Course overview
This course explores the strategic use of language in both virtual and non-virtual contexts, with a focus on areas critical to individuals, communities, organisations, security services and governments. The course examines how language shapes opinion, influences behaviour, and serves as a tool for both cooperation and conflict. Learners will analyse real-world examples of language, learn about the socio-linguistic underpinnings of persuasive communication, augmenting their capabilities to identify risk and analyse the (mis)use of language to influence individuals, institutions and the broader socio-political landscapes.
Course learning outcomes
- Explicate the socio-linguistic underpinnings of persuasive communication
- Employ rigorous techniques of inquiry to analyse strategic uses of language in virtual and non-virtual environments
- Identify and communicate risks and affordances of linguistic persuasion for a diverse audiences
- Critically reflect on the ethical implications of linguistic persuasion for individuals, institutions and the broader socio-political landscapes
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.