Oakland University

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Rhetoric, Communication and Journalism

COM 314: Discourse and Content Analysis, 4 credits
Winter 2010

Thomas A. Discenna E-mail:Discenna@oakland.edu
Office: 326 Wilson Hall Office Phone: 248.370.4128
Class Time: TR 10:00-11:47 Office Hours: TR 12:30-1:00 and by
appointment

Course Description: Analysis and comparison of spoken and written texts, with the aim
of bringing out their basic structures and differences by methods ranging from close
reading to categorization and statistics.

Text(s):

Johnstone, Barbara. Discourse Analysis, 2
nd
Ed. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2008.

Phillips, Louise & Marianne W. Jorgensen. Discourse Analysis as Theory and Method.
Thousand Oak, CA: Sage, 2002.

Other readings as assigned.

Course Requirements:
Tests (2x20%) 40% Final research essay 30%
Application/reflection journal/blog 15% Article studies 15%

Tests (2x15%): There will be a mid-term and a final in this course. Both are non-
cumulative, covering material presented from the start of the course to the mid-term
break and then from mid-term to the final exam period. Material covered includes
readings, lectures and in-class presentations. Test format will include multiple choice,
matching, definitions and essays.

Application/reflection journal/blog (20%): As we move through the semester I expect
that you will explore the ideas presented in a journal to be kept on the Moodle Blog
feature. These entries may be applications of specific concepts to newsworthy or
personal events or thoughtful reflections on the topics being presented. I believe one
entry per week of some substance (250-500 words) should suffice though you are
certainly free to exceed this limit should you feel so inclined. I would also encourage
you to read the blogs of your classmates as we may discuss the issues raised here in class.

Article studies (20%): There are number of scholarly journals devoted exclusively to the
field of discourse analysis including Discourse and Society, Critical Discourse Studies,
and Discourse and Communication. I will compile a number (to be determined by the
enrollment of this course) of articles that I regard as exemplary and assign them to
individual students. Students assigned to an article should prepare a summary (of about
one page, outline format is fine) of the article with not less than two thoughtful, open-
ended discussion questions for informal presentation to the class. One week following
this presentation the student should submit to me an analysis of the article guided by the
discussion from the previous week. This analysis should take the form of a two to three
page (double spaced) essay.

Final research essay (30%): The final research essay may be a broad theoretical essay
exploring in more detail some concept in discourse analysis or an application employing
these concepts to further understand some example of discourse. This essay should be
between twelve and fifteen pages and employ not less than eight to ten references
properly cited according to recognized standards. I am of course happy to read drafts in
preparation and we will spend some time in class discussing these projects.

Academic Conduct Policy: Cheating on examinations, plagiarism, falsifying
reports/records, and unauthorized collaboration, access, or modifying of computer
programs are considered serious breaches of academic conduct. The Oakland University
policy on academic conduct will be strictly followed with no exceptions.

Add/Drops: The University add/drop policy will be explicitly followed. It is the
students responsibility to be aware of the University deadline dates for dropping the
course.

Special Considerations: Students with disabilities who may require special
considerations should make an appointment with campus Disability Support Services.
Students should also bring their needs to the attention of the instructor as soon as
possible.

Civility Policy: I believe that classroom civility is a crucial aspect of a beneficial learning
environment. The conduct of both students and Professors should contribute to a
classroom culture that is respectful, engaged, and productive. It is the responsibility of
class members to maintain and protect the ethic of civility in the classroom, and
accordingly the following guidelines for appropriate conduct will be applied:
- Turn off cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices before class begins
- Refrain from side conversations and remarks during class
- Treat other students and your professor with courtesy and respect
- Address personal and class-related problems with your professor during office
Failure to follow these guidelines may result in corrective action by professor at their
discretion. Students who disrupt class may be asked to leave in order to provide a
positive learning environment for others.





Course Outline: (tentative)

Week #1 Introduction to the course and the study of discourse
September 1 READ: Guowei, J., Schmisseur, A. M. & Fairhurst, G. T. (2008)
Organizational discourse and communication: the progeny of
Proteus. Discourse and Communication, 2, 299-321.

Week #2 Discourse, discourse, and communication
September 6 & 8 READ: Phillips & Jorgensen chapter 1
Johnstone chapter 1

Week #3 Discourse: Laclau and Mouffe
September 13 &15 READ: Phillips & Jorgensen chapter 2
Johnstone chapter 2

Week #4 Discourse: CDA
September 20 & 22 READ: Phillips & Jorgensen chapter 3

Week #5 Discourse: discursive psychology
September 27 & 29 READ: Phillips & Jorgensen chapter 4

Week #6 Discourse: common themes
October 4 & 6 READ: Phillips & Jorgensen chapter 5

Week #7 Critical social constructionist research
October 11 & 13 READ: Phillips & Jorgensen chapter 6
Test #1 will be taken on October 13

Week #8 discourse: structure
October 18 & 20 READ: Johnstone chapter 3

Week #9 discourse: participants
October 25 & 27 READ: Johnstone chapter 4

Week #10 discourse: intertextuality
November 1 & 3 READ: Johnstone chapter 5

Week #11 discourse: medium
November 8 & 10 READ: Johnstone chapter 6

Week #12 discourse: interpretation
November 15 & 17 READ: Johnstone chapter 7

Week #13 discourse: general themes
November 23 READ: Johnstone chapter 8

Week #14 Whither discourse?
November 29 & Final research essay due (December 1)
December 1

The final exam for this course will be held on Tuesday December 6 from 8:00 11:00
during which time we will take test #2.




SPECIAL NOTE FOR COMMUNICATION MAJORS:
We strongly encourage you to be proactive about your future.
Advising: Plan to meet with Communication Advisor, Renee Ligeski, once each year. Schedule
an appointment for advising by calling 248-370-4120.
Career Services: Begin visiting the OU Career Services Office in your freshman year to make an
appointment with a Career Consultant and to start preparations for your career and future
employment search. Schedule an appointment by calling 248-370-3250. Also, check out their
website regularly:www.oakland.edu/careerservices/
Graduate Study: If you are considering graduate study, either at OU or another institution,
please make an appointment to sit down with one of our faculty to explore your options.
Facebook: We post regular updates to the OU COM Facebook page. Please join the OU Network
and then join the OU COM page.