Language, Influence and Persuasion

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
LING 3001
Course ID icon
Course ID
201009
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
3
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

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

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A