
