gb - Englisches Seminar - Ruhr-Universität Bochum

time will therefore be devoted to the study of spoken and written language varieties,
especially in terms of their functions, strategies and styles.
Although Pragmatics is not at present a coherent field of study, several attempts
have been made to integrate diverse models and categories into a general pragmatic
theory of communication. We shall thus have to explore and assess the specifically
pragmatic contributions made by Speech Act Theory, Systemic Grammar, Discourse
Analysis, General Stylistics and Literary Pragmatics.
Students are required to give an oral presentation and pass a final exam or write a
term paper.
050 610 Bachem
Discourse Analysis: An Introduction, 4 CP
2 st. do 8.30-10 GABF 04/613 Süd
Discourse analysis is a hybrid field of linguistic enquiry, applying concepts and
models developed in various disciplines of the human and social sciences. It offers a
radical challenge to static conceptions of language (seen primarily as form rather
than function) and of text (as product rather than process). Both the production and
comprehension of (spoken and written) discourse are perceived in terms of forms of
social interaction and of meanings as step-by-step negotiations in specific contexts.
In class we shall examine a wide range of discourse types, including everyday
conversations, parliamentary debates, interviews, textbooks, news(paper) reports,
scientific articles, legal documents, (book) reviews, and various literary texts.
Depending on the kind of material to be discussed, cognitive as well as social issues
will be addressed. At the same time, a number of theoretical assumptions and
analytical tools will be put to the test in order to identify their strengths and
weaknesses.
Students are required to give an oral presentation and pass a final exam or write a
term paper.