Prospectus

nl en

Power of Words

Course
2016-2017

Tags

WP

Admissions requirements

This course does not have any participation restrictions.

Description

What is the difference between a minister saying that something is ‘possible’ or that it is ‘not impossible’? And what exactly is the rhetorical effect when someone says, ‘It’s not that I blame you for X; it’s just that…’, thereby actually blaming the addressee for ‘X’ (a figure of speech called ‘praeteritio’)? Researchers from various linguistic disciplines have found evidence that even the slightest difference in the formulation of an argument or standpoint can evoke a different effect in the reader/listener. In this course we will examine how a speaker can persuade the listener with a strategic choice of words.

Speakers can ‘construe’ or ‘frame’ the same phenomenon in different ways (is a glass half full or half empty?), and these choices have rhetorical consequences. We will investigate the power of words by studying insights from (critical) discourse analysis, stylistics and modern persuasion research, and we will apply these insights to actual texts (e.g. political speeches, newspaper articles). Next to this theoretical component, students will practice through formulating the same text in different styles and learn to reflect on their own word choice.

Learning aims:

  • Knowledge of the most important theories on strategic word choice

  • Skill of using these theories for analyzing actual texts

  • Skill of using different styles and reflecting on them

This course does not have any participation restrictions.

Course objectives

  • Knowledge of the most important theories on strategic word choice

  • Skill of using these theories for analyzing actual texts

  • Skill of using different styles and reflecting on their rhetorical consequences and persuasiveness

Timetable

Once available, timetables will be published here.

Mode of instruction

In each class we will discuss parts of books and articles. Active participation is paramount. The reading work has to be prepared by uploading weekly web postings; during class all students are expected to engage in discussions. We will apply the theoretical insights to actual texts, and students will practice different styles of writing. Each week a number of students will be asked to prepare and lead parts of the group discussions about the assigned literature.

Assessment

  • In-class participation – 10% – Ongoing Weeks 1 – 7

  • Weekly web-postings (500 words) – 25% – Ongoing Weeks 1 – 7

  • Group presentations (2 per student) – 25% – Ongoing Weeks 1 – 7

  • Final research essay (3000 words) – 40% – Week 8

Blackboard

There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.

Reading list

The literature for each class will be placed on Blackboard. Students are required to print the compulsory literature themselves, and bring to class. In the case that material cannot appear on Blackboard due to copyright restrictions, a web link will be placed. Again, students will then need to retrieve and print the compulsory literature themselves.

Registration

This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Curriculum Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.

Contact

Dr. Maarten van Leeuwen, m.van.leeuwen@hum.leidenuniv.nl

Remarks

  • Week 1: Style, construal and the inherent steering force of language use

  • Week 2: Rhetorical force of metaphor / metaphor & politics

  • Week 3: Framing in the news / Strategic use of pronouns

  • Week 4: Generating applause / Promotional language

  • Week 5: Informalization in the news / Clarity and verbal certainty

  • Week 6: Active and passive voice / Incorporating other voices

  • Week 7: Presentations by students

  • Week 8: No class (reading week)