013104 Language and Power

This subject is designed to help those with a language/literacy background to develop an understanding of the significance of a critical perspective on issues of language and power, and for those already with a strong view of the political nature of social life to develop an understanding of the significance of language and literacy. Central to the subject is an understanding of the interrelationships between power and language. No previous knowledge in the area is assumed, although the subject attempts to build on knowledge of different areas that participants bring to the subject. The focus of the subject is on broad political and theoretical issues relevant to the concepts of language, power, literacy, and pedagogy. A further aim is to introduce perspectives and techniques for developing critical literacy and discourse analysis skills, and for taking up the pedagogical challenge posed by issues of language and power.