Discourse Analysis: Assignment 1

Applied Linguistics March 29, 2023

 Assignment

Title: Analyzing Discourse in Media Coverage

Objective: To apply discourse analysis to media coverage of a current event or issue and explore how language shapes public perception and understanding.

Instructions:

1.      Choose a current event or issue receiving significant media coverage. This could be a political campaign, a social movement, or any other topic that interests you.

2.      Collect a range of media texts related to the event or issue. This could include news articles, opinion pieces, social media posts, or other types of media content.

3.      Conduct a preliminary analysis of the texts to identify key themes and patterns in the use of language. You may want to consider the following questions:

·         What are the main messages being conveyed in the texts?

·         What language is used to describe the event or issue?

·         Are there any common or recurring themes or ideas?

·         What perspectives or voices are represented in the texts?

4.      Apply discourse analysis to the texts to explore how language is used to construct meaning and shape public understanding of the event or issue. You may want to consider the following questions:

·         How do the texts reflect or reinforce social or political power relations?

·         How do the texts contribute to constructing social identity and understanding?

·         Are there any underlying assumptions or beliefs that are reflected in the texts?

·         How might different interpretations or understandings of the event or issue be constructed through alternative discourses?

5.      Write a reflective essay on your analysis, drawing on the concepts and theories of discourse analysis to explore the ways in which language is used in media coverage of the event or issue. In your essay, you should:

·         Summarize your analysis of the media texts.

·         Reflect on the implications of your analysis for understanding the event or issue.

·         Consider the broader implications of your analysis for understanding the role of language in shaping public perception and understanding of social and political issues.

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